Ron Block “Hogan’s House of Music” Self-released Ron Block’s new release, “Hogan’s House of Music” works on several levels. Block’s release is a lively and admiring tribute to traditional and bluegrass sounds that made him the player that he is today. And, the work could be included in an aural time capsule to demonstrate the […]
Category: Folk
Rod Picott: “Fortune”
Rod Picott “Fortune” Welding Records Rod Picott was born and raised in the Northeast, but these days he is all about the road. Now based in Nashville, Picott has carved up a tasty slice of Americana for himself, and his appetites display starkly on “Fortune”, his new release from Welding Records. ”Fortune” is honest, solid […]
Nu-Blu: “Vagabonds”
Nu-Blu “Vagabonds” Voxhall Records In bluegrass music these days, accomplished pickers abound. Some say, however, that the soul of bluegrass music is in vocals. Sonny Osborne, an estimable banjo player, would often say that his brother Bobby’s vocals “paid for the farm”, despite The Osborne Brothers’ success as a bluegrass band. If the late Mr. […]
Irene Kelley: “These Hills”
Irene Kelley “These Hills” Mountain Fever Records Irene Kelley has created a bluegrass record which seems just right- well-conceived, with outstanding songwriting, singing and powerful musicianship. From the trickle down banjo run which introduces “Carolina Wind” to the soulful mountain vibe which exemplifies the final cut, “Before You Call Me Home”, Kelly makes a case for […]
Mile 12: “Onwards”
Mile 12 “Onwards” Self-released To some, the term “Boston Bluegrass” may seem to be a malaprop, a suggestion that tradition must get lost on the byzantine cityscape of the Northeast city, far away from mountain hollers and high meadows. But, as Mile 12 demonstrates, Boston bluegrass music is alive and well, arguably driving modern bluegrass […]
Hardly Strictly Radio No. 216
Hardly Strictly No. 216 Thursdays 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM Bluegrass, Americana, Roots, Jamgrass, Acoustic and Small “c” country music: you name it! It’s a big tent at Hardly Strictly: Fred starts from bluegrass but doesn’t stop there. Thanks for listening to the show Lot’s of New Music. I’m With Her, The Civil Wars, The Bradford Bog […]
Joe K. Walsh: “Borderland”
Joe K. Walsh “Borderland” Mountain Home Records Mandolin may be an acquired taste for some. It’s others’ lifeblood. Joe K. Walsh is an estimable mandolinist whose musical bloodline traces back to David Grisman and Bill Monroe. Walsh’s new release, “Borderland” is a sweet and tasty, but complex collection of mandolin musicianship. Walsh has played with […]
I Draw Slow: “Turn Your Face To The Sun”
I Draw Slow “Turn Your Face To The Sun” Compass Records Rich vocals and layered harmonies exemplify the sound of the Irish-bred American roots band, I Draw Slow. The vocals of siblings Louise and Dave Holden complement their songs, all originals, on “Turn Your Face To The Sun”. Dave Holden has a powerful alto resonance, […]
Greg Blake: “Songs of Heart and Home”
Greg Blake “Songs of Heart and Home” Self-released Greg Blake is blessed with a powerful voice and a smart ear for country and bluegrass music. His latest, self-released CD is “Songs of Heart and Home”, an ambitious project in which he displays these talents to great effect. Foremost, Mr. Blake has collected a startlingly stout […]
Bela Fleck and Abigail Washburn: “Echo In The Valley”
Bela Fleck and Abigail Washburn “Echo In The Valley” Rounder Records With decades of experience between them, Bela Fleck and Abigail Washburn could be forgiven for putting together a simple collection of traditional songs for their second collaboration. But, nobody has ever accused Fleck and Washburn of standing pat, so it should not surprise that […]