Music Reviews

Modern American string music, in the folk rather than classical tradition, has a number of hot spots around the country. The lure of commercial work brings a good many talented young practitioners to Nashville, where they often band together or

Standing tall. A classic idiom we have all heard and probably used. By definition, the phrase means "being proud of yourself and confident in your abilities." Different from boasting, standing tall exudes self-assurance, often in the face of adversity. When discussing the

Fans of Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen’s live show will certainly enjoy the band’s latest effort, Cold Spell, a ten-track collection out now from Compass Records. The songs here are full of the group’s impressive musicianship – lots of extended

Stop me if you've heard this one before... A talented group of siblings dedicate their youth to bluegrass music and attract attention for their skill and depth of understanding while still in their teens. Meyerband, previously know as Meyer Bluegrass Band,

While they generate headlines in their native Australia, The Davidson Brothers aren't nearly as well known in the US, something they hope to remedy with their showcase appearances at the 2014 World of Bluegrass convention coming up next month. And with

Few bluegrass acts have dominated the Midwest, primarily the OKI (Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana) region, as The Boys From Indiana did in the late seventies. Known for their lively stage shows and strong original songs, The Boys From Indiana were one

What a golden age we’re in for banjo recordings! After years of anticipation, it’s Rob McCoury of the Del McCoury Band, joining recent wonderful banjo recordings by the Foggy Mountain Special Earl Scruggs Tribute team, Charlie Cushman, Noam Pikelny and

In bluegrass music, we have a King and a Queen, a Father and Daughters. What’s next? Gentlemen, perhaps. Recently making their debut on Pinecastle Records are the Gentlemen of Bluegrass, a North Carolina-based group with a strong, smooth traditional sound. Their

If you’re expecting to hear a carbon copy of a Grascals record when you listen to the latest solo effort from the group’s mandolin man, Danny Roberts, you may be disappointed. However, if impressive instrumentation, a great variety of sounds,

When did you first hear the music of Larry Sparks? That seems like a good question to ponder as we consider his latest album, Lonesome and Then Some... A Classic 50th Celebration. For me it was 40 years ago, sometime in 1974