The debut album from the Po’ Ramblin’ Boys, Back to the Mountains, is music for people like my dad. Old school bluegrass fans, who grew up on Flatt & Scruggs and the Stanleys, who believe that Bill Monroe set the
Reviews
-
-
Audience wins at 2016 Mid-Atlantic Bluegrass Band Contest
Colebrook Road from Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, took top prize at Sunday’s D.C. Bluegrass Union’s Mid-Atlantic Bluegrass Band Contest: a fantastic event held at the Strathmore’s Amp just outside of the District of Columbia. Colebrook Road won over the judges and the
-
Once Upon A Time – Circa Blue
Once Upon A Time, the latest release from West Virginia's Circa Blue on Orange Blossom Records, is without question their most ambitious and artistically successful recording to date. And it's a testament to the dedication and perseverance of Steve Harris,
-
Tony Trischka and “The Green Flash Banjo” Illuminate Hilo, Hawaii
This review of a recent Tony Trischka concert is a contribution from Jack Tottle. When Tony Trischka steps into the spotlight at the East Hawaii Cultural Center in Hilo, Hawaii, the first thing that grabs the audience is his banjo. The entire length
-
Bridging The Tradition – Lonesome River Band
How do keep a band sounding fresh after nearly 35 years as a bluegrass institution? Strong new material certainly helps, as does bringing in some youth from time to time. That seems to be the formula Lonesome River Band is following, based
-
Familiar with the Ground – The Boxcars
A new release from The Boxcars is, for many bluegrass fans, a time to celebrate. The group is one of the most talented collections of artists currently on the bluegrass circuit, and they generally release extremely tasteful albums with well-rounded
-
Cold rain comes to Lake Havasu
This report on the 14th annual Bluegrass On The Beach festival in Lake Havasu, AZ is a contribution from David VanGelder. While the blizzards and cold from back East may have risen to more spring-like temperatures, there was still no comparison to
-
Williamson Family Band Branchin’ Out
One of the fun parts of writing for Bluegrass Today is watching young artists mature, as individuals and musicians, and watching some family bands graduate from the cute stage to genuine top-tier acts. I’ve watched it happen with The Bankesters, Flatt
-
Matt Leadbetter – Like father, like son
There's an old saying in the southern US, that goes, "If you're half the man your father was, you'll be OK." It is meant to serve as a testament to a great man, and both a challenge and encouragement to
-
Frank Solivan Cooks Up a Good One
Frank Solivan just keeps getting better, as a songwriter, arranger, singer and, not the least, instrumentalist. Recent years have seen a string of solid recordings, IBMA nominations and awards, and growing recognition for Solivan and his band. His newest recording is,