Reviews

CIRCA BLUE No Label No Number It isn’t often you get to begin a bluegrass album review by talking about Latin.  But Circa Blue’s name says it all. Circa by definition means “around” or “about,” as mentioned in the CD liner notes, and that is certainly the best way to describe the content. The West…

CARRIE HASSLER THE DISTANCE Rural Rhythm RUR-1092 Carrie Hassler has a beautiful voice, one that is expressive and versatile, running from smooth to sultry to bluesy to chin-up shoulders-back powerful. All those qualities illustrate this, her third recording, her first since 2008, and first without her group, Hard Rain. Hassler jumps on it right at…

BRAND NEW STRINGS STAY TUNED Rural Rhythm RUR-1098 Brand New Strings is definitely banking on packing a powerful punch in a small package. With the release of their second album Stay Tuned, it’s a pretty good bet to make. But, BNS has been on a long continous roll since forming in 2008, winning the SPBGMA…

BIG RED BARN BARN AGAIN No Label Brb002 Big Red Barn is either a bluegrass band disguised as a fun-loving bar band or a fun-loving bar band disguised as a bluegrass band. Listening to their CD, Barn Again, it’s clear that whichever rings most true, they have eclectic tastes and adept musical imaginations. Despite a…

BLUEGRASS JAMMING ON FIDDLE—BY WAYNE ERBSEN. (Native Ground Books and Music, 109 Bell Rd., Asheville, NC 28805, www.nativeground.com.) Wayne Erbsen has taught many folks how to play a variety of instruments and additionally has written many books to teach and learn from. The true depth of his experiences can be seen in this book that…

ISAAC CANTOR ROAD TO NOYO ICR Records ICR-12 The secret to success is knowing your strengths and how to build upon them. Mr. Cantor does just this on this nine cut project. Surrounding himself with some of the best pickers in the Bay Area, this Californian shares the spotlight with them, resulting in an interesting…