Reviews

HEATH LOY DRAKESVILLE No Label No Number The cover of this CD is a parody of a Field & Streammagazine proclaiming Field & Strings. A banjo toting Heath Loy is in full camo as if going hunting, while looking upward clutching a passel of ducks. He actually did hunt down or had someone else hunt down a…

NIGHTFLYER FLIGHT Pinecastle Records PRC 1221 This is the third release from this southern Ohio quintet that features Rick Hayes (mandolin), Richard Propps (guitar), Tony Kakaris (bass), Ronnie Stewart (banjo), and Tim Jackson (resonator guitar). The band has a traditional approach to the music, but they can also put a more contemporary stamp on some…

JIGJAM LIVE IN TULLAMORE No Label No Number The latest recording from Irish bluegrass band JigJam was recorded live at the Tullamore Rugby Club in Tullamore, County Offaly, Ireland, giving the listener a feeling for the live energy this band generates. Hailing from the heart of the Midlands of Ireland, JigJam blends traditional Irish music…

DELLA MAE THE BUTCHER SHOPPE EP Rounder Records 1166100493 Della Mae, a band with enormous talent honed to steely perfection, has emerged as one of the most entertaining acts in bluegrass. The Boston-based ensemble has had a couple of significant personal changes, losing bassist Shelby Means a few years back, and more impactfully, losing lead…

AMANDA COOK POINT OF NO RETURN Mountain Fever MFR 190401 Amanda Cook is originally from the Gulf Coast of Florida and once introduced to bluegrass by her Dad, she was hooked. She and her father formed the band High Cotton and that was where she gained the experience that gave her confidence to go out…

ETSU OLD-TIME MUSIC SONGS Now and Then Records NTR 20171201 The simple, yet accurate, title introduces an enjoyable recording by students at East Tennessee State University’s Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Country Music Studies program. This particular semester’s ensemble consists of Kristi Hedtke on guitar and lead vocals, Corbin Hayslett on banjo, guitar, and lead vocals, Roy…