Reviews

Norman Blake is the Zelig of roots music, popping up at key moments over the decades, just like the title character in the Woody Allen film. He played guitar on pivotal recordings by Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan, teamed up with

For much of the past decade, rumors of the retirement of the great Ralph Stanley have been rampant - some of them coming directly from his organization. But despite the rumors, and the challenges of recording and touring into his

The family band is experiencing a renewal in bluegrass music, with talented kids and their supportive parents popping up everywhere these days. While family bands are a great vehicle to launch careers of young instrumental prodigies, it’s also nice to

Everywhere you look these days, there’s a talented group of kids popping up in bluegrass music. They pick, they sing, and they’re all over YouTube. Some are more traditional, some are fabulous at the contemporary grass sound, and many mesh

If you ever get the chance, see the Hillbilly Gypsies live. You’ll want to hear them, too, of course, but you’ll be in for a real treat when you watch them. They are masters of the single microphone style, with

Hard-core bluegrass duo Vern Williams and Ray Park, from Arkansas, were a tremendous influence on bluegrass music in California. Ever since meeting in 1959 they brought the sounds of the Ozarks to the west coast playing concert and dance halls, radio

There is nothing like a house concert. Be warmly greeted by excited hosts, nab some cheese and crackers, grab a seat (heck, the staircase can be prime real estate) and settle in for a casual, intimate musical retreat. On December 6th in

When the top traditional bluegrass singers are named, you expect to hear Larry Sparks mentioned, and James King. Perhaps Danny Paisley as well, and Junior Sisk. But a name you don't hear often enough is Johnny Williams, who can throw

On their website. Staunton, Virginia-based band Bourbon Barrel Congress describes their sound as one that “blurs the lines between bluegrass, old-time, folk and country music.” It’s a good description, at least of their debut, self-titled album, which bounces from old-time

John Reischman & The Jaybirds are among the most unique and distinctive string bands working on the bluegrass scene today. Part of that comes the many folk and old time influences that are apparent in their music, as opposed to