Bluegrass Unlimited

09/16/2024

If you’re a bluegrass purist looking for an album that sounds like it just wandered from the Appalachian foothills, look no further.

"Dry Branch Fire Squad seeks to preserve the essence of these artists by encapsulating their sound and I think that most listeners will agree that they were successful in doing so!"

Check out even more album & book reviews online at Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine when you subscribe!⬇️
https://bit.ly/3zeMHpZ

09/14/2024

Singer/songwriter Rick Lang, Songwriter 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).

Blue Collar Gospel is an inspirational collection of original gospel songs about ordinary people that thematically explores the struggles, the failures and triumphs of common folks thanks to their faith and relationship with God.

FacebookTweetPrint 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 (“Ris...

09/12/2024

Del Yeah!🎻👏

It is the popular refrain yelled by the crowd, seen on t-shirts, shouted from the stage, and shared by fans throughout the weekend at DelFest, the four-day bluegrass inspired festival. The refrain is a playful take on DelFest founder, namesake, and bluegrass legend, Del McCoury’s name!

A Gracious and Glorious Time Del Yeah! It is the popular refrain yelled by the crowd, seen on t-sSubscribe or log in to read the rest of this content.

09/10/2024

If you have been to a The 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.

Although Heaven enjoys playing every kind of music—from classic rock to R&B to funk to country and jazz—with the last name McCoury, it is hard to get too far away from bluegrass. And even though he has had many mentors in his musical life, he points to his father as being the most influential.

“Out of everyone, my dad has been the most influential because he has always been there and I trust his opinion. Now, all of the musical decisions that I’m making stem from all of the tips that mostly came from my dad. He is also a good guitar player himself and he taught me a lot when I was starting out. He kind of gave me the base of it all.”

Photos by Emma McCoury If you have been to a Del McCoury Band show in the past several years, youSubscribe or log in to read the rest of this content.

09/09/2024

❗Attention Bluegrass Artists and Bands❗

Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine is collecting band information for the annual Talent Directory (to appear in the November 2024 issue)! If you are in a bluegrass band and want to be listed in this year’s directory, simply go to this web address and fill out the form:
https://bit.ly/3ifrhgc

09/08/2024

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.

Based on this alone, the Grascals may well have yet another 20 years in them!

FacebookTweetPrint 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...

09/06/2024

With the release of their latest album 'Between The Lines,' Lauren and Leanna Price have recorded a project that they feel truly captures where they are right now on their musical journey. With Ronnie McCoury producing, and their band with them in the studio, the Price Sisters have finally solidified their unique sound.

Not long ago, The Price Sisters Price Sisters got to make their debut on the Grand Ole Opry and it was a night they will remember forever!🎻

Becoming a Part of the McCoury Family Photo by Allen Clark With the release of their latest Subscribe or log in to read the rest of this content.

09/04/2024

Jody Stecher is a long-time performer and promoter in the old-time, bluegrass, and folk music scene. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Stecher began playing at the age of twelve and grew to gain a background of those music styles, while learning to play guitar, banjo, fiddle, and mandolin. His collaboration with his wife Kate Brislin gained him a couple of Grammy nominations and he continues to produce memorable recordings such as this new one.
Jody Stecher & Kate Brislin

Checkout even more reviews online TODAY when you subscribe to Bluegrass Unlimited!⬇️
https://bit.ly/4e9iis9

09/01/2024

Bluegrass & Life at 85🎉

The September issue of Bluegrass Unlimited featuring the most awarded band in bluegrass history, The Del McCoury Band, is AVAILABLE NOW!

Trust us when we say you don't want to wait to get your hands on this issue! Click on the link below to subscribe!⬇️
https://bit.ly/42YccGi

08/30/2024

This veteran East Tennessee banjo maestro has performed and toured with just about everyone over the years, including, for starters, the Osborne Brothers, Jim & Jesse, Marty Raybon and Tim Raybon. And he’s gained a slew of friends and admirers along the way.

He’s called upon many of these friends while producing his star-studded debut album, which really is a superb collection with all the distinguished contributors put to good use.

