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JOHNNY STAATS AND ROBERT SHAFER MUSIC FROM THE MOUNTAINS No Label No Number The latest recording from mandolinist Johnny Staats and guitarist Robert Shafer is one characterized by all of the usual superlatives expressing expert musicianship, but perhaps more than that by the aural surprises the duo offer here. If you scan the track list,…

NOAM PIKELNY UNIVERSAL FAVORITE Rounder Records 1166100196 “It’s finally here! Millions of fans have clamored for the latest release from global banjo sensation Noam Pikelny, and he’s finally obliged them with the release of Noam Pikelny Plays Noam Pikelny. Oh wait, what? Oops, let’s start again.” Well, you’ll forgive me if you’ve seen the hilarious…

TONY HUBER AND FRIENDS BEARTRACKS: FRIENDS Tresbear Music 002 Presenting an album of all original instrumental tunes tests the capabilities of a performer, arguably, more than any other type of recording. Faced with such a prospect, most performers choose to include one or a couple of known tunes, if for no other reason than to…

RAY CARDWELL TENNESSEE MOON Pinecastle Records PRC1203 Bassist, singer/songwriter Ray Cardwell is making his return to bluegrass. He started in that field some many years ago, playing first with his father, then with his siblings (including long-time IBMA staffer, Nancy). Then it was into the world of rock and reggae. Now, like many other wanderers,…

THE ORIGINAL FIVE HAPPY LANDING Rootsy Music ROOTSY140 Part of the truth in the notion that bluegrass travels well is evidenced by the release of Happy Landing by The Original Five, a group of musicians from Sweden. This is the follow up to the band’s 2015 release Across the Deep Blue Sea. Formed in 2010,…

VARIOUS ARTISTS THE KNOXVILLE SESSIONS, 1929-1930 Bear Family BCD 16097     ROY ACUFF & THE SMOKY MOUNTAIN BOYS THE KING OF COUNTRY MUSIC: THE COMPLETE FOUNDATIONAL RECORDINGS, 1936-1951 Bear Family BCD 17300 As the CD format sinks slowly into the west, Bear Family still maintains a high standard for comprehensive and well-documented country and…