Reviews

NEWTOWN HARLAN ROAD Mountain Home MH16632 There have been changes for NewTown since their 2014 debut. Three band members have departed, including guitarist C.J. Cain. New to the band are guitarist Hayes Griffin, mandolinist Mitchell Cannon, and bassist Travis Anderson. The chief source of material has also shifted to Tyler Childers, a non-bandmember. He wrote…

VOLUME FIVE THE DRIFTER Mountain Fever MFR 160624 Beautiful slow-tempo songs distinguish Volume Five’s latest The Drifter. Those eight titles, featuring effective use of Glen Harrell’s always excellent vocals, make it an album well worth hearing. They craft a wonderful arrangement for the gospel “When I Go Away” with a lovely semi-call and response portion….

JAMES REAMS RHYME & SEASON Mountain Redbird Music CD008 Veteran bandleader James Reams explores a nomadic theme on his new concept album with songs about the “perpetual pilgrim” in most of us who thirst for adventure and travel at some time in our lives. The other side of the coin is revealed with songs about…

IRENE KELLEY THESE HILLS Mountain Fever MFR 160167    These Hills by Irene Kelley is all about the songs and the singer. The excellence of both and the wonderful, restrained instrumental and vocal support by some of the best in bluegrass provides a true delight. She has released three previous albums, one on MCA, but These…

CHUBBY HOG AND SISCO BY HARRY C. SISK, SR. Coloring book, CD included, $14.95. (Harry Sisk, P.O. Box 84, Ferrum, VA 24088.)   Bluegrass coloring books are few and far between. Ditto bluegrass coloring books that include a song recorded by Junior Sisk & Ramblers Choice. These two events came together when Junior’s dad, Harry,…

BRYAN SUTTON THE MORE I LEARN Sugar Hill SUG00003    Twenty years ago, Bryan Sutton made the pilgrimage from being a small-time studio musician working tiny recording studios in The Carolinas and other Southern states to Nashville. All he wanted then was to make a living as a musician, and his quick ear and quicker hands…