Reviews

Missy Raines’ reputation as both a bassist and one of bluegrass’ most preferred partisans is well known of course, but such is her skill that her abilities as a singer and songwriter are sadly underrated. Royal Traveller offers opportunity to

Gary Brewer & The Kentucky Ramblers at 2018 Bluegrass Christmas in the Smokies - photo © Bill Warren Friday and Saturday at Bluegrass Christmas in the Smokies were filled to the brim with music. Friday kicked off with North Carolina’s Deeper

Williamson Branch at the 2018 Bluegrass Christmas in the Smokies - photo © Bill Warren Thursday at Bluegrass Christmas in the Smokies was kicked off by Jay Armsworthy and Eastern Tradition, from Maryland. They gave an appreciative audience a full measure

Bluegrass Christmas in the Smokies kicked off Wednesday evening, presented by Lorraine Jordan and Carolina Road. Lorraine’s parents are great supporters and helpers through the year and at the show. Royce handles the MC duties to keep the show rolling.

Family bands tend to have a limited run in bluegrass. It’s inevitable that the kids age, get married, have children. Life happens, as they say. In recent years, I’ve seen several of my favorites move on – Cherryholmes, the Bankesters

Sometimes a person is in the right place at the right time. This past Friday was one of those places and times. Matt Thacker & Route 23 appeared that night at the Kentuckians of Michigan in Romulus, MI. Matt is the late

Sometimes when I’m overextended, I listen to new music in the background while answering emails, preparing song licenses or making dinner. Then I circle back later and give the CD my undivided attention for a few listens before I write

Credit ought to be accorded any band that writes its own material and delivers with the kind of adroit ability demonstrated by the ensemble that bills itself as Hank, Pattie & The Current. Seemingly impervious to any preset formula, their

There’s something to be said for pure, unfettered emotion, delivered with dedication and intent but sans the affectation and pretence that often seems to plague those intently aiming for attention. Happily then, Sister Sadie makes a sound spawned from the

Formed by mandolin player, singer and frontman Frank Ray with his uncle over half a century ago, Cedar Hill has a storied history known mostly to aficionados of authentic bluegrass of the Ozark Mountain variety. That’s the place they’ve always called