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
Author: Lee Zimmerman
-
-
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
-
We’re All Crazy – Dave Adkins
While veteran singer, songwriter and guitarist Dave Adkins might insist that we're all crazy, as the title of his excellent new album for Mountain Fever Records suggests, he ought to give himself a personal pass so he's not included in
-
Morning Walk – Dave Berry & Friends
An esteemed contributor to Bluegrass Today, Dave Berry doesn't simply talk the talk. The sounds this San Francisco-based scribe makes with a group of friends and fellow travelers, as represented on his excellent new album, Morning Walk, reflects his reverence
-
Nora Brown – digging at her young roots with finesse
At age seventeen, Nora Brown merges her youthful enthusiasm with age-old reverence. Her tastes veer towards music of Appalachian origin, best expressed through her banjo virtuosity and appreciation for music of traditional origins. That's apparent on her upcoming third album, Long
-
Bluegrass Beyond Borders: Just As Blue puts a Swedish spin on their grass
Sweden is a nation known for its scenic wonders, its remarkable history, and the charm of its people. Bluegrass, on the other hand, isn’t the kind of music one might always expect to hear in those particular realms of Scandinavia.
-
Open the Road – We Banjo 3
Comprised of two sets of brothers — Enda and Fergal Scahill (on banjo and vocals, and vocals, viola, fiddle, guitar, bodhran, percussion, and Wurlitzer piano, respectively) and Martin Howley (vocals, mandolin, banjo) and David Howley (vocals, fiddle, guitars, banjo, clawhammer
-
Odes/Codes – Max Allard
A first year composition student at Oberlin Conservatory, Max Allard takes an adventurous and — at times — a seemingly unorthodox approach to banjo. With his daring debut album, Odes/Codes, he applies lessons learned from such prestigious and prodigious mentors
-
Acoustic Lullaby – Tony Wray with Tim Crouch
As first reported in this publication in March, 2021, Acoustic Lullaby was the brainchild of acclaimed bluegrass banjo player and guitarist Tony Wray, Pinecastle Records owner Lonnie Lassiter, and the company's CEO, Ethan Burkhardt. Lassiter and Burkhardt were new fathers
-
Big Spring – Kevin Buckley
A Midwesterner who's well adept at fiddle and old time music spawned from the Ozark Mountains in particular, Kevin Buckley shares a solo debut that reflects both his verve and versatility. He personally describes Big Spring as a celebration of