Reviews

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…

Kurt & Andrea Stephenson Traditional bluegrass fans will find a lot to like in the first release by the husband-wife duo of Kurt & Andrea Stephenson. The self-titled album features a dozen tunes that will be familiar to first generation fans.  The couple kicks things off with Reno & Smiley’s “Sockeye” and ends with the…

Leftover salmon “These are the brand new good old days/ My used to was got stuck in yesterday/ It’s never more now than it is today,” sings guitarist Vince Herman on the title track from Leftover Salmon’s eighth studio album.  “Brand New Good Old Days,” is a song so infectious it immediately lodges itself at…

The Alex Leach Band Esteemed singer/songwriter producer Jim Lauderdale, who has collaborated with everyone from Ralph Stanley to Roland White, produced this album. In the liner notes, Lauderdale calls Leach, a former member of Ralph Stanley II’s band, “one of the most talented musicians I’ve ever met.” I’d be willing to take Lauderdale’s word on…