Reviews

JUSSI SYREN AND THE GROUNDBREAKERS SHAVE AND HAIR CUT Goofin’ Fine Records GRCD 6168 Sounding for all the world like they come from the mountains a couple of hours drive southwest of the BU offices in Virginia, this band hails from several thousand miles away in northeast Finland. Make no mistake about it, these guys…

BILL EMERSON & SWEET DIXIE THE TOUCH OF TIME Rural Rhythm 1091 As one of bluegrass music’s most legendary banjo players, Bill Emerson has a remarkable résumé of awards, accomplishments, and celebrated collaborations stretching back to the 1950s. This is the third album that Emerson, a co-founder of the Country Gentlemen, has recorded and produced…

MERL JOHNSON BETTER MAN Patuxent Music PX-CD 229 One or two slight exceptions aside, the words “intense” or “driving” or “cutting” do not readily spring to mind listening to Merl Johnson’s new CD from Patuxent Music. His voice mellow, wistful, and dry, one that has elements of, among others, Mac Wiseman and Roland White, rarely…

ANDY STATMAN OLD BROOKLYN Shefa Records HORN-3004/5 The “On The Edge” category in BU’s “Reviews” section was created to incorporate music that extends beyond the parameters of straight bluegrass, but still holds interest for some readers. At times, my tired fingers have accidentally typed “Over The Edge,” and perhaps that would be a fitting description…

TOO BLUE TROUBLE WITH THE GREY No Label No Number I was sold on Too Blue’s sophomore CD from the moment I heard the vocals on the opening number “Face The Music.” Lead singer/banjo player Joan Harrison nails it. She’s just one of the four factors that make Too Blue an outstanding quartet. Betsy Rome…

LAURIE LEWIS SKIPPIN’ AND FLYIN’ Spruce and Maple Music SMM-2006 Laurie Lewis’ Skippin’ And Flyin’ is one of many tributes to Bill Monroe produced in 2011, to highlight the hundredth anniversary of his birth. Lewis combines a mix of Monroe tunes and a mix of originals and old-time classics with a West Coast twist. The…