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The popularity of the 2000 film, O Brother, Where Art Thou - and it's soundtrack hit Man Of Constant Sorrow - made superstars out of a non-existant band. During a crucial scene in the movie, a bluegrass band supported the lead actors on stage performing that song, made up of prominent grassers, and credited as [...]
A new album from Tony Trischka is always big news in the banjo world. Since the 1970s he's been cranking out music to challenge 5 stringers and banjo fans alike, and reworking what can be expected from his instrument along the way. For his 2014 release, Great Big World, Tony has produced a very traditional [...]
Jessica Stiles has been working the acoustic and Americana scene in both DC and Nashville for some time, but her next project, a 4 song/7'' vinyl EP is all bluegrass. She's set to call it Little Darlin' (Pal of Mine), after the Carter Family classic which will lead off side one. That song is expected [...]
Here is another gallery of Frank Baker's images from the 2013 Delaware Valley Bluegras Festival.
The title of roots musician Chris Brashear’s latest album certainly reflects the songs he has included on it. Heart of the Country is a collection of thirteen tunes celebrating the rural parts of America and the people who make their homes there. Although Brashear is the fiddler for Robin and Linda Williams and Their Fine [...]
Many know Mike Compton from the Nashville Bluegrass Band and John Hartford String Band, or from duet appearances. Many students have taken his mandolin classes. He IS the acknowledged Monroe-style master. When I learned Mike was appearing solo April 21 at the Towne Crier in Pawling NY, I thought “How can he go on stage, stand [...]
The modern musical arts based on traditional string music divide into many camps. Some use the instruments familiar to old time and bluegrass to push boundaries, while others demonstrate an almost fanatical devotion to the old masters. In between you can find every gradation on that scale. But ultimately, the most satisfying results tend to come [...]
A new band is set to hit the scene, combining four Nashville superpickers itching to play together. David Grier is on guitar, Missy Raines on bass, Mike Compton on mandolin, and Shad Cobb on fiddle. They have chosen the clever name Helen Highwater (think about it), and are booking now through Above The Bay. Though [...]
It has been five years since Mike Compton released an album: the Acoustic Disc release Stomp, with David Long. Otherwise nothing; not even work as a session player. Some friendly persuasion from Australians Paul Duff and Mick O'Neill, who both thought that it would be a good idea if Compton had an album to sell [...]
America's favorite pre-teen grassers, Sleepy Man Banjo Boys, have announced October 4 as the release date for their debut album, America's Music. It's their instrumental tribute to their bluegrass forebears - their musical great-grandfathers? - with 12 tracks featuring the picking Mizzone brothers from New Jersey. Jonny is on banjo, Robbie on fiddle and Tommy [...]
