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
Reviews
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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
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On A Winter’s Night – John Reischman & The Jaybirds
John Reischman & The Jaybirds are among the most unique and distinctive string bands working on the bluegrass scene today. Part of that comes the many folk and old time influences that are apparent in their music, as opposed to
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J.D. Crowe Tribute Band in KY
Although I was able to see most of the 1990s and 2000s versions of J.D. Crowe & the New South, I never got the chance to attend a performance by what many people consider the classic lineups of the New
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Blue – Mountain Faith
It's a plain fact that Gospel music has always been a part of the bluegrass tradition. From the earliest days, Bill Monroe, Flatt & Scruggs, and The Stanley Brothers incorporated spirituals and hymns into their stage and radio shows, typically
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In the Wind Somewhere – Richard Bennett
Although I’ve heard quite a few great albums this year, from both new and established artists, one of the strongest and most enjoyable is the newest release from Richard Bennett, In the Wind Somewhere. On this, his second project for
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Nashville – The Osborne Brothers
Although today, the Osborne Brothers are often recognized as symbols of traditional bluegrass, during much of their recording career, they were some of the most adventurous artists in the bluegrass world. They were using country instruments – electric bass, drums,
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Forty Years Old – The Crowe Brothers
As the title of their latest album from Mountain Fever attests, The Crowe Brothers (Josh and Wayne) have been been performing together now for more than forty years. Brother duet harmony singing never seems to go out of style, and
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Another Day From Life
When a new band finds prominence quickly, it's not uncommon to wonder how they might weather the inevitable personnel swaps that occur in bluegrass. It's especially true for a group that isn't built primarily on the strength of a single