Reviews

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…

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…