Reviews

WALT KOKEN SITTIN’ IN THE CATBIRD’S SEAT Mudthumper Music MM-0071 Walt Koken was an original member of the Highwoods String Band, a highly influential old-time string band in the 1970s. There, he played fiddle. In the past twenty years or so, he has gotten back into playing the banjo more. Here he plays some fine…

NIGHTFLYER Kang Records kr0309 This is a very enjoyable production from this powerful southwestern Ohio quintet. Lead singer and guitarist Richard Propps shows off the considerable abilities he has gleaned from his time as a Southern gospel singer. Rick Hayes, who has acquired a Highlight Review in these Bluegrass Unlimited pages, is a tremendous bandmember…

VARIOUS ARTISTS THE NEW YOUNG FOGIES, VOLUME ONE No Label No Number In the early 1990s, old-time music was mainly available on cassette, particularly for the contemporary music of that time. In order to get it on CD, there were a few compilations such as a joint project between Old-Time Music And Radio and Rounder…

BYRON BERLINE THANKS BILL MONROE Double Stop Music No Number Byron Berline played fiddle with Mr. Monroe for a spell in the 1960s, recording “Virginia Darlin’,” “Sally Goodun,” and “Gold Rush” during his tenure. About the same time, he recorded an all fiddle tune album with the Dillards and with these recordings, he became one…

RAWHIDE THE DARK IS BARKING No Label RP1003 European bluegrass bands are known for having some great chops and this group is no different. Hailing from Belgium, Rawhide has produced a nice project of selections pulling from a variety of genres and sources, including Kiss, Creedence Clearwater, Mamas & Papas, Men At Work, Doobie Brothers,…

ROBIN & LINDA WILLIAMS THESE OLD DARK HILLS Redhouse Records CD 256 The Virginia-based husband-and-wife duo Robin & Linda Williams, best known in recent years for their frequent appearances on the radio show Prairie Home Companion, are masters of contemporary Americana. In their own unique way, they have incorporated elements of rural folk, country, and…