Since Neil V. Rosenberg’s book Bluegrass: A History, we have seen relatively few attempts to bring a fresh and up-to-date reading about the musical genre. The approach with Craig Harris’ new book, based on a wide range of personal … Read More
Charming. Deeply charming. That is the essence of this full-length debut by Bill and the Belles, Dream Songs, Etc. Here is a disarming sweetness, a wistful recollection of a by-gone era, a sound that goes back to the earliest days … Read More
5 Speed I always hope to return from the summer bluegrass fests with one great new find; and this year I hit upon Cane Mill Road at the GreyFox Bluegrass Festival in the Catskills. Apparently I’m not the first to … Read More
As a long-time fan of Mac Wiseman (born Malcolm B. Wiseman, May 23, 1925 ), I looked forward (cautiously) to reviewing this CD, an album of 15 covers of Wiseman tunes, including a number of my favorites. For those who … Read More
Balsam Range’s new album, Mountain Overture, recorded with the Atlanta Pops Orchestra Ensemble, only contains previously released tracks. Since it is a compilation of the group’s most popular songs from their previous six album releases, one may be tempted to … Read More
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
Peter Rowan’s new CD, Carter Stanley’s Eyes, his first release on Rebel Records, should be in everyone’s music collection. This is really good stuff. For any album to succeed, a number of things have to come together all at once: … Read More
Some songs, like Tom T. Hall’s “I Love,” unintentionally straddle the line between sincerity and satire. Some people maybe find the song to be a simple presentation of a complex idea. Others, Bob Dylan among them, think of it derisively … Read More
If the sound of the mandolin catches your ear and you think you’d like to learn how to play then ‘Easy 2-Chord Songs for Mandolin’ by Wayne Erbsen from Native Ground Books & Music in Asheville, NC serves as an … Read More