Articles

The primary directive for bluegrass gospel music is not to simply entertain, but to invite the listener to experience something personal and spiritual. At the same time, it has to be performed in an engaging and proficient manner to even crack the door open for its higher purpose. The Chigger Hill Boys and Terri have…

From the twin cities of Minnesota come this interesting trio who formed around five years ago. They are Isabel Dammann (violin), Krissy Bergmark (tabla), and llan Blanck (guitar). Along with guest Olivia Diercks (cello), the group has produced a very pleasant all-instrumental project that has its roots in tradition but is quite modern in approach….

In the well-known song by Grandpa Jones, “Falling Leaves,” we’re told: “To your grave, there’s no use taking any gold. You cannot use it when it’s time for hands to fold. When you leave this earth for a better home someday, the only thing you’ll take is what you gave away.”       Jim…

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…

A Legacy of Consistent Excellence and Innovation With the passing of Jesse McReynolds and Bobby Osborne on June 23 and 27, 2023, at ages 91 and 93 respectively, most pioneers of the bluegrass sound have passed on and younger musicians are challenged to build on the musical foundation of artists like Bill Monroe, Flatt and…

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…