Music Reviews

For fans of popular folk rock bands such as the Lumineers and Mumford and Sons who are looking to get a little closer to the Americana and bluegrass worlds, the new album from the Abrams Brothers might be just the

Johnny Staats is likely best known for being a bluegrass picking UPS truck driver. After the release of his first album, Wires and Wood, in 2000, this West Virginia mandolin player found himself featured in the New York Times, the

Last winter, at the Herschel Sizemore tribute show in Roanoke, I was hanging out backstage, where some of the biggest names in bluegrass were getting ready to perform. Things were just getting started and a band I’d never heard of

Bluegrass bands often show pride for their home state, with Tennessee, North Carolina, and of course, Kentucky, all frequently mentioned in bluegrass tunes. However, a state just slightly to the north is the subject of a new collection with bluegrass

It was announced a few months ago that bluegrass' own Chris Thile will be awarded a MacArthur genius grant. Congratulations. There isn't a more deserving artist. But hold your applause. His award is eclipsed by the honor he is receiving

Cumberland Gap Connection first hit the national bluegrass scene in 2011 with the release of A Whole Lotta Lonesome on Kindred Records. Now signed with Mountain Fever Records, this eastern Kentucky–based band is poised to receive more attention with their

Canada has quite an active bluegrass scene, with musicians and festivals to be found across the majority of the country. Quite a few groups make their home in the province of Ontario, including the celebrated band Hard Ryde. The band

Singer-songwriter Mark Houser has bluegrass running through his veins. As Lester Flatt’s cousin, it’s no surprise that he has spent his whole life listening to bluegrass music. Though he has previously recorded a country album and written several songs which

Music about the Civil War is a staple of bluegrass and folk music. There are some memorable songs and terrific collections that recall the pain and anguish of brother fighting brother. But I’m pretty sure there’s never been anything like God

Throughout his career, celebrated songwriter and roots musician Jim Lauderdale has danced between genres, releasing albums which touch on Americana, country, and bluegrass. For his latest release, Carolina Moonrise, he has turned once again to bluegrass, providing listeners with a