I have had to think long and hard about what to say about the recent Bill Clifton biography, America's Bluegrass Ambassador to the World, by Bill C Malone. In many respects it is a perfectly acceptable biography, scholarly, yet quite readable. However,
We've written a good bit about Mile Twelve in recent months. The Boston-based group has been making noise in bluegrass with their virtuosic approach to the music, clever songwriting and arrangements, a nose-to-the-grindstone attitude, and a youthful energy that appeals
Javonda Charlene Smith, friend and former employee of Bill Monroe, has released her second book of memories and photos based on the great man's life. Entitled Bill Monroe And Friends, The Sequel, this book offers a look at Big Mon,
There’s plenty of fodder for bluegrass fans in Peter Cooper’s entertaining and enlightening book, Johnny’s Cash & Charley’s Pride, which is subtitled Lasting Legends and Untold Adventures in Country Music. Cooper, senior director, producer and writer at the Country Music Hall
Back in January we wrote about the banjo tab book expected this spring from Patton Wages, five string man with Volume Five. He's since sent along a copy for us to look over, and it's a first rate publication that
This review of Join The Jam is a contribution from Deanie Richardson, fiddler with Sister Sadie, and prominent session player and instructor in Nashville. She has recorded and performed with top country artists and bluegrass acts alike, and has very
Those who are interested in the history of bluegrass and old country music must buy and read this wonderful book, Foggy Mountain Troubadour – The Life and Music of Curly Seckler, by Penny Parsons. Much like in the earlier Mac Wiseman
How to get a head ache in just 10 minutes. “It doesn’t take that long!”, Bill Nowlin, the author of The Rounder Book of Bluegrass Music Trivia might well respond. The recently published Rounder Book of Bluegrass Music Trivia examines bluegrass
Hank Smith, a banjo player from Raleigh, is a busy man. If playing gigs, keeping a steady stream of banjo students, forming a Béla Fleck tribute show, traveling to Wilkes County to study with Jens Kruger, and recently forming a
I just picked up this wonderful, DENSELY PACKED bio of Mac Wiseman, All My Memories Fit for Print, from County Sales. It’s just riveting if you’re into the history of bluegrass and country music, radio, recording, promoting, the music “biz,” and the