• High on a Mountain – Compost Mountain Boys

    Many of today’s bluegrass bands have somewhat unusual names. Previous Bluegrass Today columns by Chris Jones have even discussed this phenomenon, suggesting that bands sometime simply open the refrigerator to find inspiration for their band name. However, other bands use

  • The HillBenders – Can You Hear Me?

    The 2009 winners of the Telluride Bluegrass Band Competition, The HillBenders have released its second full-length recording; Can You Hear Me? (Compass Records 7 4585 3). The quintet, formed in 2008 by personnel from diverse locations but now based in Springfield,

  • LocalGrass: Susan Brown & Friends

    Among the many treasures to be found in the Commonwealth of Virginia, the state’s diversity is a definite asset. To a visitor from another part of the world, one might find it difficult to believe that the heavily populated areas

  • Chronology, Volume 2 – Lonesome River Band

    Currently in their thirtieth performing year, the Lonesome River Band has maintained their own sound even while having endured many member changes. With the release of their second of three Chronology albums, which feature both new material and re-recorded standards

  • Music to My Ears From Ricky Skaggs

    Imagine the excitement of getting ready to tear open a gift from someone who always comes up with something exciting and wonderful. Then imagine the disappointment when you discover the package contains a shirt. A well-made shirt, for sure. But, in

  • The Time Jumpers

    You know how every once in a long while, you put on a brand-new record, and it ends up being a joy to listen to? Well, welcome to The Time Jumpers. They released their first studio CD on Tuesday, September

  • Outlaw Hillbilly – The Earl Brothers

    Many music fans may be familiar with the term “outlaw country,” which has been applied to musicians such as Waylon Jennings and Johnny Cash who wrote and recorded music which sounded completely different from the slick, pop-flavored country music which

  • There’s You from The Church Sisters

    Unless you're among the folks lucky enough to catch The Church Sisters live, you could be excused for not being aware of these talented teens. Sarah and Savannah Church are 16 year old twins, living in Danville, VA, and they