Claire really knows how to pack a CD with easy-on-the-ear songs. In addition, some of the best stuff is the intros to these songs. Claire’s band of Jason Thomas on mandolin and fiddle, Jim Hurst on guitar and banjo, and … Read More
I enjoyed listening to this CD “Don’t Turn Back”, by Dale Ann Bradley. What struck me first is the quality of the arrangements. The mix of rhythm, placement of solos, and modulation of intensity join to evoke an emotional undercurrent … Read More
by Enrico Scull What a great record. Peterson has that voice that sets a mood for the pure country music of the golden era that we all love. He covers some defining must-haves that anyone looking for a richer repertoire … Read More
If you want to start with a “best of “ Claire Lynch this is the perfect CD. Claire picked these songs based on fan and personal favorites. Her lilting, easygoing, right-on-the-money vocals are her trademark. Her fluid notes flow effortlessly … Read More
by Pat Dinges I was disappointed on the first listen. I was expecting a CD packed with instrumentals with the mandolin front and center. After all, Sierra Hull is a gifted mandolin player, right? When I listened to Sierra Hull’s … Read More
Many years ago, this reviewer hosted a weekly bluegrass radio show on WHPK, at the University of Chicago. Through the radio show and the U of C Folk Festival, I had the chance to meet local and national bluegrass acts, … Read More
by Kim McMann Thankful, Larry Stephenson’s fourth gospel release, is a joyful celebration of Christian faith and bluegrass. Easy to listen to, without many surprises, the CD is worthy of a listen due to the smooth vocals and interesting collection … Read More
For those of you who (like me) have assumed that Steve Martin’s banjo was primarily a prop for his stand-up routines (along with the fake arrow-through-the-head), this CD will be an eye-opener. It turns out that the instrument has been … Read More
Rhonda and the Rage have been around for a long time. Even that great bluegrass newspaper The Wall Street Journal referred to Rhonda as “the new queen of bluegrass.” Rhonda is certainly one of the royal figures of bluegrass. She … Read More
If there was a “truth in labeling” law for bluegrass albums, the latest Bobby Osborne release would be in perfect compliance: it is, in fact, bluegrass, but goes beyond the classic forms of traditional bluegrass, both for the source of … Read More