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Closer Than I’ve Ever Been
Daniel Crabtree, a gifted and divinely inspired songwriter with an engaging roughhewn vocal style, is a man on a mission. As he explains in the press material accompanying his fifth album: “I believe a spiritual battle is going on inside man and the world …. As Christians, we should be willing to take on the…
Life’s Been Good
Based in the New York area, the band is led by Ed Krizni (guitar), and is joined on this project by Ron Trotta (banjo), Bill Turner (resonator guitar), Travis Wetzel (fiddle, mandolin), Alice Harmon (dulcimer), Larry Greybill (bass), Joe Fili (fiddle), and Justin Sitler (banjo, guitar). This release is a 2-CD 40-song collection of…
Hangovers & Heartaches
It’s not often that bands go on a 10-year hiatus and decide to give things another go. Traditional bluegrass fans should be glad an old gravestone inspired Maine-based Breakin’ Strings to make the trek to Nashville to produce Hangovers & Heartaches. Cliff Gelena, a third generation bluegrass performer, heads up the group with lead vocals,…
RBR Entertainment Rises Like A Phoenix
A new record label launched by longtime songwriting collaborators Billy Droze and Chris Myers is turning heads in the bluegrass music industry. RBR Entertainment is churning out hits on bluegrass radio these days by an ever-growing roster of talented newcomers and established veterans. Droze is the label’s creative director and founder who produces projects at…
Aleyas Mandolins
A Gem From Coal Country’s Deep Heart Photo by Callie Thomas In today’s hyper-competitive custom luthier marketplace, excellence is only the price of admission for new mandolin builders. For an emerging luthier, getting noticed under the blinding luminescence of top-tier builders like Heiden, Kimble, Ellis, McClanahan and more means building instruments early in your career…
New Growth on an Old Vine
Photos by Johnny Calcagno There is no groove in American music quite as deep as the one laid down by a hard-driving old-time stringband in full roar. It doesn’t require trickeration or effects pedals or fancy lighting. It can’t be faked. The groove comes from the heart, and it comes from the soul. The Onlies,…