Buddy Merriam has been recognized for decades as among the most authentic practitioners of the mandolin style pioneered by Bill Monroe in the 1940s. For 34 years now Buddy has traveled with his band, Back Roads, across his native New England, along
Reviews
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Wood, Wire & Words – Norman Blake
Norman Blake is the Zelig of roots music, popping up at key moments over the decades, just like the title character in the Woody Allen film. He played guitar on pivotal recordings by Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan, teamed up with
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Man Of Constant Sorrow – Ralph Stanley & Friends
For much of the past decade, rumors of the retirement of the great Ralph Stanley have been rampant - some of them coming directly from his organization. But despite the rumors, and the challenges of recording and touring into his
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The Condition of Your Heart – Thomas Family Band
The family band is experiencing a renewal in bluegrass music, with talented kids and their supportive parents popping up everywhere these days. While family bands are a great vehicle to launch careers of young instrumental prodigies, it’s also nice to
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I Wanna Sugar Baby – The Moore Brothers
Everywhere you look these days, there’s a talented group of kids popping up in bluegrass music. They pick, they sing, and they’re all over YouTube. Some are more traditional, some are fabulous at the contemporary grass sound, and many mesh
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Hillbilly Gypsies Sing of Home in West Virginia
If you ever get the chance, see the Hillbilly Gypsies live. You’ll want to hear them, too, of course, but you’ll be in for a real treat when you watch them. They are masters of the single microphone style, with
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Laurie Lewis and Kathy Kallick Sing the Songs of Vern & Ray
Hard-core bluegrass duo Vern Williams and Ray Park, from Arkansas, were a tremendous influence on bluegrass music in California. Ever since meeting in 1959 they brought the sounds of the Ozarks to the west coast playing concert and dance halls, radio
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Richie and Rosie Bring Down the House
There is nothing like a house concert. Be warmly greeted by excited hosts, nab some cheese and crackers, grab a seat (heck, the staircase can be prime real estate) and settle in for a casual, intimate musical retreat. On December 6th in
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Going My Way – Johnny Williams
When the top traditional bluegrass singers are named, you expect to hear Larry Sparks mentioned, and James King. Perhaps Danny Paisley as well, and Junior Sisk. But a name you don't hear often enough is Johnny Williams, who can throw
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Bourbon Barrel Congress
On their website. Staunton, Virginia-based band Bourbon Barrel Congress describes their sound as one that “blurs the lines between bluegrass, old-time, folk and country music.” It’s a good description, at least of their debut, self-titled album, which bounces from old-time