Music

Kenny Sloas, banjo player with the Sloas Brothers band and the Dixie Play Boys, passed away on Thursday morning, June 20. William McKinley ‘Kenny’ Sloas, 78 of Isonville, Kentucky, was born September 4, 1934. He was one of six brothers all

Michael Martin Murphy is back with a new label, a new album, and a new single. But he's keeping the same mix of bluegrass and acoustic country with Western themes as his last two successful projects for Red River Drifter. The

It's no secret that many a bluegrass instrumentalist has found themselves fascinated by the music of J.S. Bach. The symmetry, clarity of form, and contrapuntal accents of his compositions have their counterparts in bluegrass and modern string music, though our

Last fall, we reported on the new direction Tim Shelton is taking musically, separate from his work with NewFound Road. Now he is furthering this vision by raising funds to support a solo album. Tim's new sound is a step away from

As part of their ongoing mission of professional development, the International Bluegrass Music Association has scheduled a songwriters webinar for July 11 entitled "How to Co-Write Songs (and still remain friends)." Even songwriters with many years of writing behind them can

Bluegrass brother duets specialists, The Gibson Brothers, have announced Jesse Brock as the new mandolinist in the band. He fills the spot recently vacated by Joe Walsh, who had spent the past 4 1/2 years touring with the brothers. Over the

Producer Stephen Mougin has been working in the studio with The Rigneys for their next album this week. Being a harsh taskmaster, he also prevailed upon the band members (Mom, Dad, and two sons) to record some of their impressions during the process. This

Lou Reid & Carolina have announced that their guitar position has ben filled by Skip Cherryholmes. Kevin Richardson had been filling in on guitar since the departure of Shannon Slaughter last year, but as Kevin's own band is gathering steam, it

Compass Records has today announced that bluegrass fiddle phenom Michael Cleveland has signed with the label. He and his band, Flamekeeper, will start work later this year on a new project, expected for a 2014 release. Michael sees this as a

Chris Davis, who has been playing mandolin with Junior Sisk & Rambler's Choice, has made his exit. Anyone close to a bluegrass musician knows the difficulties that job can bring, with the long drives and time away from family, and Chris