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
Bluegrass generations seem to fly by as rapidly as grandchildren grow up. Bill Monroe was still anchoring the stage with some future of his own to go when Futureman was firing up his percussive space machine behind Bela Fleck. Gillian … Read More
Sam Bush once said that Bill Monroe was the ultimate feel player. It’s a backhanded compliment in a way, despite Bush’s clear reverence, because what he was saying was that Monroe lacked melodic precision, playing more to rhythm. He was … 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
Gayle Yeomans and I attended the wonderful house concert by Boston’s Mile Twelve at Lynn Rosen’s lovely, comfortable home in Rhinebeck Friday Sept. 8. The room was nearly full; a good, and appreciative crowd. It was Mile Twelve’s final northeastern … Read More
Listening to this CD, Colors, I envisioned myself at a country fair, being drawn to the stage where The Farm Hands was playing. If you like songs about nationalism, religion and the nostalgia for by-gone days, this is the CD for … Read More
Bobby Hicks is a living legend in bluegrass music. He’s going in the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Hall of Honor this year. His prodigious fiddling was responsible for some of the classic Bill Monroe instrumentals like “Cheyenne” and “Roanoke,” and … 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
The Bankesters are a family band, and that fact–remember Cherryholmes?–can lead to a bit of head scratching. How? How is it possible that a family can all get together, each holding up his or her instrumental end of the bargain? … Read More
Noam Pikelny is an exceptional and explorative musician known for his work with the Punch Brothers and, recently, with Stuart Duncan. That means he’s already sitting on top of the world, at least in the realm of musicians who were … Read More