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Q: I have been a subscriber to Bluegrass Unlimited for around 45 years or more; this is the first time I have been in touch. I have a question. The Columbia recording by Flatt & Scruggs “Don’t Get Above Your Raisin’” has Chubby Wise listed as the fiddle player. It sounds more like Benny Martin…

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…

At 85, it is not impressive that Del McCoury is still making music.  What’s impressive is how darn good it is and how that voice is as strong and classic as ever. The beloved bluegrass musician has headlined his band for 35 years and has hit yet another home run with Songs of Love and…

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…

Bluegrass and Life at 85 Photo By Jason Tanner At age 85, Bluegrass Hall of Famer and Grand Ole Opry member Del McCoury still presents an impeccable image of professionalism and musical excellence onstage. He is quite simply one of the most respected ambassadors and one of the best-loved artists in bluegrass music. With a…

Photos by Emma McCoury If you have been to a Del McCoury Band show in the past several years, you may have noticed a young man standing in the back playing the guitar and wondered about him and his relationship to the band.  This young guitar picker happens to be Ronnie McCoury’s oldest son, Heaven….