Ireland’s exceptional We Banjo 3 have carved out a unique niche for themselves, courtesy of the fusion of styles they fondly refer to as “Celtgrass,” an astute combination of bluegrass, Celtic music, folk sounds, and both new and old world
Author: Lee Zimmerman
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The Butcher Shoppe – Della Mae
It would be understandable if the uninitiated mistakenly mistook Della Mae for a sister ensemble. Their close-knit harmonies and astute arrangements have a cohesion and confidence that ensures a compact fit and an air of authenticity that recalls an old
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Leylines – Rising Appalachia
Don’t be misled. Their name may conjure up images of a certain homespun sensibility, but in fact, Rising Appalachia creates a sound with a far more worldly view. Sisters Leah and Chloe Smith, the core of the outfit, are experienced
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Bluegrass Beyond Borders: Dunderhead shares some Swedish savvy
For the past eight years, the quintet that go by the odd name Dunderhead have been sharing their innate love of bluegrass in their native Sweden, making their music in the streets of their hometown, and as far afield as
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Tim O’Brien Band – Tim O’Brien Band
Tim O’Brien can afford to show some modicum of modesty. After all, when one has gained the reverence and respect he’s obtained over the years, there’s no reason to tout his talent by any other means that simply making music
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Songs From Lyon County – Dennis K. Duff
Dennis K. Duff brings with him a wealth of tradition, much of it borne from his family’s own backstory revolving around their early settlement of Lyon County Kentucky. That of course adds authenticity, but equally importantly, it adds a genuine sense
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On Time – Colebrook Road
It could be considered a credit to a band’s songwriting prowess when an album dominated by original material also includes a well known cover, but it’s not necessarily distinct from any of their other offerings. One can give a nod
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Back To Bluegrass – Francois Vola
A return to the music one chose to make early on can be like a return journey home. Not surprisingly then, guitarist Francois Vola can relate to that same scenario. His descriptively titled album, Back to Bluegrass, offers the French-born
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Bluegrass Beyond Borders: Strengeplukk find their niche in Norway
The name Strengeplukk doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue. However the same can’t be said for the music Strengeplukk’s been plying in their native Norway since 2015. Founded by Jakob Folke Ossum (guitar), Nikolai Storevik (fiddle), and Andreas B. Onarheim
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Footprints In A Song – Circa Blue
With their fine fifth album, West Virginia’s Circa Blue demonstrate once again why they’ve increasingly become the bluegrass band to watch over the course of the past several years. Adept in their arrangements and assured in their intents, the band