Reviews
Old Time Fiddle Tune Favorites
By Tristan Scroggins In the introduction to his instructional book for mandolin, Old Time Fiddle Tune Favorites, Tristan Scroggins discusses an issue that many bluegrass players face when they attend a jam session and someone calls out an old-time fiddle tune. Tristan writes, “I grew up playing bluegrass music so I was always intimidated when…
The MilBillies
After spending the last two years honing their craft, the Milwaukee-based quintet The MilBillies don’t disappoint with their self-titled debut effort (out Nov. 6, 2020) that straddles the line between the traditional and progressive schools of bluegrass along with hints of blues, punk and country. Comprised of Matt Brey (mandolin), Eben Flood (guitar), Dan Shaw…
Dreams from the Overlook
Jody Stetcher For many years I’ve scanned the albums of Jody Stecher and partner Kate Brislin for overlooked gems of early bluegrass and folk music. There was always a clarity and power in the renditions that brought out the beauty of the tune. The new album Dreams from the Overlook, I’m happy to say, follows…
Fall Like Rain
Justin Moses Mountain Fever Records MFR-110100 If ever there was a “showcase album,” Justin Moses’ Fall Like Rain fits the bill. Many artists write songs for and sing on their albums, but not that many also play EVERY INSTRUMENT. Add to that an all-star lineup of bluegrass performers and you have a top-shelf CD. Moses…
Fox Hollow Memories: Songs I Wrote With Dixie and Tom T. Hall
Troy Engle Rocky Glen Music RGM-320 Fox Hollow, legendary singer-songwriter Tom T. Hall’s rustically elegant estate near Franklin, Tennessee, was often a gathering place for his extended musical family. ` For quite a long time during his formative years, Troy Engle, a well-credentialed singer, songwriter and picker who now heads his own accomplished bluegrass band,…
Randy Wood: The Lore of Luthier
Daniel Wile University of Tennessee Press Randy Wood is the Zelig of bluegrass, a man who has been involved deeply in bluegrass at many of its seminal events, from its earliest stages to the boom era of bluegrass on Nashville’s Broadway, and his current role as one of the legends in vintage instrument repair, restoration,…