Author: Lee Zimmerman

Bluegrass 45 Reunion at the 2017 IBMA Wide Open Bluegrass festival - photo by Frank Baker It’s a well established fact that the Japanese have long been avowed fans of American music. Akira Otsuka can attest to that firsthand. Born in

Thomm Jutz may have taken an unlikely tack in his career, but it’s one that benefitted both him and his muse in any number of ways. Born in Germany, but a staunch devotee of Americana music, he built a career —

Any attempt to tally the number of awards and accolades Balsam Range has accumulated since the band’s formation in 2007 is no easy task. Given their multiple citations by the IBMA both individually and collectively (a total of 13 awards

When you’ve soared to a high peak, topping that triumph can be a challenge in itself. In the case of the Hillbenders, a band that turned both rock and bluegrass on their respective ears with an otherwise unimaginable take on

They have a funny name, this band from New Zealand that call themselves the Pipis Pickers. Nevertheless, they have a serious dedication to their craft, not only as far as their penchant for bluegrass is concerned, but also for furthering

Missy Raines’ reputation as both a bassist and one of bluegrass’ most preferred partisans is well known of course, but such is her skill that her abilities as a singer and songwriter are sadly underrated. Royal Traveller offers opportunity to

Pete Seeger once said of his friend John McCutcheon, “John is not only one of the best musicians in the USA, but also a great singer, songwriter, and song leader. And not just incidentally, he is committed to helping hard-working

Credit ought to be accorded any band that writes its own material and delivers with the kind of adroit ability demonstrated by the ensemble that bills itself as Hank, Pattie & The Current. Seemingly impervious to any preset formula, their

You can tell that Bluedust is committed to their cause simply based on their handle alone. As Josh Villa, the band’s singer and mandolin player expalins, they chose it for a specific purpose.  “We are called Bluedust,” Villa says. “Blue like

There’s something to be said for pure, unfettered emotion, delivered with dedication and intent but sans the affectation and pretence that often seems to plague those intently aiming for attention. Happily then, Sister Sadie makes a sound spawned from the