Reviews

NOTHIN’ FANCY UNDENIABLE Mountain Fever MFR191011 The music on Undeniable, Nothin’ Fancy’s 16th album (which marks the band’s 25th anniversary) reaches out and grabs you like a firm, friendly handshake. This five-man outfit—Mike Andes (mandolin and vocals), Caleb Cox (guitar and vocals), James Cox (bass), Jacob Flick (banjo), and Chris Sexton (fiddle, vocals, cello, and viola)—has…

THE CHURCHMEN A MOUNTAIN TO CLIMB Morning Glory Music MGM190802 The Churchmen are celebrating 30 years as a gospel bluegrass band. This project is an excellent way to mark that milestone and bring their album count to ten. The band has formed a solid foundation with recent additions of Jay Adams on guitar and vocals…

STEEP CANYON RANGERS NORTH CAROLINA SONGBOOK Yep Roc Records YEP2667 I happened to be at MerleFest in 2019 and was able to take in this special set the Steep Canyon Rangers recorded that afternoon. The theme of the day for the bluegrass and newgrass stalwarts was to celebrate the history of the music of the…

JOE HOTT WEST VIRGINIA RAIL Rural Rhythm RUR-1148 This young singer shows much promise in his attempt to pay homage to the Stanley sound. He is surrounded by great musicians who make him sound authentic in a time when bluegrass is moving further from its rural roots. An all-star cast includes Dennis Crouch on bass,…

ALI SHUMATE EVERY BIT OF ME Hadley Music Group HMG 1018     How does Ali Shumate deliver such nuanced performances of the many lovely and frequently uplifting numbers on this album? Certainly, it’s because she’s a fine and thoughtful vocalist. But, Ali knows her material to the core because she’s an impressive songwriter who has…

DAVE ADKINS BETTER DAYS Mountain Fever MFR190920 Better Days marks the seventh studio recording from Dave Adkins. This one is up to Adkins’ usual high standards, big voice, and contains songs from several well-known writers, as well as the title-track by Dave and his wife Katrina. “Better Days A Coming” is a hard-driving song that tells…