Articles

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…

If you’re one of us who sometimes requires a significant attitude adjustment to get into the Christmas spirit, this old-time Yuletide collection is bound to give you one. Mullins, a six-time IBMA Award-winner, including 2019’s Entertainer of the Year, has, along with his talented bandmates, mined the past and revived some delightful holiday gems of…

In the fall of 2022, I explored the region of Southwest Virginia that has produced some of the most famous musicians to ever appear in the long lineage of American roots music.  The 1,435-mile-long highway known as Route 23 makes its way from Jacksonville, Florida, to Mackinaw City, Michigan. About halfway in-between those two destinations…

Jerry Douglas was one of the most insightful people whom I interviewed for Discovering Tony Rice, Tony’s oral biography. He was perceptive about Tony because he is insightful about himself. We see that what Jerry has to say about his old friend also says much about himself.  I spoke with Jerry on July 12, 2022…

Q: In the words of the great Larry Cordle song, “Black Diamond Strings,” he says, “Well Daddy showed me three chords, but Jimmy Steele taught me how to play, He showed me the G-run I’m still using today.” Who is/was Jimmy Steele? Ted O’Brien, Oswego, New York. A: We reached out to Larry Cordle, who…

Looking back over the recordings that Jim and Jesse McReynolds made with their band the Virginia Boys, one will notice that there was no lack of talent in the banjo spot.  Take a look at the list on page 34 and you will notice a number of 5-string legends.   Although talent abounds on this…