You have to admire a band like Serene Green. They find contentment in extolling the virtues of traditional bluegrass, paying no heed to whether or not they actually adhere to modern mores. The Pennsylvania-based quartet, consisting of Quentin Fisher (mandolin),
Lil Smokies in Breckenridge, CO (12/19/19) - photo by Scott Seifert With their new album, Tornillo, it appears that the Lil Smokies have made a quantum leap forward in terms of their musical maturity, and the ability to turn their lively
There’s something to be said for the ability to recognize a great song. However it’s equally important to know how that particular tune can be adapted and reconfigured to fit one’s own individual template. After all, the challenge comes with
Their handle may imply that they harbor some sort of over-the-top intent, but, in fact, The High & Wides stay the course throughout their new, oddly named offering Seven True Stories. We say “oddly” because, in fact, there are eleven
Given their auspicious handle, and their individual loyalty to the high lonesome sounds each member learned so early on, the South Carolina Broadcasters stand on firm footing when it comes to a commitment to the cause. On their new album,
Andy Statman never intended to be limited to a single genre. Over the years, he’s shown his proficiency on a number of instruments — from klezmer clarinet to bluegrass mandolin — without missing a beat in-between. A Grammy nominee as
Reared in the traditions of Bill Monroe and Flatt and Scruggs, the Mosley Brothers gained a firm basis in bluegrass basics early on. These days, the band that bears their name continues to foster an appreciation for those origins while
The Japanese have always been fascinated by western culture, whether it’s American films, clothing or, of course, music. Masuo Sasabe, singer and guitarist for the Japanese bluegrass band, The Blueside of Lonesome, can attest to that. A frequent visitor to
First… a bit of background… According to his website, Jason Barie grew up in Florida, picked up his first fiddle at the age of 10, took classical music lessons beginning in the fifth grade, learned to play bluegrass at a local music
After eight albums over the span of a dozen years, one can’t help but get the impression that the title of Volume Five’s new offering, For Those Who Care To Listen, bears a bit of irony. In a sense it’s
