Tag: Ronnie King

Ronnie King’s music occupies that hard-to define space between bluegrass and folk music. Some might call it Americana, but it is clearly informed by a thoroughgoing knowledge and appreciation for bluegrass. In fact, bluegrass fans may recall Ronnie from his time as a member of New River Line, based in Kentucky, with whom he recorded and performed from 2002-2006.

On Free Of Guilt, on Kindred Records, King’s original songs convey familiar folk/bluegrass themes of love, murder, humble roots, and hard work. His lyrics are cleverly written, avoiding the sort of triteness that is far too common in our music, and his melodies are soothing and comfortable on the ear.

Ronnie is also a fine singer whose vocals are complemented here by the incomparable Dale Ann Bradley. He is further assisted on Free Of Guilt by CJ Cain on guitar, Matt De Spain on resonator, Will Parsons on banjo, James Overbee on harmonica, Daniel Carwile on fiddle, Scott Lambert on drums, and Owen Reynolds on bass.

Here are a few samples of the music on the CD, with clips from all 12 tracks available at www.kindredrecords.com.

Sweet Mary: [http://www.kindredrecords.com/03%20Sweet%20Mary.mp3]

Pretty Little Gypsy: [http://www.kindredrecords.com/04%20Pretty%20Little%20Gypsy.mp3]

Poor White Trash: [http://www.kindredrecords.com/02%20Poor%20White%20Trash.mp3]

Most of the material has this sort of easy-going, mid-tempo feel to it, though the instrumental that ends the CD, Yard Good, kicks things into a higher gear.

This is fine music – check it out.

Kindred Records has just signed Ronnie King to the label and will release his new CD, Free of Guilt, on May 1.

Ronnie performed with New River Line from 2001-2006, where he played mandolin, sang and contributed original material to the band’s first two albums. He left in ’07 to focus on songwriting, and that same year his song My Brother Paul was a runner-up in the Merlefest Chris Austin songwriting contest.

Free Of Guilt showcases King’s songwriting and singing in bluegrass, folk, Americana and folk/rock genres. He is assisted by CJ Cain on guitar, Matt De Spain on resonator, Will Parsons on banjo, James Overbee on harmonica, Daniel Carwile on fiddle, Scott Lambert on drums, and Owen Reynolds on bass.

A single from the CD, I’d Like To See You, which also features fellow-Kentuckian Dale Ann Bradley, will be released via AirPlayDirect by April 1.

I’d Like To See You:      [http://www.kindredrecords.com/01%20Id%20Like%20To%20See%20You.mp3]

More audio samples are available on the Kindred web site.