Reviews

Few bluegrass acts have dominated the Midwest, primarily the OKI (Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana) region, as The Boys From Indiana did in the late seventies. Known for their lively stage shows and strong original songs, The Boys From Indiana were one

What a golden age we’re in for banjo recordings! After years of anticipation, it’s Rob McCoury of the Del McCoury Band, joining recent wonderful banjo recordings by the Foggy Mountain Special Earl Scruggs Tribute team, Charlie Cushman, Noam Pikelny and

In bluegrass music, we have a King and a Queen, a Father and Daughters. What’s next? Gentlemen, perhaps. Recently making their debut on Pinecastle Records are the Gentlemen of Bluegrass, a North Carolina-based group with a strong, smooth traditional sound. Their

If you're expecting to hear a carbon copy of a Grascals record when you listen to the latest solo effort from the group's mandolin man, Danny Roberts, you may be disappointed. However, if impressive instrumentation, a great variety of sounds,

When did you first hear the music of Larry Sparks? That seems like a good question to ponder as we consider his latest album, Lonesome and Then Some... A Classic 50th Celebration. For me it was 40 years ago, sometime in 1974

Cullen's Bridge was formed about three years ago with the intention that the band perform in the way that Mickey Galyean's father, Cullen Galyean, did. Hard-core traditional bluegrass is the order of the day. From the traditionally rich area of Lowgap,

There’s a school of thought that says you can’t teach songwriting. Folks can either write lyrics and compose interesting melodies, or they can’t. But if the craft itself can’t be taught, those interested in pursuing it can gain some valuable perspective

The arrival of a new Doyle Lawson CD in the mailbox is cause for joy. Even before the plastic wrapper is peeled off, you know what to expect – music as tasteful and original as his custom boots and jackets. And

Few musicians garner the universal respect of Michael Cleveland. A child prodigy, Michael won the hearts of the entire bluegrass industry in 1993 as a member of the IBMA Youth All-Stars. Since that time, he has gone on to perform and record

As is true for most students of the bluegrass instruments, resonator guitarists are especially enamored of the instruments made just prior to the US entry into WWII. In the late 1930s and early '40s, almost all of the reso-guitars were being