Reviews

DAVID DAVIS & THE WARRIOR RIVER BOYS DIDN’T HE RAMBLE: SONGS OF CHARLIE POOLE Rounder Records 1166100347 If you’re intrigued to hear music that inspired many of first generation artists long before the Big Bang of bluegrass music in December 1945 (or even 1939, with the formation of the Blue Grass Boys), you’ll find this…

HIGHLAND TRAVELERS Mountain Fever 180511 A new group made up of familiar names, the Highland Travelers offer the variety of two generations melded with the unity of being from northeast Tennessee. From The Boxcars come guitarist Keith Garrett, Gary Hultman on resonator guitar, and the best-known Highland Traveler, Adam Steffey. A noted mandolinist and singer…

VARIOUS ARTISTS EPILOGUE: A TRIBUTE TO JOHN DUFFEY Smithsonian Folkways SFW 40228    This is a marvelous new project celebrating the legacy of John Duffey who passed away in 1996. Produced by Akira Otsuka and the late Ronnie Freeland, the two got together in 2002 when they met at the IBMA’s World Of Bluegrass in Louisville,…

THE LIFE I’VE PICKED BY JOHN McEUEN Chicago Review Press 9781613738955. Paperback, index, color photos, 328 pp., $18.99. (Chicago Review Press, 814 N. Franklin St., Chicago, IL 60610, www.chicagoreviewpress.com.) This autobiography has received topnotch ratings from many reviewers. Readers of this magazine may already know of McEuen’s many credentials: founding member of the Nitty Gritty…

HIGHER GROUND BLUEGRASS HGB: 20 YEARS DUKE WEDDINGTON & HIGHER GROUND BLUEGRASS CLANN No Label No Number Hailing from New Mexico, these folks bring a well-played program of bluegrass from the folksier side of the genre. Their music has a broad appeal with its uptempo approach and contemporary vocal stylings. Some of their original material…

FINK, MARXER, GLEAVES SHOUT AND SHINE Community Music CMCD213 Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer are known for their unique take on many genres of music, from country to bluegrass to folk to old-time. On this project, they’re joined by multi-instrumentalist Sam Gleaves to round out the trio and produce a fine collection of songs from…