The new darlings of the Americana world, the Kansas City, Mo.-based acoustic guitar duo of Madisen Ward and his mother, Ruth, are worthy of all the attention surrounding them. The younger Ward’s voice has an unvarnished church-revival quality that gives simple songs like “Live By Water” a cheerful and robust authenticity. His voice jumps and leaps across the soundstage on songs like the exuberant “Silent Movies,” an infectious toe-tapping, booty-shaking sing-along. Mama Bear, with her strong-but-subtle presence, beautifully supports contemplative tunes like “Modern Day Mystery” and adds a congenial texture to light-hearted songs like “Whole Lotta Problems.” When she takes center stage at the beginning of “Fight On,” there’s nothing one can do but listen intently; it’s as stunning a song as has been recorded this year. This is an amazing record from a true American music treasure.