Butch Waller’s Waltz Collection (Big Chicken Records, BC 102) is a recently release, an EP length collection of six of his own compositions played by the mandolin ace accompanied by an excellent cast of north Californian bluegrass musicians, some of whom
Hamilton County Ramblers are a relatively new bluegrass group, based in Chattanooga, TN, and composed of veteran bluegrass performers with a wide range in age and interests. What they share is what matters, however: a passion for thoughtful, contemporary bluegrass played
After three decades spent playing with regionally-based artists, and stints with the Little Roy and Lizzy Show and the Clinton Gregory Band, Georgia-based mandolin player Doug Flowers has recently released Doug Flowers and Friends, filled with a number of his
Ron Block has had a productive 2015. In addition to his first-ever full length banjo instrumental CD, Hogan's House Of Music, he has just released a short-form EP of holiday music, Carter's Creek Christmas. Here the focus is on familiar carols and hymns,
If there is a talented young bluegrass artist out there somewhere, there's a good chance that Tom Mindte and Patuxent Records have an eye on them. Their catalog contains many a title from the likely who's who of the next
The Song Of The Banjo is not like any banjo album you have ever heard, even if you've listened to Alison Brown's prior releases. Sure, it features several of her intricate instrumentals, played to perfection, but in addition to guest
2015 has been a good year for Becky Buller. After starting a new career as a solo performing artist, she has found rapid success in that new role, including being selected as Emerging Artist of the Year from her peers
When you think “"Del McCoury’s banjo player," your mind probably automatically goes to Del's son, 2015 IBMA Banjo Player of the Year Rob McCoury. However, before there was a Del McCoury Band, there was Del McCoury & the Dixie Pals.
Let's cut right to the heart of the matter: Flatt Lonesome's Runaway Train is one of the best CDs I've heard this year. Not just the band, which is tight, or the songs, which are stout. Nearly everything about this record
Along the softer edges of bluegrass, where smooth contemporary melodies merge with a folkier, singer-songwriter sensibility, lies Oregon-based band True North. The group's music is largely gentle and contemplative, guided by the lyrics and lead vocals of Kristen Grainger, an
