Reviews

MISSY WERNER TURN THIS HEART AROUND Hearth Music MWM-2014-1    Steeped in the musical traditions of the heartland, Kentucky and Ohio-native Missy Werner recalls classic moments of loneliness, spirituality, love, and time gone by in her latest release. In songs penned by some of the country’s brightest writers, seamlessly produced (Jon Weisberger), and sung passionately…

STEVE GULLEY FAMILY, FRIENDS & FELLOWSHIP Rural Rhythm RCH2020 Bluegrass veteran Steve Gulley’s first gospel outing is one fine album indeed. This powerful and soulful 14-cut collection features evocative renditions of classics such as “House Of Gold,” “God’s Not Dead,” and “Stormy Waters,” along with a trio of heartfelt Gulley originals: “Scars In His Hands,”…

FLATT LONESOME TOO Mountain Home MH15412    Flatt Lonesome’s rise in the bluegrass world has been a steady one. Guided by the knowledgeable hand of music veteran Andrea Roberts, who has been the group’s manager and booking agent, this troupe of talented musicians have stepped up to represent the younger generation when it comes to…

TOWN MOUNTAIN LIVE AT THE ISIS No Label No Number    Ah, the live concert recording—a temptation to all bands. It is, after all, at the root of what musicians do. They play live for audiences. The studio album is the polished, controlled effort used to build audiences. Why then don’t more bands make live…

SHAWN LANE MOUNTAIN SONGS Cat Town Records CTR0044    For his second solo CD, his first since 2003, Shawn Lane calls upon family members and several close musical friends for backing. With him here are his brother Chad on harmony vocals, plus Gracie, Grayson (mandolin and one vocal), and Garrett (mandolin) Lane, along with Barry…

JUNIOR SISK AND RAMBLERS CHOICE TROUBLE FOLLOWS ME Rebel Records REB1857    Junior Sisk’s musical intentions are clear: “I want to continue to keep traditional bluegrass music alive. That is my goal.” Trouble Follows Me is his latest album that follows a string of successful recordings that have garnered him a few overdue IBMA Awards…