Reviews

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…

ROB ICKES AND TREY HENSLEY THE COUNTRY BLUES Compass Records 746692 Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley’s 2014 debut recording earned a Grammy nomination for Best Bluegrass Album. They did not win. Perhaps they lost because they had little or no bluegrass on the record, featuring instead drums and electric guitars and lap steel and four…

CHRIS COOLE THE TUMBLING RIVER Northern No Number Chris Coole’s beautifully crafted second solo CD has the full title: The Tumbling River and other stories sung and played on five string banjo and guitar. Eight of the twelve pieces are original compositions by Chris. “May Day #1,” which opens the CD, and “May Day #2,”…