Reviews

Bluegrass newcomer Casey Penn mentions on Mountain Fever Records’ page that her solo debut album, One Step Away, is dedicated to the memory of her father, who she says lived a life of faith “one step away from heaven.” It’s a sweet notion about a sweet project featuring original songwriting, clean vocals, and solid picking….

Jason Barie, aka the Ramblin’ Fiddler, returns for his second appearance as the comic persona for the album Radioactive. In the latest episode—fully illustrated by Barie’s brother Eric in the CD book—the Ramblin’ Fiddler battles Shock Jock, who is warping the minds of teens with the devil’s music. The Ramblin’ Fiddler comes to save the…

Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers were clearly taking a shot that there’s still a place for a good old fashioned, traditional bluegrass album. They hit the bullseye. In a time when bluegrass is growing and experimenting and crossing over into other genres, this group of consummate professionals has stuck with what they know best…

It was 1987 and Pieter Groenveld of Strictly Country records had brought his recording equipment to a concert in Holland, in order to capture the event featuring three of bluegrass music’s pioneers—Bill Clifton, Red Rector and Art Stamper. Bluegrass Hall of Famer, Bill Clifton, from Maryland, was instrumental in spreading bluegrass and folk music not…

Wolfpen Branch is a Kentucky-based quintet formed by former members of the Wooks, 23 String Band, and Vince Gill’s band. The group includes Arthur Hancock IV (guitar, vocals), Chris Shouse (mandolin, vocals), Roddy Puckett (bass, vocals), Jeff Guernsey (fiddle), and Aaron Bibelhauser (fiddle).  Focusing on tight harmonies and driving arrangements, the five artists present a…

Ben Eldridge was the banjo player for the iconic Washington, D.C. area band the Seldom Scene for 45 years.  During that period of time he proved himself to be one of the most innovative and unique banjo players in the history of bluegrass music.  The Seldom Scene drew from a very wide range of musical…