Kentucky Shine's name might seem to sum up all that needs to be said about the group's musical mantra, but at the same time, those who assume the handle says it all are shortchanging this varied and versatile combo. While
Reviews
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Railroad Town – Jr Williams
One of my hands-down favorite songs from the past year was Jr Williams’s Railroad Town Without a Train, the poignant story of the closing of the Clinchfield railyards in Erwin, TN. Written by Tim Stafford and Thomm Jutz, the song
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Radio John: Songs of John Hartford – Sam Bush
It’s rare to find any artist so determined to pay homage to another that they devote an entire album to the songs of that particular predecessor. Pop music artists Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, and Leonard Cohen have received that steady
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The Road Not Taken – Darren Beachley
Darren Beachley is a recognizable force in bluegrass music. Known for his years as a member of Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, as well as his leadership of the all star band, Darren Beachley & The Legends of the Potomac, The Road
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Stories – The Local Boys
The Local Boys create a sound infused with confidence and credibility. It’s no surprise really, especially when one considers that they've been practicing their craft for over two decades. The band —John Aaron (guitar/vocal), Steven Davidson (mandolin/vocals), Tommy Ray (banjo/vocals),
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Very Merry Christmas – Williamson Branch
As the snow flies outside my studio window, and the pressures of unfinished tasks threaten to bring out the grinchiest of my Grinch-like qualities, I'm sitting here wearing a huge who-cares smile. Reality can wait until next week, maybe even
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Backs to My Roots – Sequoia Rose
Sequoia Rose is known to the bluegrass community as an award-winning mandolinist and a former member of The James King Band. His latest release, Back To My Roots, is a blend between traditional sounds and more progressive musical ideas. The bulk of the
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Ain’t Hungover Yet – Grain Thief
Grain Thief has always had an interest in probing the real roots of traditional music, from the sounds of a string band to the further essence of Americana. With their new live offering, Ain't Hungover Yet, they combine their respect
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Stumblin’ Out The Gate – Dunlap & Mabe
Jack Dunlap and Robert Mabe have been performing together for the last three years. In 2020, they officially formed a partnership centered around their original material. Their debut album, Stumblin Out The Gate, is a reflection of the duo's newgrass inflected stylings. The
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Enjoy the Ride – Vince Herman
When a musician is at the helm of a successful band for a lengthy period of time — in this particular case, over 30 years — it's easy to get the impression that their creative juices and individual desires are