Reviews

JULIAN LAGE AND CHRIS ELDRIDGE MOUNT ROYAL Free Dirt Records 0081 On their first duo CD Avalon, guitar masters Chris “Critter” Eldridge and Julian Lage forged a focused partnership that veered far beyond the conventional boundaries associated with two acoustic guitars and one vocalist. Recorded live in acoustic splendor by Kenneth Pattengale (Milk Carton Kids),…

THE SNYDER FAMILY BAND THE LIFE WE KNOW Mountain Home MH16782 This new recording from the Snyder Family Band has it’s moments. Of the talent behind it, there can be no doubt. If you’ve heard the brother/sister duo of Zeb and Samantha Snyder, backed by their father Bud on bass, you’re aware of that talent….

JOHNNY STAATS AND ROBERT SHAFER MUSIC FROM THE MOUNTAINS No Label No Number The latest recording from mandolinist Johnny Staats and guitarist Robert Shafer is one characterized by all of the usual superlatives expressing expert musicianship, but perhaps more than that by the aural surprises the duo offer here. If you scan the track list,…

NOAM PIKELNY UNIVERSAL FAVORITE Rounder Records 1166100196 “It’s finally here! Millions of fans have clamored for the latest release from global banjo sensation Noam Pikelny, and he’s finally obliged them with the release of Noam Pikelny Plays Noam Pikelny. Oh wait, what? Oops, let’s start again.” Well, you’ll forgive me if you’ve seen the hilarious…

TONY HUBER AND FRIENDS BEARTRACKS: FRIENDS Tresbear Music 002 Presenting an album of all original instrumental tunes tests the capabilities of a performer, arguably, more than any other type of recording. Faced with such a prospect, most performers choose to include one or a couple of known tunes, if for no other reason than to…

RAY CARDWELL TENNESSEE MOON Pinecastle Records PRC1203 Bassist, singer/songwriter Ray Cardwell is making his return to bluegrass. He started in that field some many years ago, playing first with his father, then with his siblings (including long-time IBMA staffer, Nancy). Then it was into the world of rock and reggae. Now, like many other wanderers,…