Articles

A native of western North Carolina, Donnie Dobro (Donald Scott) presents here a collection of songs he has recorded and/or performed on in the past. Scott, who plays resonator guitar and guitar, has gathered and credits current and former musicians that participated on these tunes. They include wife Barbara Scott (fiddle), son Joseph Scott (mandolin),…

Stephen Wade is best known for his Banjo Dancing series of performances that featured his interpretation of traditional and old-time banjo and fiddle music. The name of the project, “Hands On The Tune,” comes from the ability of artists to take historical tunes, remake them, and put their own stamp on them. Wade showcases this…

A distinctive quality of bluegrass music is that songs about being lonesome–not just out of sorts, but isolated, remote, veritably swirling with feelings of abandonment–can be delivered in an upbeat, practically giddy style. The title of Kathy Kallick’s latest album prepares the listener for a depressing dirge. The reality is a welcome surprise.  Bluegrass Unlimited…

The primary directive for bluegrass gospel music is not to simply entertain, but to invite the listener to experience something personal and spiritual. At the same time, it has to be performed in an engaging and proficient manner to even crack the door open for its higher purpose. The Chigger Hill Boys and Terri have…

Jim Lauderdale has earned his reputation as the consummate collaborator over the course of his career and his latest collaboration with bluegrass powerhouse The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys (PRB) banks as one of his best in his extensive 36 album discography.  The album is one of the best traditional bluegrass albums I have heard in a…

IBMA World of Bluegrass 2023 Photos by Ricky Davis “I hear banjos.” Even Sir Walter Raleigh was wielding one. But music lovers sought no deliverance. The sound was coming from the streets of downtown Raleigh, North Carolina that were bursting with bluegrass during the last week of September for the IBMA conference and World of…