FacebookTweetPrint This veteran East Tennessee banjo maestro has performed and toured with just about everyone over the years, including, for starters, the Osborne Brothers, Jim & Jesse, Marty Raybon and Tim Raybon. And he’s gained a slew of friends and admirers along the way. He’s called upon m...

08/28/2024

You might think it would send shivers down the spine of a teenaged Maddie Dalton Music joining one of bluegrass music’s hottest acts, Sister Sadie, and that’s exactly what it did. On top of auditioning for the 3-time IBMA “Vocal Group of the Year” and making her Grand Ole Opry debut on the same night, the band’s bassist had an exciting, fast-paced introduction to recording with Sister Sadie, a mere two weeks after becoming part of the team.

Ironically, perhaps to Dalton, the new album is titled, 'No Fear.'

Dives Into No Fear You might think it would send shivers down the spine of a teenaged Maddie DaltSubscribe or log in to read the rest of this content.

08/26/2024

Even if you have never been in a recording studio, you probably have a sense of the recording process at its most rudimentary level. Set out a microphone, play or sing into it and a machine records the sounds. Of course, there is much more to both the art and the science of recording, but—at the simplest level—most people understand the concept.

“Recording is like collecting all the pieces that are going to make the final product. It’s like when you’re cooking; you go for the high-quality ingredients because that basis affects the result. Mixing is treating those ingredients with care and respect, but also with balance and precision. You don’t want to over work the dough, but it’s got to be mixed well, or it won’t bake."

Mastering: The Final Gut Check Even if you have never been in a recording studio, you probably haSubscribe or log in to read the rest of this content.

08/24/2024

MohaviSoul is based in the San Diego area and takes its name from California’s Mojave Desert. While the band’s musical approach is contemporary, it recognizes its bluegrass roots in both the song writing and arrangements of covers.

The group shines with nice, tight harmonies combined with the rootsy-but-modern approaches to their songs. There is sure to be more to come from Mohavisoul.

FacebookTweetPrint Mohavisoul is based in the San Diego area and takes its name from California’s Mojave Desert. While the band’s musical approach is contemporary, it recognizes its bluegrass roots in both the song writing and arrangements of covers.  The band consists of Randy Hanson (mandolin...

08/22/2024

“Long live the Queen!” 👑🎻

When a writer for the Wall Street Journal reviewed Rhonda Vincent first Rounder release, Back Home Again (2000), proclaiming Vincent to be the “New Queen of Bluegrass,” that reviewer could not have predicted how long the “new” queen’s reign would last.

But here we are, nearly 25 years later and the Queen—who is now celebrating her 57th year on stage—is as strong, vibrant, hard-working and full of energy as ever!
https://bit.ly/4cecPiu

08/20/2024

Even early in his life, John Cowan’s vocal talents surprised and impressed those who heard him. As Cowan, now 70, recalls in his memoir Hold To A Dream, it was the cute sister of one of his friends telling him—“You sing really good!”—that scotched his interest in playing football and motivated him to give his full attention to music!

FacebookTweetPrint Even early in his life, John Cowan’s vocal talents surprised and impressed those who heard him. As Cowan, now 70, recalls in his memoir Hold To A Dream, it was the cute sister of one of his friends telling him—“You sing really good!”—that scotched his interest in playing...

08/18/2024

While various areas of the Appalachian region are considered the main hotbed for bluegrass music, there are other faraway parts of the U.S. where the music is appreciated and thrives. One excellent example of this is Orin Friesen’s bluegrass radio show, which has been broadcast from Kansas for an amazing 50 years.

Bluegrass Radio Show Hits the 50 Year Mark While various areas of the Appalachian region are consSubscribe or log in to read the rest of this content.

08/17/2024

For those unfamiliar with this Santa Cruz, California-based band, it is an off-shoot of what was once the Tuttle Family Band, which included Molly Tuttle, her father Jack Tuttle, her brother Sullivan and AJ Lee.

