Reviews

NEWTOWN No Label No Number NewTown is the self-titled, first offering from this Lexington, Ky., band. The group features veterans Kati Penn-Williams (Dale Ann Bradley Band) and former NewFound Road founding member Junior Williams. With solid efforts from the Williams, as well as C.J. Cain on guitar, James Kee on mandolin and Terry Poirier on…

PHARIS AND JASON ROMERO PASSING GLIMPSE Lula Records Lula1102 Banjo maker, Jason Romero and his wife, Pharis, mine the depths of old-time country music in style and substance. They deliver their message in clear and direct voices in their singing and writing. Pharis sings in a style and voice similar to Gillian Welch but more…

RODNEY DILLARD & THE DILLARD BAND FEATURING BEVERLY DILLARD DON’T WAIT FOR THE HEARSE TO TAKE YOU TO CHURCH Rural Rhythm RCH 2010 This recording is a highly-produced, mainstream gospel program featuring top-notch pickers and the singing of Rodney and Beverly Dillard. This is part of their mission, Mayberry Values Ministries, which they are taking…

RUSSELL JOHNSON ANYTIME, ANYPLACE BUT ONLY YOU New Time Records NT 1012 Veteran mandolinist/singer/songwriter Russell Johnson has as distinct a voice as any in bluegrass, forceful, clear, and piercing. That voice is fully on display, along with his considerable songwriting ability and mandolin skills on this his first solo project—a varied, tuneful, and welcome collection…

SHENANDOAH DRIVE OLD DIRT ROAD No Label No Number Shenandoah Drive hails from the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, and features Danny Seabolt on guitar, Dave Kirk on mandolin, Gary Reed on bass, Chris King on banjo, and the entire ensemble on vocals. Mason Wright guests on this release and provides fiddle throughout. The band plays…

VARIOUS ARTISTS FANNING THE FIRE: BLUEGRASS FOR A NEW GENERATION Bluegrass Heritage Foundation No Number You will be enthused about bluegrass after you see this documentary from the Bluegrass Heritage Foundation. Of course, if you’re reading BU, you’re already enthused about bluegrass, but seeing and hearing the shear joy and energy of 16-year-old Lucas White,…