Reviews

Congratulations to Norman Adams for presenting the 43rd annual Jekyll Island New Year’s Festival. The first day started off with a past IBMA Male Vocalist of the year, and ended with a past IBMA Entertainer of the year, with a whole lot

It’s time for one of my favorite things – listening back through all the terrific bluegrass music that was made in 2018 and picking my 12 favorites. It’s also one of the most difficult things I do. Narrowing the list to

It must be a challenge at times to be a traditionalist these days, what with so many young bands determined to bend the boundaries and dabble in different genres these days. So credit Mickey Galyean and Cullen’s Bridge for playing

Thomm Jutz may have taken an unlikely tack in his career, but it’s one that benefitted both him and his muse in any number of ways. Born in Germany, but a staunch devotee of Americana music, he built a career —

When you’ve soared to a high peak, topping that triumph can be a challenge in itself. In the case of the Hillbenders, a band that turned both rock and bluegrass on their respective ears with an otherwise unimaginable take on

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