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EAST OF MONROE BY THE RIVER’S EDGE Pennywill Music PM 1001 This is a mellow affair; three songwriters singing their own songs and some choice selections from others, dressed in great harmonies and sublime picking, making this a rich listening experience. There are eight musicians on this project. Gary Alan Ferguson sings and plays mandolin…

SIDELINE COLORS AND CROSSROADS Mountain Fever MFR161111 The liner notes to the new release from Sideline say there are four lead singers scattered throughout: Steve Dilling, Brian Aldridge, Skip Cherryholmes, and Brad Hudson. What the notes don’t say is who sings which tune. To be honest, I don’t know them well enough to hazard a…

THE KARL SHIFLETT & BIG COUNTRY SHOW SHO NUFF COUNTRY Patuxent Music CD-279 In the liner notes to his new CD, Karl Shiflett humbly expresses his hope: “If our music makes you move a little, tap your foot or if it touches your heart, then all our efforts have not been in vain.” No worries,…

CIRCA BLUE BELLS OF HOME: A CIRCA BLUE CHRISTMAS No Label No Number Unfortunately, this project was received late last year and we were unable to give it a review until now. Circa Blue is based in Martinsburg, W.Va., and includes Steve Harris (guitar), Matt Hickman (banjo), Malia Furtado (fiddle), Ashley Stewart (bass), and Ryan…

SISTER SADIE Pinecastle Records PRC 1200    Writing about an all-female band can be tricky. If I mention that these women—Dale Ann Bradley on guitar, Tina Adair on mandolin, Gena Britt on banjo, Deanie Richardson on fiddle, and Beth Lawrence on bass—kick butt on their instruments, is that a “gendered” remark? Does it sound like I…

JOHN LOWELL BAND THE SKALKAHO ROAD No Label JL0101 The John Lowell Band showcases the Montana-based guitarist, songwriter, and singer on its debut album The Skalkaho Road (listen for pronunciation). He also forms half of Growling Old Men with Ben Winship and fronted Kane’s River. His eponymous group includes former New Vintage banjo player Julie…