Articles

Reprinted from Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine February 1994, Volume 28, Number 8 The past few years have seen the rise of Del McCoury to the top of the bluegrass world after three decades in the business. Del sounds better than ever, and so does his band. Two of the band members have special reason to enjoy…

From an interview with Ken Irwin August 1972 Reprinted from Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine June 1973, Volume 7, Number 12 “Drive is the most important part of this music. When I look back, it is the drive in this music which excited me and that was the thing that I strived for.” Thus, Del McCoury, a…

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 a leading figure to rise out of the ‘60s folk revival, Tom Paxton’s songs have been recorded by everyone from Johnny Cash and Doc Watson to Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson and Peter, Paul & Mary. His “The Last Thing On My Mind” and “I Can’t Help But Wonder Where I’m Bound” have, of course,…

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…

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…