Modern bluegrass often tows a fine line. On the one hand, there's a need to respect the musical heritage and stay true to tradition. On the other, it's essential to secure contemporary credence and find ways to bring it to
Author: Lee Zimmerman
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Spaceman’s Wonderbox – Graber Gryass
Michael Graber and the Memphis-based collective called Graber Gryass aren't your typical bluegrass band, given their seemingly off-kilter attitude and a woozy delivery that often sounds like they're on the receiving end of continuing supply of adult beverages or, perhaps,
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Bluegrass Beyond Borders: The Straps play bluegrass in Belgium
It may seem unlikely to some, but Belgium's affinity for bluegrass is hard to deny, with six-piece The Straps helping to provide a supply. "Our sound is a mix of bluegrass and old-time music sound," says singer and mandolin player Sébastien
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John Cowan joins Darin & Brooke Aldridge at Dumplin’ Valley
Darin & Brooke Aldridge with John Cowan at Dumplin' Valley (5/14/21) - photo by Alisa B. Cherry When Darin Aldridge refers to his wife Brooke as the reigning queen of bluegrass, it's clearly more than an excuse for bragging and bravado.
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Willie Marschner – Willie Marschner
Suffice it to say, Willie Marschner’s parents must be proud. His eponymous album for Patuxent Records shows that at the age of only 13, this native of Fairfax Virginia displays a combination of skill and dexterity on the fiddle that
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The Sunny Side of Life – Carolyn Eyerly
With her pleasing disposition and a consistently upbeat attitude, Carolyn Eyerly makes it clear on this, her first album released under her own aegis that its tunes remain true to the title, The Sunny Side of Life. While many of
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Bluegrass Beyond Borders: Belgium’s Borderline Breakdown Band
Belgium may be a relatively small country, especially compared to its immediate neighbors, but its enthusiasm for bluegrass still looms large. One need look no further than the Borderline Breakdown Band. The group first formed in 2014, originating with four musicians
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Bridges and Backroads – Jerry Salley
Jerry Salley's songs resonate, and well they should. A denizen of Nashville for nearly 40 years, he's had his music covered by scores of artists that inhabit the realms of country, bluegrass, and Gospel — Toby Keith, Patty Loveless, Reba
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Poa – Matt Dudman
A large part of the essence of bluegrass is enthusiasm. Without that element, even the most skillful execution is pales in comparison. So while Matt Dudman might be new to some, this California-based musician's dedication to the form is well
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Bluegrass Beyond Borders: Thumping Tommys pound out tunes in London
Leave it the Brits to put a clever spin on anything they undertake. That's especially true when it comes to their version of bluegrass. Not surprisingly then, the Thumping Tommys are no exception. The band, which consists of Alex Hunter