Reviews

BOBBY OSBORNE ORIGINAL Compass Records 746872    Let’s put the term “musical legend” aside here folks. It certainly applies to Bobby Osborne, who along with Jesse McReynolds and other true originals took the foundations of bluegrass mandolin, handed down by the great Big Mon, and introduced their own unique and invaluable contributions to that sound. And…

TIM STAFFORD ACOUSTIC GUITAR Hedge Drive Records HDR02 Tim Stafford, again and again, displays why he is one of the most talented people in bluegrass. A co-founder of Blue Highway, he’s contributed countless great songs, wonderful vocals, and stunning guitar work to that landmark band. He’s co-authored the definitive Tony Rice biography. And his solo…

MOTHER’S BOYS HOME AMONG THE HILLS Hen Cackle Records HC510-CD Mother’s Boys is four veterans of roots music from California: Peter Feldmann, Rick Cunha, Dave Dawson, and David Jackson. The subtitle of their new CD is: A Musical Tribute To The Carter Family. They are joined by guests Moira Smiley, Fred Sokolow, Aubrey Richmond, Susie…

DALE ANN BRADLEY Pinecastle Records PRC 1209 Once again, Ms. Bradley asserts her powerful pipes on a wide range of songs with a host of guest singers. Unlike years gone by when a popular or country song would sneak its way into a bluegrass project, here we are treated to a few bluegrass numbers among…

BILL & MAGGIE ANDERSON GRANDMA’S BREAD Vintage Acoustic Music VAM 011 This year saw the fiftieth anniversary that Bill and Maggie Anderson have been married and playing together as a duo. Bill plays guitar and bass while Maggie is quite skilled on resonator guitar. Their years of playing have been highlighted by appearances on PBS…

THE KEVIN PRATER BAND ALL I EVER WANTED Patuxent Music CD-306 Prater and band are old-school. They play and sing and make music they can reproduce on stage or in a field or wherever they are. Five pieces—banjo, mandolin, fiddle, bass, and guitar—get the job done. While there is no real knockout vocalist, they all…