There’s something particularly impressive about any rookie ensemble that not only sounds fully vetted their first time out, but can also boast a sound that’s fresh and finessed all at the same time. Although New Jersey's Magnolia Street String Band traces its
Author: Lee Zimmerman
-
-
Bluegrass Beyond Borders: Caludo creates a sublime Swiss mix
If Switzerland has anything at all in common with Appalachia, it’s due to the mountains and a penchant for celebrating in upper elevations. That gave the Swiss band that calls itself Caludo cause to create a new brand of bluegrass,
-
The Bull Mountain Moonshiners’ Way – Jesse McReynolds & Friends
There’s something to be said for adhering to tradition. Yet, there’s even more to be said for those who established that bedrock template in the first place. Those pioneers who are still with us — and making music still —
-
409 – Tom Mindte, Mason Via and Ben Somerville
There’s always some degree of skepticism involved when you combine the talents of three seasoned musicians versed in different genres and spawned from different backgrounds. So credit Tom Mindte, Mason Via and Ben Somerville with finding common ground within a
-
Walls of Time – Mike Block
To refer to cello player Mike Block as simply a virtuoso would seem to sell him short. A composer, educator, vocalist, and indeed a musical pioneer, his talents can’t be contained by any single genre. His work spans any number of
-
Classy. Sassy. Bluegrassy – Williamson Branch
If the title seems a bit of an overreach, it’s only because Williamson Branch is a far more traditional combo than a name like Classy. Sassy. Bluegrassy. might seem to suggest. Despite a varied background that incorporates bluegrass, country, Gospel
-
Bluegrass Beyond Borders: Abalone finds a common connection in Czech Republic
It’s a credit to bluegrass’ international popularity, that Abalone, a band from the Czech Republic would come to embrace the style as its own. Founded in 2010 as an offshoot of a previous band, P.O. Ruby, its original three members
-
The Roses – Old Town Flood
Old Town Flood make a formidable impression with their impressive debut offering, The Roses, a set of songs that finds melody absolutely on par with musicality. That in itself says something, considering the considerable talent the band appears to have
-
This Long Stretch of Gravel – John Lowell
John Lowell’s name may not be known to most folks, but that doesn’t negate the fact that he’s a superb singer and songwriter who’s drawn the respect and admiration of his musical peers. A glance at the list of those
-
Sounds Like The South – Alan Sibley & The Magnolia Ramblers
Credit Alan Sibley & The Magnolia Ramblers for finding the ideal combination of rowdiness and reverence on their new LP, Sounds Like the South, a heartfelt set of mostly uptempo songs that allows the album title to express its own