• Brightest of Days – Sicard Hollow

    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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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