Reviews

DICK KIMMEL & CO. DREAMIN’ DKC Records 2011-1 Veteran artist Dick Kimmel is joined here by regular bandmates Jerilynn Kjellberg (vocals and guitar), Lee Folta (bass), Tim O’Connor (banjo and vocals), and Bruce Bernhart (mandolin), with guests Becky Buller on fiddle and Kimmel’s son, Ian, on guitar. The group has a traditional bluegrass sound while…

FAREWELL DRIFTERS ECHO BOOM Heart Squeeze Records HS2K111 The Farewell Drifters find themselves in the revived argument over the definition of bluegrass. The younger generation of performers whom are currently taking the music in a different direction are dealing with the same thing that my age group, the newgrass generation, dealt with forty years ago….

JOHN REISCHMAN & THE JAYBIRDS VINTAGE & UNIQUE Corvus Records CR018 Similarity, in a good way, is the word for recordings from John Reischman and the Jaybirds. Not the music on the records, just the quality and the musicianship. You can always count on Reischman’s exquisite mandolin work and its clear, fluid, and articulated lines…

JIM LAUDERDALE REASON AND RHYME: BLUEGRASS SONGS BY ROBERT HUNTER & JIM LAUDERDALE Sugar Hill SUG-CD-4070 Listening to a new Jim Lauderdale album is a little like catching up with a trusted old friend that you only get to visit once or twice a year. The encounter, without fail, leaves you feeling buoyant and renewed….

DAVE LEATHERMAN EASY MEMORIES Molly Mae Prod. No Number Few song types have the impact of a finely-crafted, slow country weeper—all the better if it has a good message. Maybe it’s the cathartic quality or maybe you just think, “Well, at least my life’s not that bad.” They sure are effecting and affecting. On this…

SUZY BOGGUSS AMERICAN FOLK SONGBOOK Loyal Dutchess Records 1006 Are you having a bad day? Is your world temporarily spinning out of control? If so, I’d suggest sitting down in your favorite quiet place and listening to American Folk Songbook, Suzy Bogguss’ calmly soothing and quietly gorgeous collection of musical Americana. The Grammy- and Country…