Reviews
RON BLOCK, WALKING SONG
RON BLOCK WALKING SONG Rounder Records 1166191672 Ron Block’s first two solo albums were religious-based offerings, thoughtful, challenging and compelling. Both were of high quality all around. For his third, he has switched to a more secular offering, though no less thoughtful, challenging, and compelling, and spiritual. And, of course, the results are what you…
TRINITY RIVER BAND, TODAY DON’T LOOK LIKE RAIN
TRINITY RIVER BAND TODAY DON’T LOOK LIKE RAIN No Label No Number From the State of Florida hails the Trinity River Band with their third release in less than three years. This is probably their best effort yet. The band is the Harris family consisting of Mike Harris (guitar), Lisa Harris (bass) and siblings Sarah…
CUMBERLAND GAP CONNECTION, ANOTHER SONG
CUMBERLAND GAP CONNECTION ANOTHER SONG Mountain Fever Records MFR130212 Eastern Kentucky is blessed to have a group like this among its native sons. The bandmembers on this project are Mike Bentley (guitar), Rod Smith (banjo, resonator guitar, pedal steel), Bryan Russell (bass), Albon Clevenger (fiddle), and John Messer (mandolin). As of this writing, Matt Hiser…
MIKE SCOTT AND FRIENDS, HOME SWEET HOME: CIVIL WAR ERA SONGS
MIKE SCOTT AND FRIENDS HOME SWEET HOME: CIVIL WAR ERA SONGS Rural Rhythm RUR-1113 In these times of the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War, Rural Rhythm Records continues its series of releases honoring the legacy of the conflict. Next up, banjoist Mike Scott and a 14-song collection of 13 tunes popular from that era,…
DAILEY & VINCENT, BROTHERS OF THE HIGHWAY
DAILEY & VINCENT BROTHERS OF THE HIGHWAY Rounder Records 11661-9141-2 Dailey & Vincent’s hallmark is their powerful, exquisite, and almost transcendent harmonies. They may not be brothers by blood, but they are certainly brothers in bluegrass harmony. Six years into their partnership, the duo has, according to the accompanying press material, used their new album,…
JACK LAWRENCE, ARTHEL’S GUITAR
JACK LAWRENCE ARTHEL’S GUITAR Little King Records GRR1003 For 25 years, Jack Lawrence was Doc Watson’s partner, playing rhythm and trading licks with the late great North Carolina flatpicker. In this new release, Jack plays tribute to his friend by using the 1945 Martin D-18 he was given by Doc. Jack restored the guitar and…