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 […]
Category: Reviews
Ned Luberecki: “Take Five”
Ned Luberecki “Take Five” CLM Records An interesting question was posed online recently. It went like this: ‘What is the one phrase that means nothing to the outside world, but everybody in your field will know exactly what it means?” In bluegrass, one immediately comes to mind: “The way Earl did it.” Nothing more need […]
Low Lily: “Low Lily” EP
Low Lily “Low Lily” EP Low Lily Records Low Lily’s debut EP features calming, rolling fiddle melodies, crisp vocals and a light touch. Low Lily is a vocal and string trio with serious chops. Although there’s nothing fancy about these selections, the spare arrangements serve to underscore the musicianship. Low Lily’s members are securely part […]
The Lonesome Band: “Running Alone ”
It’s a little bit country, not very much bluegrass, a fair amount of thrash
Lindsay Lou and The Flatbellys: “Ionia”
Lindsay Lou and The Flatbellys “Ionia” Earthwork Music Lindsay Lou and The Flatbellys lie in wait, in the amorphous, ill-defined genre of “Americana” or “Roots” music, ready to win you over. This four-piece band, most of who are originally from Michigan, plays spare arrangements within a bluegrass structure. The listener may be forgiven for thinking […]
Larry Stephenson Band: “Pull Your Savior In”
Larry Stephenson Band “Pull Your Savior In” Whisper Dream Gospel music is not for everyone. Nor, let’s face it, is bluegrass music. So, a bluegrass gospel album is slicing things rather thin. Yet bluegrass has a long tradition of incorporating and embracing its gospel side, starting with Bill Monroe himself. You can’t avoid it, nor […]
John Reischman and The Jaybirds: “On That Other Green Shore”
John Reischman and The Jaybirds “On That Other Green Shore” Corvus Records John Reischman has been a leading bluegrass mandolinist for decades. He spends most of his time in the Pacific Northwest these days and continues to make sweet bluegrass music with his band, The Jaybirds. “On That Other Green Shore” has just the right […]
Jenna Moynihan: “Woven”
Jenna Moynihan “Woven” CD Baby Records Is it fiddle or violin? Depends on the genre. Jenna Moynihan is a young musician who plays with technical proficiency and real power. It matters not whether it’s a violin or fiddle. Moynihan’s new release, “Woven” draws from the Scottish fiddle tradition with great success. She tackles reels, airs […]
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 […]
James Leva: “All Over The World”
James Leva “All Over The World” Patuxent Music James Leva practices traditional music with commitment. His new Patuxent Records release “All Over The World” demonstrates this through its 17-track journey. Leva , an accomplished multi-instrumentalist, pursues his passion in Appalachian Virginia, and has, here, collaborated with his daughter, Vivian Leva, on several vocal tracks. (Nora Jane […]