Many of today’s bluegrass bands have somewhat unusual names. Previous Bluegrass Today columns by Chris Jones have even discussed this phenomenon, suggesting that bands sometime simply open the refrigerator to find inspiration for their band name. However, other bands use
Music Reviews
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The HillBenders – Can You Hear Me?
The 2009 winners of the Telluride Bluegrass Band Competition, The HillBenders have released its second full-length recording; Can You Hear Me? (Compass Records 7 4585 3). The quintet, formed in 2008 by personnel from diverse locations but now based in Springfield,
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High on a Hilltop – The Welfare Liners
Athens, Georgia has long been known for its diverse music scene. From pop and rock bands like the B-52s and R.E.M. to alt-country group the Drive-By Truckers, Athens has been the home base for multiple popular artists throughout the past
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LocalGrass: Susan Brown & Friends
Among the many treasures to be found in the Commonwealth of Virginia, the state’s diversity is a definite asset. To a visitor from another part of the world, one might find it difficult to believe that the heavily populated areas
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Chronology, Volume 2 – Lonesome River Band
Currently in their thirtieth performing year, the Lonesome River Band has maintained their own sound even while having endured many member changes. With the release of their second of three Chronology albums, which feature both new material and re-recorded standards
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Music to My Ears From Ricky Skaggs
Imagine the excitement of getting ready to tear open a gift from someone who always comes up with something exciting and wonderful. Then imagine the disappointment when you discover the package contains a shirt. A well-made shirt, for sure. But, in
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Album of the Week #29 – The Bluegrass Album Band’s California Connection (Vol. 3)
My last Album of the Week was Reno & Smiley's Wanted. Toward the end of the article, Joe Mullins highlighted the song Unfaithful One, written by Sid Campbell. He also mentioned how the song appeared on The Bluegrass Album Band's third record, California
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The Time Jumpers
You know how every once in a long while, you put on a brand-new record, and it ends up being a joy to listen to? Well, welcome to The Time Jumpers. They released their first studio CD on Tuesday, September
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Outlaw Hillbilly – The Earl Brothers
Many music fans may be familiar with the term “outlaw country,” which has been applied to musicians such as Waylon Jennings and Johnny Cash who wrote and recorded music which sounded completely different from the slick, pop-flavored country music which
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There’s You from The Church Sisters
Unless you're among the folks lucky enough to catch The Church Sisters live, you could be excused for not being aware of these talented teens. Sarah and Savannah Church are 16 year old twins, living in Danville, VA, and they