Reviews
It’s Just Me
After 60 years of success in bluegrass, Larry Sparks stands as a true legend. His new CD, It’s Just Me, delivers (almost) exactly that. Over ten tunes here, Sparks plays rhythm and lead guitar and vocals, backed by Larry D. Sparks on bass. No fillers, no showy guest stars, just the quiet dignity and enduring…
One Step Away
Bluegrass newcomer Casey Penn mentions on Mountain Fever Records’ page that her solo debut album, One Step Away, is dedicated to the memory of her father, who she says lived a life of faith “one step away from heaven.” It’s a sweet notion about a sweet project featuring original songwriting, clean vocals, and solid picking….
Radioactive
Jason Barie, aka the Ramblin’ Fiddler, returns for his second appearance as the comic persona for the album Radioactive. In the latest episode—fully illustrated by Barie’s brother Eric in the CD book—the Ramblin’ Fiddler battles Shock Jock, who is warping the minds of teens with the devil’s music. The Ramblin’ Fiddler comes to save the…
Let Time Ride
Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers were clearly taking a shot that there’s still a place for a good old fashioned, traditional bluegrass album. They hit the bullseye. In a time when bluegrass is growing and experimenting and crossing over into other genres, this group of consummate professionals has stuck with what they know best…
Live In Holland 1987
It was 1987 and Pieter Groenveld of Strictly Country records had brought his recording equipment to a concert in Holland, in order to capture the event featuring three of bluegrass music’s pioneers—Bill Clifton, Red Rector and Art Stamper. Bluegrass Hall of Famer, Bill Clifton, from Maryland, was instrumental in spreading bluegrass and folk music not…
Long Hill To Climb
Wolfpen Branch is a Kentucky-based quintet formed by former members of the Wooks, 23 String Band, and Vince Gill’s band. The group includes Arthur Hancock IV (guitar, vocals), Chris Shouse (mandolin, vocals), Roddy Puckett (bass, vocals), Jeff Guernsey (fiddle), and Aaron Bibelhauser (fiddle). Focusing on tight harmonies and driving arrangements, the five artists present a…