Last week saw the loss of one of the more recognizable personalities at bluegrass festivals in Virginia, Tennessee and North Carolina. Bobby Martin, known to jammers across the south as "The Bluegrass Drummer," passed away shortly after receiving a diagnosis
On this Day ….. On April 18, 1979, JD Crowe and the New South played at the Kosei Nenkin Sho Hall in Tokyo, Japan. Having already visited Japan in August 1975, banjo ace Crowe took the New South back to the Land
Great songwriting teams are an alchemy of negotiated creativity. Regardless of how the team works, an agreement must be struck between the two as to what aspect of a song takes precedence: words or music. Sometimes the teams easily agree
The Earls of Leicester, headed up by Jerry Douglas, will continue their romp through the music of Flatt & Scruggs with a second album of classic songs in July. Rattle & Roar, like their self-titled debut, is a collection of numbers
It’s often difficult for artists who play roots music to bridge the gap between traditional and modern styles in a convincing way. If they venture too far from established convention, they sound contrived; if they stick too closely to it,
Louisa Branscomb knows a thing or two about songwriting, for sure. And she has two Grammys, two Song of the Year trophies (IBMA and SPBGMA), nearly 200 cuts, and a long list of hits to prove it. But her newest venture,
Roger Siminoff, noted luthier, historian, acoustics researcher, and author, has announced that he will be retiring this month after 56 years working for the benefit of bluegrass and acoustic musicians. He will be winding down his banjo and mandolin parts
Holly Norman has shared a video about her upcoming album, Taking Care of Bluegrass. It's a tribute to Elvis Presley, and the new video was shot the day that the great James Burton came in to lay down some guitar. Burton
We are fortunate to live in an age when cancer is not quite as scary a word as it once was. Those beyond and approaching retirement age surely recall when the word was whispered in hushed tones, as if saying it
Rounder Records and The Lonely Heartstring Band have graciously agreed to share a track from their upcoming album, Deep Waters, with Bluegrass Today readers. The album isn't due until June, but here's a song to enjoy in the meantime, The Road's
