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This dazzling live album doesn’t just capture an immensely accomplished musical ensemble in full court press. It also serves as a sort of ad hoc “best of” from Tyminski’s storied career as both a solo artist and as long-time singer-guitarist-mandolinist with Alison Krauss and Union Station.  Additionally, with originals such as “God Fearing Heathen,” “Goat,”…

As this impressive album attests, the Grascals, with 20 years of history, and members coming and going (and in the case of founding member Jamie Johnson, coming back again), are still going as strong as ever. They come blazing out of the chute with a salute to the Osborne Brothers, who’ve had an indelible influence…

Photos by Michael Weintrob In life, as in love, knowing when and how to make a change is crucial. For Mason Via, the youngest member of Old Crow Medicine Show, leaving the well-established band to focus on a solo career followed serious deliberation. Shortly after making the break official, Via released “Hey Don’t Go,” which…

If you’re a bluegrass purist looking for an album that sounds like it just wandered from the Appalachian foothills, look no further. Ancient Songs et al is heavily fortified with evangelical hymns, Woody Guthrie, Townes Van Zandt, AP Carter, and of course, Bill Monroe. Dry Branch Fire Squad seeks to preserve the essence of these…

Singer/songwriter Rick Lang follows up his IBMA award-winning CD, Gonna Sing, Gonna Shout with another all-star ensemble of musicians on Blue Collar Gospel (Billy Blue Records). The magical vocal pairings for the 11-cut project including Becky Buller and Nathan Woodard (“Rise Above It All”), Dave Adkins with Alecia Nugent and Jerry Salley (“Old Rugged Me”), Barry Abernathy featuring John…

The world of bluegrass music can certainly expect great things from Amanda Cook, who brings us her earthy and wildly artistic album Restless Soul. This is her fifth record from Mountain Fever where she’s worn many hats; recording artist, engineer, and now CFO.  Her fourth studio album Changes debuted #1 on the Bluegrass Billboard Charts…