Reviews

STEVE GULLEY AND NEW PINNACLE Rural Rhythm RUR-1127 Relationship trouble, trouble, and more trouble. Such is the underlying thread as Steve Gulley debuts his group, New Pinnacle. Only an original instrumental, a declamatory “You Can’t Take Jesus Away,” and a medium-tempo grinding take on Buddy Holly’s “Not Fade Away” stand in opposition. The Louvins’ “Every…

PHARIS & JASON ROMERO A WANDERER I’LL STAY Lula Records Lula1504 To my ears, vocal duets often succeed when the voices blend so seamlessly they sound as one. The notes come together naturally, finding harmonic precision and a matching tone that helps to propel the story and evoke emotion. Pharis and Jason Romero have mastered…

TYLER WILLIAMS HEART OVER MIND No Label No Number From Ohio by way of East Tennessee State University, Tyler Williams debuts with a pleasing and varied 12-song mix that includes four Mark Brinkman originals, a couple of standards, and several well-chosen covers. Though he plays guitar and piano and writes songs, Williams’ role here is…

MICHELLE CANNING THE FLOWER AND THE SERPENT No Label No Number Finding new talent in bluegrass is always a thrill, especially when it’s someone with the gifts of newcomer Michelle Canning. Based in eastern Massachusetts, Canning and her band Rough Edges play a combination of fast-driving bluegrass, contemporary ballads, standards, and original material. For her…

BARWICK & SIEGFRIED THE TRESTLE FGM Records FGM-1501    What makes the duo format so musically appealing is the same thing that makes it so daunting. There is absolutely no place to hide. Every note played or sung, and each that’s left un-played, must find its perfect place in order to achieve that sublime blend…

THE BLUEGRASS BROTHERS GENERATIONS Mountain Fever Records MFR 140715 The Bluegrass Brothers have to be recognized as one of the premier proponents of the progressive/traditional style of bluegrass on the stage today—traditional in overall sound, but progressive in finding new material and exciting and interesting ways to deliver it. Spearheaded by Victor and Robert Dowdy…