Articles

Jim & Jesse McReynolds and Lucille Hutton The late Jesse McReynolds (1929-2023) was well known for his unique style of mandolin playing and the beautiful vocals he brought to Jim & Jesse and The Virginia Boys. He was also a prolific songwriter – a fact that’s under-recognized by many bluegrass listeners. This from Chris Jones…

IBMA World of Bluegrass 2023 Photos by Ricky Davis “I hear banjos.” Even Sir Walter Raleigh was wielding one. But music lovers sought no deliverance. The sound was coming from the streets of downtown Raleigh, North Carolina that were bursting with bluegrass during the last week of September for the IBMA conference and World of…

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…

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…

In the southern gospel tradition, High Fidelity proves that “church music” doesn’t have to be stodgy or sedate. “Music in My Soul” is a heaping helping of thigh-slapping, camp meeting music, with dinner on the grounds. It’s sure to bring out the listener’s inner Pentecostal. The opening track, “I’m Ready to Go” is a gleeful…

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…