Reviews

There’s a lot to be said for a band that mines the buoyant sounds of vintage bluegrass while also paying heed to music and melodies that quickly connect, and leave the listener swooning and swaying with joy and jubilation. Those

Stephen Mougin is often so associated with the behind-the-scenes side of bluegrass music that it’s easy to forget he’s a strong musician and vocalist in his own right. The brains behind Dark Shadow Recording and an award-winning mentor for up-and-coming

Carl Ray’s latest album opens with a sweet introduction from his mother helping to establish his country cred. As Ray’s mother puts it, he comes from a long line of men who loved to wear cowboy hats, so she could

Like other younger contemporary ensembles, The Wildmans tend to freely explore their music with a flexibility and finesse that pays little heed to preset boundaries or any textbook trappings. Although they certainly bear the proper credentials — an Appalachian birthright,

The name Ronnie Bowman needs little introduction in bluegrass circles. From his work with the Lost and Found, to his role as part of a quintessential version of the Lonesome River Band, to more recent solo work and recordings with

Buddy Jewell first made a name for himself on the national level as the winner of the first season of Nashville Star, an American Idol-style talent contest that focused on country music in the early 2000s. Following his win, he

It ought to go without saying that the best bluegrass shares no pretensions. For all the skill and aptitude reflected by the players and performances, it’s honesty and humility that ultimately shines through.  That’s certainly been the case when it comes

Nate Lee is a bit of a jack-of-all-trades in the bluegrass world. He’s probably known best for his mandolin work, currently with the Becky Buller Band, and is one of those musicians that can show up and jump in on

Although its title suggests the possibility of some sort of subterfuge, Inside the Lines, the latest album from North Carolina’s Nick Chandler & Delivered, is as revealing and straight-forward as they come. Named an IBMA Official Ramble Showcase Artist in

Since the late 1980s, The Cockman Family have been bluegrass Gospel favorites for audiences in and around North Carolina. A true family band consisting of four brothers, a sister, and their father, they’ve racked up accolades in musical and traditional