Reviews

THE ABRAMS BROTHERS NORTHERN REDEMPTION United For Opportunity UFO 1025 From opener to closer, we’re on the last sliver of edge here. The title track of this predominantly original-material album begins with a couple of deep thuds, then launches into a medium-tempo country rocker with a likeable melody sung upper-register, emphatically and angst-driven. That vocal…

LARRY KEEL AND NATURAL BRIDGE CLASSIC No Label LKNB2012 Larry Keel has been carving out his own niche somewhere among the bluegrassers, jam bands, songwriters, and hot pickers since the mid-’90s. His casual presentation belies an intense passion for acoustic roots music, family, and a “don’t tread on me” lifestyle, with a fishing pole and…

AT CARTER STANLEY’S GRAVE: MUSINGS ON COUNTRY MUSIC AND MUSICIANS BY EDWARD MORRIS Storm Coast Press, No Number. Softcover, 218 pages. (Storm Coast Press, P.O. Box 150934, Nashville, TN 37215.)   Okay, what’s not to like in a book whose last line reads, “Scruggs threw all caution to the wind and broke into a small…

THE ROYS NEW DAY DAWNING Rural Rhythm 1105 Elaine and Lee Roy, a Massachusetts-born and New Brunswick, Canada-raised brother/sister duo, make some fine, if unremarkable harmonies. For whatever reason, their voices are a little bit subdued and understated in the mix on this otherwise very impressive song collection, which was produced by the eminently talented…

VARIOUS ARTISTS FOGGY MOUNTAIN SPECIAL- A BLUEGRASS TRIBUTE TO EARL SCRUGGS Rounder Records 11661-0638-2    With the passing of Earl Scruggs in March of this year, there will doubtless be any number of well-deserved tribute projects released honoring him for his role in popularizing the five-string banjo. It is hard to imagine any that could be…

LITTLE BLACK TRAIN BARN DANCE Native Home Music 102 Little Black Train is a little trio with a broad reach. While planted mainly in old-time music, the inclusion of Irish fiddle tunes and the prominent presence of California bluegrass stalwart Kenny Blackwell on mandolin sets it apart from most revivalist string bands. While it’s the…