Reviews
Hometown Holiday
Husband and wife Darin and Brooke Aldridge breathe imagination and breath-taking soul into this gem of a Christmas album. The song list includes an array of vividly reimagined blasts from the past from the likes of Dolly Parton (“With Bells On”), The Statler Brothers (“Who Do You Think”), The Seldom Scene (“Christmas Time Back Home”),…
Retro
A native of western North Carolina, Donnie Dobro (Donald Scott) presents here a collection of songs he has recorded and/or performed on in the past. Scott, who plays resonator guitar and guitar, has gathered and credits current and former musicians that participated on these tunes. They include wife Barbara Scott (fiddle), son Joseph Scott (mandolin),…
Hands On The Tune
Stephen Wade is best known for his Banjo Dancing series of performances that featured his interpretation of traditional and old-time banjo and fiddle music. The name of the project, “Hands On The Tune,” comes from the ability of artists to take historical tunes, remake them, and put their own stamp on them. Wade showcases this…
The Lonesome Chronicles
A distinctive quality of bluegrass music is that songs about being lonesome–not just out of sorts, but isolated, remote, veritably swirling with feelings of abandonment–can be delivered in an upbeat, practically giddy style. The title of Kathy Kallick’s latest album prepares the listener for a depressing dirge. The reality is a welcome surprise. Bluegrass Unlimited…
Every Good Path
The primary directive for bluegrass gospel music is not to simply entertain, but to invite the listener to experience something personal and spiritual. At the same time, it has to be performed in an engaging and proficient manner to even crack the door open for its higher purpose. The Chigger Hill Boys and Terri have…
The Flood
The members of Rock Ridge have been entertaining folks around the Oregon/California area for over a decade. Formed by Rick and Josie Grant, the couple was joined by Dale and Suzanne Adkins in 2019. The quartet is known for their hard rhythm, great vocals and forceful instrumentals. With Rick Grant on mandolin, Josie Grant on…