I do seem to get drawn to the roots and branches of bluegrass: old-time music, traditional bluegrass, new-grass, string band, Celtic, etc. This band would fit comfortably under the old-time umbrella, but carries plenty of folk, country, and Americana; aren’t … Read More
I’ve read another review that calls Hammertowne’s music “blue collar bluegrass.” If you take that to mean no-nonsense, straight up traditionally crafted bluegrass that honors the greats of bluegrass but stands on their own well-written tunes, well, you’re on the … Read More
Sam Bush has a great rant about “Bluegrass Unlimited,” and on first listen this album certainly fits into “Unlimited”! Alt-Bluegrass? Country? Folk? Rock? Yup, there’re drums. But the instruments are acoustic. The fiddle is sweet. The vocals carry more than … Read More
Raining In Baltimore is Kim Robin’s sophomore album, coming four years and many miles of touring after 40 Years Late debuted in 2013. While Raining In Baltimore is being billed as a bluegrass album it could just as easily be … Read More
If you think a band carrying the name Wilson Banjo & Co would be a hard driving, banjo based bluegrass band you’d be on the right track. Steve honed his bluegrass and luthier skills while with Gibson in Nashville, and … Read More
To be right up front this is not a bluegrass review, but I’m a firm believer that good music is good music, and great music is better! Those of us old enough, or retro enough, to journey into bluegrass accompanied … Read More
The band I Draw Slow hails from Ireland, and is fronted by brother and sister Dave (guitar+vocals) and Louise Holden (vocals), backed on fiddle by Adrian Hart, clawhammer banjo by Colin Derham, and bassist Konrad Liddy, with the Holdens picking … Read More
Northern Flyer is the self-titled debut release by a foursome of Vermont musicians, and while the band may be new the members have been around the music scene plenty long enough to establish solid credentials – band members are: Andy … Read More
For those of you familiar with Rhonda’s background of bluegrass fireworks, this album will be an eye (ear?) opening revelation, straight up classic country duets with Daryle Singletary. Now, I might not be the best reviewer for “American Grandstand” as … Read More
Two reviews, two CDs, two bands, and twice the great music! The Colton House Sessionsband is Chris Brashear (vocals, guitar), Peter McLaughlin (vocals, guitar), Todd Phillips (harmony vocals and bass), Guests: Charlie McCoy, Al Perkins, Charlie Cushman. The Piedmont Melody … Read More