Reviews
John Hartford: Pilot of a Steam Powered Aero-Plain
Andrew Vaughan Henry David Thoreau said “If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away.” After reading John Hartford: Pilot of a Steam Powered Aereo-Plain, I would say that John Hartford was…
Ordinary Soul
Stephen Mougin Dark Shadow Recording Stephen Mougin’s recent release, Ordinary Soul, is his highest-profile entry to date. He’s flown somewhat under the radar as the long-time guitarist in the Sam Bush Band, but with this entry, Steve has established credentials as a top-notch singer, songwriter and producer. Mougin’s warm, expressive voice and dazzling guitar chops…
Time to Pick
Alan Sibley & Anthony Howell Noxubee Hills Music Group NOX-CD-002 I expected that those who are connected in business associations would speak well of each other in the media. It’s good public relations. Sometimes, those PR statements hit the nail flush. This is true in the case of Deering Banjo Company CEO Jamie Deering who…
The John Hartford Fiddle Tune Project – Vol 1
Fiddle aficionados and students of the work of John Hartford should be delighted with this recording. Note, these seventeen tracks do not contain “the lost” performances of Hartford, nor is this a tribute album. It is the first effort in documenting some of his work that was found in his archives by family members and…
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…