Reviews

VALERIE SMITH AND LIBERTY PIKE BLAME IT ON THE BLUEGRASS Bell Buckle Records bbr-022 There are just six songs on this new recording from Valerie Smith and Liberty Pike. All of them (and six others scheduled for release later in the year) were recorded in Owensboro at the International Bluegrass Music Museum and were produced…

STRAY GRASS WRITTEN IN THE STARS No Label No Number Stray Grass is a Colorado trio with their musical feet planted somewhere between folk and bluegrass, as influences of Hot Rize and New Grass Revival creep into their repertoire. The trio is Gary Tullio on mandolin and vocals, Guy Stephens on guitar and vocals, and…

NATHAN STANLEY MY KIND OF COUNTRY Stanley Generation Records 891805001855 The grandson of legendary bluegrass pioneer Dr. Ralph Stanley continues to branch out musically with his first-ever country album. Rest assured, though, that Nathan Stanley is not forsaking the roots of old-time mountain music that he firmly established from age two as a spoon player…

EDGAR LOUDERMILK ROADS TRAVELLED Mountain Fever Records MFR110111 This debut solo recording by IIIrd Tyme Out bassist is an enjoyable program of songs that include duets with many bluegrass stars. The title track features Marty Raybon, “One’s In My Heart.” “Can’t Live Life” features former boss, Rhonda Vincent, and current boss Russell Moore is featured…

LARRY SPARKS ALMOST HOME Rounder Records 11661-0662-2 Larry Sparks has been the real deal for years now. What I mean by that statement is that he is his own self, a bluegrasser with an original style who, at times, has a personality that is right peculiar in the best sense of that word. And, like…

JAY ARMSWORTHY I COULDN’T MAKE IT WITHOUT HIM Blue Circle Records BCR-027 Those familiar with Jay Armsworthy’s past recordings will know he works in a calm, even-handed singing style and with a soft, mid-range voice. While he can and does rise up on occasion, letting the emotion fly when necessary, his is a style and…