Articles

Q –  I heard a song on the radio about an old truck driver telling a story about losing his family due to his addiction to shooting pinball. I was able to locate the song later online; it’s called “Pinball Machine” and the artist is Lonnie Irving. It’s not really a bluegrass record but it…

Over 50 Years of Broadening Bluegrass Boundaries Although bluegrass traditionalists may disagree, I feel that bluegrass music would not be as vibrant as it is today had the roots of the music not branched out in so many different directions.  Had the music remained bound to the repertoire, presentation, and style of the founding fathers,…

In many places in the U.S., at most small universities, depending on the location, a full-fledged bluegrass program can be hard to sustain. But, that is exactly what has happened at Colorado College, located near Colorado Springs, Colorado.  A private university founded in 1874; Colorado College was created when the so-called “Wild West” period was…

Carl Bentley was originally from Eastern Kentucky and grew up in a musical family. While honing his singing skills, he also developed a fondness and talent for songwriting. Unfortunately, he was in an auto accident in 1966 that almost ended his life. After his recovery, he started performing bluegrass music while working in software development….

Growing up in Kenton, Ohio, Mayfield played bass, guitar, and mandolin in his family band. As his music and songwriting skills progressed, he found himself playing in bands like Cadillac Sky, the Avett Brothers, and Mumford and Sons. He also accompanied his folk-artist sister, Jessica Lea Mayfield.  He formed his Mayfield Parade in 2011 and…

Kentucky-born, Wyoming-raised Shelby Means has been around the music biz for a while. She’s a former member of the acclaimed band Della Mae and more recently has served as the bass player with Molly Tuttle and Golden Highway. Thus, it’s no surprise that her debut album is such an accomplished and assured outing. Means has…