It's interesting how bluegrass music often becomes a destination rather than a point of origin. Interesting, but hardly surprising, given the fact that its populist precepts find common ground with so many bands that were weaned on the likes of
Grassicana
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Lines in the Levee – Town Mountain
Widely — and wisely — considered one of the current mainstays of the so-called newgrass movement, Town Mountain take a decided step back in time with their new release on New West Records, Lines in the Levee. That’s not to
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Bluegrass Beyond Borders: Canadian duo Mama’s Broke mixes it up
Mama's Broke is a duo from Canada's Maritimes that's comprised of two devoted road warriors, Lisa Maria (vocals, fiddle, mandolin, banjo, guitar) and Amy Lou Keeler (vocals, guitar, banjo, fiddlesticks). Their sound is borne from a traditional template that encompasses
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Better Late Than Never – Never Come Down
Based in Portland, Oregon, Never Come Down are an astute outfit that weave a multi-textured dimension to their grassicana motif. There's a great deal of depth to their approach, one that finds them blending the nominal instrumental elements of traditional
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Damn The Banjos – new band project from Tim Carter
Nashville banjoist Tim Carter has announced a new project, with a new band, called Damn The Banjos. It's not really a bluegrass sound, but it is banjo centered. A new album is nearly finished, Full Speed Ahead, including material written within
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Pressing Onward – The Barefoot Movement
Coming on the heels of last year's excellent Rise & Fly, The Barefoot Movement's aptly titled Pressing Onward sums up the dynamic and drive consistently demonstrated by this effusive young combo who merge bluegrass and old time music with contemporary
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Newgrass Suite – Jonah Bobo
It’s not uncommon for music to be grouped into categories. Even within bluegrass and other genres of acoustic music, there tend to be multiple sub categories for different approaches such as progressive bluegrass, alternative country, and as of late, grassicana.
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She Don’t Never Fret – Charlene and the Bluegrass Charlatans
Jamie Hoover isn't usually a name associated with bluegrass. For most of his career, he's been somewhat akin to a power pop provocateur, having worked with Don Dixon, Marti Jones, the Spongetones, the Smithereens, Graham Parker, and other artists committed
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Steel Wheels live at WDVX in Knoxville
The Steel Wheels on Blue Plate Special at WDVX - photo by Alissa B. Cherry There are certain bands that remain personal favorites over the course of their careers, demanding instant attention while also commanding an immediate spotlight with each successive
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Emmylou Harris at Meijer Garden in Michigan
Emmylou Harris at Meijer Garden in Grand Rapids, MI (August 8, 2021) - photo © Bryan Bolea The heat and humidity did not stop a capacity crowd from lining up, hours before the gates opened, in hopes of snagging prime real estate on