Articles

JEFF SCROGGINS & COLORADO OVER THE LINE Patuxent Music CD-325 For a band headed by an award-winning banjo player, one might expect its recording projects to heavily feature the banjo. No doubt Jeff Scroggins shines in many places on the band’s latest recording, particularly with his Reno-esque solo on the opening track “Big Train” and…

JOE WEED TWO STEPS WEST OF THE MISSISSIPPI Highland Records No Number Joe Weed has been around quite a while, producing atmospheric, acoustic projects that lay well on the ear with an uplifting feel to them. Each project has a theme, and here we are on a kind of road trip from the bayous of…

MISSY RAINES ROYAL TRAVELLER Compass Records 747152 Missy Raines has relentlessly established a reputation as a first-tier bassist and bandleader. Royal Travellerbuilds a strong case for her continued emergence as a singer, songwriter, and arranger as well. Produced by Alison Brown, this recording features five songs written or co-written by Raines, seamlessly integrated into a well-chosen…

DANNY PAISLEY & THE SOUTHERN GRASS THAT’S WHY I’M LONESOME Patuxent Music CD-311 If you’ve ever seen Danny Paisley in concert, he likely will have said something like, “If you’re here for real traditional bluegrass, you’re in the right place.” The same can be said of Paisley’s latest release That’s Why I’m Lonesome. While most singers…

TRADITIONALLY WOUND BACK WHERE I COME FROM TW Productions TW2018 This group, based in Ontario, Canada consists of three McDonalds, John (guitar), Justin (guitar) and Nick (mandolin), along with Tyler Beckett (fiddle), Sheldon Speedie (bass), and Dave Jack (banjo), forming an award-winning ensemble who have been entertaining folks for a number of years. The group’s…

BALSAM RANGE AEONIC Mountain Home MH17262 Since forming in 2007, Balsam Range has earned over 13 awards from IBMA, based on their eight solid album output and backed by their many acclaimed appearances at concerts and festivals. The band was the 2018 IBMA Entertainer Of The Year, and this project has reached number one on…