Music Reviews

Stories and Traditions is the new CD from North Carolina-based Sons of the South. The band has a long history of over 50 years. Though members have changed during the past five decades, the traditional bluegrass songs, tight harmony, and

Album title aside, the highly acclaimed North Carolina combo dubbed Sideline take an unassuming stance with their latest effort, a set of songs that offers an ideal example of bluegrass at its best. It says something that this six piece ensemble

The aptly titled Long Ago is a celebration of sorts, one that marks the union of two talented bluegrass practitioners who have not only remained faithful to the form throughout their married life, but also well before. According to Jim

Chances are you knew Irene Kelley’s work before you knew her as an artist. That’s because her original songs have been recorded by everyone from Alan Jackson, Loretta Lynn, and Trisha Yearwood to Ricky Skaggs & Sharon White and Pure

The name Dowdy has long been associated with hardline, traditional bluegrass. Brothers Victor and Robert Dowdy helmed southwest Virginia’s Bluegrass Brothers for many years, and Victor’s sons Steven and Donald have been part of the band more recently. Now, Steven

Finnish musician Jussi Syren and his band the Groundbreakers have been mining their music since 1995, not only emulating an authentic bluegrass sound but also mining it to the max under their own auspices. They’ve toured Europe and several states

There’s something about Tom Petty’s sweet song Wildflowers that ensures the fact that no matter who covers it, or how many times one hears it, it’s bound to remain as indelible as ever. A great song stands up to any

There are many country artists whose songs and style have impacted bluegrass music throughout the years, but perhaps none more than Merle Haggard. These days, it’s rare to find a bluegrass band – especially those in the more neo-traditional, hard-driving

There’s something to be said for longevity, especially in today’s transient world. Fads come and go, musical tastes seem to change on a daily basis, and any definitions meant to determine a specific style of music seem to fluctuate with

Taking the name of his new band from the title of his debut album, Scott Slay makes an impressive bow with The Rail, 13 easily accessible songs that effectively affirm his gift for composition and craft. A veteran of the