Reviews

TRADITIONALLY WOUND BACK WHERE I COME FROM TW Productions TW2018 This group, based in Ontario, Canada consists of three McDonalds, John (guitar), Justin (guitar) and Nick (mandolin), along with Tyler Beckett (fiddle), Sheldon Speedie (bass), and Dave Jack (banjo), forming an award-winning ensemble who have been entertaining folks for a number of years. The group’s…

BALSAM RANGE AEONIC Mountain Home MH17262 Since forming in 2007, Balsam Range has earned over 13 awards from IBMA, based on their eight solid album output and backed by their many acclaimed appearances at concerts and festivals. The band was the 2018 IBMA Entertainer Of The Year, and this project has reached number one on…

DEDE WYLAND URGE FOR GOING Patuxent Music CD-303 Washington D.C.’s Dede Wyland has one of those voices that makes the listener play close attention to the song, its message, its feeling, and its heart. Wyland started her career with the Milwaukee band Grass, Food & Lodging and later became part of the New Jersey/New York…

BARRY ABERNATHY AND DARRELL WEBB APPALACHIAN ROAD SHOW Billy Blue Records BBR0760    Barry Abernathy has been away from the bluegrass mainstream since leaving Mountain Heart. He makes a strong return teaming up with traditional bluegrass stalwart Darrell Webb on the Appalachian Road Showproject.    Abernathy’s soulful vocals are featured on an old-time rendition of the gospel song “Little…

THE KING JAMES BOYS TIME TO GO HOME Pinecastle Records PRC1220 This new album from the band named after the famous translation in The Bible will be of interest to bluegrass gospel fans and those looking for new material from the genre. The group honed their skills playing at their home church every weekend. They’re…

CHICKEN WIRE EMPIRE WHAT MOVES MOUNTAINS No Label No Number It all began back in 2014 when Jordan Kroeger and Ryan Ogburn teamed up at Wisconsin’s jamband scene. Ironically, they decided to form a traditional band and were soon joined by Jon Peik (banjo), Greg Brundage (guitar), and Ernest Brusubardis (fiddle). Their high-energy approach gained…