Reviews

DEANIE RICHARDSON LOVE HARD, WORK HARD, PLAY HARD Pinecastle Records PRC1215 Deanie Richardson has been working hard for a long time and has helped make many a show and recording a little better with her presence. Joined by a host of musicians, we are treated to her first-class fiddling on this magnificent showcase. From her…

CAROLINA BLUE BAND I HEAR BLUEGRASS CALLING ME Pinecastle Records PRC 1226 Bobby Powell and Tim Jones, founding members of Carolina Blue, now have five CD credits to their resume with their first Pinecastle Music release, I Hear Bluegrass Calling Me.From Brevard, N.C., Powell and Jones wrote 9 of the 13 tracks, along with banjoist James…

JEFF SCROGGINS & COLORADO OVER THE LINE Patuxent Music CD-325 For a band headed by an award-winning banjo player, one might expect its recording projects to heavily feature the banjo. No doubt Jeff Scroggins shines in many places on the band’s latest recording, particularly with his Reno-esque solo on the opening track “Big Train” and…

JOE WEED TWO STEPS WEST OF THE MISSISSIPPI Highland Records No Number Joe Weed has been around quite a while, producing atmospheric, acoustic projects that lay well on the ear with an uplifting feel to them. Each project has a theme, and here we are on a kind of road trip from the bayous of…

MISSY RAINES ROYAL TRAVELLER Compass Records 747152 Missy Raines has relentlessly established a reputation as a first-tier bassist and bandleader. Royal Travellerbuilds a strong case for her continued emergence as a singer, songwriter, and arranger as well. Produced by Alison Brown, this recording features five songs written or co-written by Raines, seamlessly integrated into a well-chosen…

DANNY PAISLEY & THE SOUTHERN GRASS THAT’S WHY I’M LONESOME Patuxent Music CD-311 If you’ve ever seen Danny Paisley in concert, he likely will have said something like, “If you’re here for real traditional bluegrass, you’re in the right place.” The same can be said of Paisley’s latest release That’s Why I’m Lonesome. While most singers…