Reviews

THE STONEMANS THE STONEMAN TRADITION Patuxent Music CD-240 Four years ago, when we last visited the Stonemans (Patsy, Donna, and Roni), they had just released their first recording in years for Tom Mindte’s Patuxent Music label. Well, they must have done all right for Tom because here they are again! Digging deep into their vast…

COVERED GRASS TOOGAROO Fishdix Records 201301 Covered Grass has become one of the most popular bluegrass ensembles in Germany, and Europe in general. The band had a very successful U.S. tour in 2012 when they showcased at the IBMA World Of Bluegrass in Nashville, Tenn. The group consists of Corina Aurin (mandolin), Volker Fisher (banjo,…

MIKE ANDES THE SONGS I SING No Label No Number Here’s a double serving of very good music. Not only does this CD serve as a demo of the great original material of this talented Ohio-based singer/songwriter, but it’s also simply an enjoyable collection of well-sung and well-played bluegrass music. You can tell that Mike…

THE SPINNEY BROTHERS NO BORDERS Mountain Fever Records MFR130423 Bluegrass music has its many flavors, and groups like the Gibson Brothers have proven that folks from the North can make an impact on the genre. But while the Gibson Brothers are from upstate New York, the Spinney Brothers are from even farther up that way,…

SUTTON, HOLT & COLEMAN READY FOR THE TIMES High Windy HW 1264 The influence of the late Doc Watson on bluegrass, folk, old-time, country, and flatpicking guitar cannot be overstated. His joy, musicality, and overall brilliance helped open acoustic music to generations of listeners dazzled by his sleight-of-hand guitar work, warm and engaging vocals, and…

VW BOYS LISTEN TO THE MUSIC Mountain Music Recordings MMR-1016 Like me, your first exposure to the VW Boys, a bluegrass and comedy act, may have been their small but eye-catching (to say the least) ads here in Bluegrass Unlimited showing the trio shoulder to shoulder with a plumber’s helper plunged through their collective ears….