Bluegrass Today Profiles

Every so often a group of musicians is assembled that presage something important, perhaps stellar careers in the making, a new sound for an established form, or even a radical restructuring of how we interpret a genre. As bluegrass lovers, we

It's hardly surprising that those who are most fervent about the basics of bluegrass should be those who reside in the closest proximity of the US, specifically our neighbors to the north in Canada. And there's no better example of

Founded in 1989, Louisa Branscomb's Georgia Woodsong Songwriter Retreat is likely the oldest continuous songwriter retreat in the genre, a distinction leading to her current nomination for IBMA Mentor of the Year. In the majestic setting of the farm's rolling

Sweden's Blue Mountain Boys describe their sound as "rooted in traditional and neo-traditional American bluegrass music with hints of old time music, western swing and early country music." Even so, they don't negate the musical influences inherent in their own

If the husband-wife duo, Nefesh Mountain, were any other group pursuing their craft, they'd simply be cited as an exceptional outfit, bearing the sole subtext that they happen to operate under the auspices of bluegrass and grassicana. Yet the fact

Better known as the land of the midnight sun than as a place where the grass grows blue, Norway has nevertheless managed to spawn a band that stays true to tradition despite the seeming disparity between Scandinavia and Appalachia. Based in

The Lady of Tradition, Lorraine Jordan, front woman and mandolinist for her band, Carolina Road, didn’t let the global pandemic stop her when venues shuttered their doors and bookings evaporated in 2021. Instead of sitting at home wondering how to

Scott Gates with Get Down Boys - photos © Robin Frenette Described as a fun-loving and remarkable musician, Scott Gates is yet another product of the California Bluegrass youth movement. He has been playing mandolin, guitar, and singing hard core bluegrass

Band names can be a funny thing. Consequently, Canada's Concession 23 naturally inspires some curiosity as to how their handle originated. Fortunately, vocalist and mandolin player, Kevin Golka, has a ready explanation. "When we formed the band, we wanted it to

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