Reviews

Sometimes a great attribute for an album is to be called “different.” Down in the Deepest Shade of Blue is different and it sounds, well, old.  I don’t know Steve Ludwig or any Casual Hobos, but I think this group would take that as a compliment. It’s their first album and all eight songs were…

There’s something special, something almost unquantifiable, that an assured and accomplished veteran brings to a musical project.  And you can sure hear that something special on singer extraordinaire/mandolin master Tina Adair’s new solo album, her first in nearly a decade. Adair, of course, has had a high profile of late as a member of the…

Rebel Records REB- 1975 Larry Sparks has never been shy about his belief of Jesus as his Lord and Savior. While there are many ways to approach such subject matter in the music world, Sparks keeps it simple, unapologetic and thankfully non-denominational.  Gospel music, however, can be as equally subjective as the 100-plus denominations found…

Englehardt Music Group Deanie Richardson is one of the better kept secrets in bluegrass music.  Can you write that about someone who has won two major awards? After the release of her album Circle Up, it may be an irrelevant question as the fiddler’s latest effort won’t escape notice as it is tight top to…

SEA COW RECORDS Bill Christophersen is a fiddle player from the New York area and is steeped in the traditional style of the music, having been influenced by such traditional groups as the New Lost City Ramblers, and others. Since 1971 he has performed with the Lazy Aces, Fly By Night String Band, the Rock-House…

In the course of three albums and seven years, this immensely talented New York-based band has carved out a unique and remarkable niche. Nefesh is led by singer-banjo player Eric Lindberg and his partner, singer Doni Zasloff. Relying on the couple’s exquisite songwriting, Nefesh has refined a stylistic integration of bluegrass, Celtic and Eastern European…