Taking a similar tack to newgrass provocateurs like Steep Canyon Rangers, Infamous Stringdusters, Trampled By Turtles, Town Mountain, and various other outfits that marry instrumental acumen with their story-telling skills, Stillhouse Junkies — Alissa Wolf (vocals fiddle), Cody Tinnin (vocals,
Author: Lee Zimmerman
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Bluegrass Beyond Borders: Notabene brings the curtain down in Czech Republic
Making music behind the Iron Curtain in the mid '80s was no small feat. After all, artistic expression was severely hampered by the authorities. That was the challenge faced by the Czech bluegrass band Notabene when they began their collective
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In Dreams I Go Back – Seth Mulder & Midnight Run
Seth Mulder & Midnight Run started out in a most inauspicious manner, perfecting their chops at the Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Notably, the venue has provided a stepping stone for any number of outfits and ensembles over the
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Down Where the Grass Is Blue – Headin’ Home
There's no bond stronger than that of family, although admittedly there are times when those relationships can be strained. The ties are sometimes tenuous when discussions of politics or other polarizing issues intrude on holiday gatherings or resentment wreaks havoc
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Rudy Lyle: The Unsung Hero of the Five-String Banjo – interview with the author
Max Wareham is a man on a mission. His new book, Rudy Lyle: The Unsung Hero of the Five-String Banjo, uncovers the story of an artist with a profound influence on the ongoing trajectory of bluegrass music, and specifically the
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Bluegrass Beyond Borders: The Mary Lee Family Band, from Brazil to Berlin
It’s a big leap for any outfit to relocate from Brazil to Berlin, especially when an indelible impression has already been made in their native home. Nevertheless, when vocalist and guitarist Mary Lee, her husband — drummer, vocalist and washboard
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Gangstagrass gets in a groove at the Shed in Maryville, TN
Granted, Gangstagrass offers the unexpected. The band's highly unlikely fusion of bluegrass and rap/hip hop results in a sound that may seem entirely alien to fans of both genres. Consequently, it takes an open mind. However, once the band is
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All the Way – Alex Leach Band
It’s little wonder why the Alex Leach Band has emerged to the forefront of today’s young up-and-coming bluegrass vanguard. Their new album, All the Way, demonstrates that after only two albums, they already possess the skill and savvy needed to,
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Bunch of Grass – Bunch of Grass
Bunch of Grass may hail from Germany, but in listening to this self-titled debut it's hard to pin them to any specific locale. The fact is, they maintain all the bluegrass basics, from crisp instrumentation to the intellect and emotion
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Bluegrass Beyond Borders: The Fountaineers go international from Glasgow
The Fountaineers justifiably refer to themselves as an international outfit. While they're based in Glasgow, Scotland, only half of the band was actually born there. Banjo player Robert Hart is from North Carolina and assures us that his family and