In today’s music world there’s a whole lot more to starting a band than merely getting together with four to five guys, hacking out some tunes, booking, and playing shows. Each band must strive to create their own sound, generate
Author: John Curtis Goad
Stay Tuned – Brand New Strings
With a recent party at Margaritaville in Nashville, TN, Brand New Strings released their latest project on Rural Rhythm Records. Their sophomore release, appropriately titled Stay Tuned, features more great material from band members Mike Ramsey, Stuart Wyrick, Randall Massengill, Preston Schmidt, and
Southern Roots and Branches – Marty Raybon
Marty Raybon is perhaps best known as the lead singer of popular 90’s country band Shenandoah, which had number one hits with such songs as Sunday in the South and Two Dozen Roses. However, he has also released several projects
Carrie Hassler – The Distance
Carrie Hassler has been working hard since her last release (2008’s CHHR2), and her efforts shine on her most recent project for Rural Rhythm Records, the solo album The Distance. The album debuted at number 10 on Billboard’s Bluegrass chart,
Life Goes On from MACC
For the past 25 years, Darrel and Phyllis Adkins of Adkins Productions have hosted the Bluegrass Classic music festival in Columbus, Ohio. After their daughter, Mandy, passed away from an inoperable brain tumor in 2000, they joined with numerous bluegrass
Road to Noyo – Isaac Cantor
Isaac Cantor did not grow up playing bluegrass music like many prominent musicians within the genre, but once he picked up the banjo at age 17, he was hooked. Soon he became consumed with learning everything there was to know
Volunteer State to ETSU
While East Tennessee State University remains the only college to offer a four year degree in Bluegrass, Old Time, and Country Music Studies, another college in Tennessee has recently added a two-year associate’s degree program in bluegrass music. Volunteer State
Callin’ Me Back Home – Lou Reid & Carolina
From performing alongside the likes of Doyle Lawson, Ricky Skaggs and Vern Gosdin, Lou Reid has shared the stage with some of the best in bluegrass and country music. Today, in addition to being a member of the Seldom Scene,
Better Man – Merl Johnson
Thanks to Tom Mindte and his Rockville, Maryland company Patuxent Music, which boasts releases from artists like Travers Chandler & Avery County, Jessie Baker, and Ethan Hughes, the bluegrass world has been receiving some pretty cool music as of late.
Slidetown Reunion – Curt Baker
Most people think of the typical bluegrass band as consisting of five instruments: banjo, mandolin, fiddle, guitar, and bass. However, many of the best bluegrass groups wouldn’t have been complete without the rich sound of the resophonic guitar. The world










