Balsam Range is one of a select few bluegrass bands that has maintained consistency within their personnel. That, of course, changed in late 2022 with the departure of founding member, Darren Nicholson. Despite this new chapter in the group's journey,
Reviews
-
-
Woodbine Opry closes out 2023
Woodbine Opry jam on December 29, 2023 - photo © Bill Warren December of 2023 had five Fridays, so we were able to attend the Woodbine Opry in Georgia on all five. The snowbirds began filtering in on the second Friday with
-
Here We Go Again – Nothin’ Fancy
Given an impressive history that can be traced back nearly 30 years, Nothin' Fancy's considerable accomplishments certainly belie an otherwise unassuming handle. Having tallied eleven full length albums, performances at such prestigious venues as the Ryman Auditorium, Lincoln Center the
-
Songs of Steel and Wood – Steel & Wood
Based in Petoskey, Michigan, Steel & Wood rightfully describes itself as a band that specializes in heartfelt music borne from tradition, and the roots that originated in Appalachia, specifically the seminal sounds of Bill Monroe, Ralph Stanley, Jim & Jesse,
-
Nervous Energy – Andy Lowe
Since the release of his first solo effort, Motley, North Carolina banjoist Andy Lowe has performed as a member of the Deer Creek Boys and was crowned the bluegrass banjo champion at the 2022 Galax Old Time Fiddler's Convention. On his latest
-
Jimbo Whaley & Greenbrier – Grandpa’s Pocket Knife
Given the down home implications inherent in the title, it's hardly surprising to find singer and songwriter Jimbo Whaley, a native of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, making music that is inherent in the Appalachian culture connected to his birthright. After all,
-
2023 Station Inn Homeless Benefit
This report is a contribution from bluegrass singer and songwriter Dawn Kenney. She also shared a number of photos from the show. Some of the best in bluegrass could be found Wednesday night at The Station Inn for the 20th Annual
-
Kathmandu Bluegrass Festival debuts in Nepal
Participants in Nepal's first bluegrass festival - photo © Eliott Siff On December 9, Nepal saw the first Kathmandu Bluegrass Festival with multiple bands, a packed house, and a big All Star finale, with bluegrass pickers from Nepal, the USA, and
-
Making The Connection – Roxboro Connection
Throughout its history, bluegrass music has spawned several bands consisting of seasoned musicians that apprenticed with some of the genre's greatest talent. One of the latest is Roxboro Connection. Made up of veteran sidemen - Ricky Stroud on mandolin, David
-
IBMA benefit concert comes full Circle
IBMA benefit concert at the Station Inn (12/11/23) - photo by David Morris More than 50 years after he helped create the legendary Will The Circle Be Unbroken album with his colleagues in the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and an all-star