The title tune is a sort of metaphysical, urbane exploration that seems to be about the impermanence of nearly everything. “Bakersfield Clay,” written and sung by Scott Gates, on the other hand, is a new-age honky-tonk outing with some tasty steel guitar and fiddle solos and even some spirited yodeling.

FacebookTweetPrint For those unfamiliar with this Santa Cruz, California-based band, it is an off-shoot of what was once the Tuttle Family Band, which included Molly Tuttle, her father Jack Tuttle, her brother Sullivan and AJ Lee. Now, with Lee at the helm and guitarist Sullivan Tuttle on board, alo...

08/14/2024

“I remember the first time as a family when we visited High Lonesome Strings (HLS). It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon at Hagan-Stone Park for a monthly meeting. We all enjoyed the great band and then we stayed to let our young son jam with other musicians. That was when someone said to him, ‘Hey kid, what you got in that case?’ HLS was the first that invited Daniel to join in to play with others. Today, I look back and think, what a blessing this organization was to our son. I want to make sure other families have that chance.”

High Lonesome Strings (HLS), the central North Carolina-based bluegrass club, has been in existence Subscribe or log in to read the rest of this content.

08/12/2024

Annick Odom, lead singer and principal songwriter of this trio—named after a wild flower that proliferates in Appalachian West Virginia—grew up in two cultures and spend her formative years in both West Virginia and the Netherlands, where she formed this band.

Sweet Joe Pye principal template is old-time fiddle tunes, which on their new EP, are often set to modern themes.

FacebookTweetPrint Annick Odom, lead singer and principal songwriter of this trio—named after a wild flower that proliferates in Appalachian West Virginia—grew up in two cultures and spend her formative years in both West Virginia and the Netherlands, where she formed this band.  Sweet Joe Pye ...

08/10/2024

“Kentucky Borderline,” written by Rhonda Vincent and Terry Herd, was first released in 2003 on Vincent’s One Step Ahead (Rounder). In January 2004, it hit #1 on Bluegrass Unlimited National Bluegrass Survey and later that year was named “Song of the Year” by the International Bluegrass Music Association!🎙️🎶

“Kentucky Borderline” has remained a classic in Vincent’s live shows. “I never tire of it,” she said. “I love the tempo and the content. Terry put the bulk of it together, this amazing song that I’m excited to have.”

By Rhonda Vincent and Terry Herd “Kentucky Borderline,” written by Rhonda Vincent and Terry HSubscribe or log in to read the rest of this content.

08/08/2024

"I’ve had the immense pleasure of seeing Beppe Gambetta perform live at a cozy venue in Harrisburg, Missouri. He is a master of his craft; a one man orchestra. I’ve also had the honor of dining with Beppe; he is a man of culture, complexity and compassion," says Bluegrass Unlimited writer Karlos D'Agnostino. "'Terra Madre' is a reflection of Beppe’s character."

Read more about Beppe's newest album when you subscribe to Bluegrass Unlimited!

FacebookTweetPrint I’ve had the immense pleasure of seeing Beppe Gambetta perform live at a cozy venue in Harrisburg, Missouri. He is a master of his craft; a one man orchestra. His playing is strongly influenced by the great flatpickers of our time, but also has elements of classical and contempo...

08/06/2024

North Carolina-born and raised, Jim Lauderdale has devoted his life to music. Not only is he a singer, he is a prolific songwriter. For his eleventh bluegrass album, he collaborated with the The Po' Ramblin' Boys. The Long and Lonesome Letting Go (2023) features twelve powerful bluegrass tunes that Jim Lauderdale co-wrote with several individuals.

“When he came to ask about making an album, we were seriously blown away,” said PRB’s CJ Lewandowski. “It was really validating—Jim Lauderdale calling US to do a bluegrass album.”👏🎻

Songwriter & So Much More North Carolina-born and raised, Jim Lauderdale has devoted his lifSubscribe or log in to read the rest of this content.

08/01/2024

👸🏼 ALL HAIL THE QUEEN 👸🏼

We are THRILLED to unveil the August issue of Bluegrass Unlimited magazine, featuring the incredible Rhonda Vincent on the cover! 😍 🎻

This edition features an exclusive 11 page article detailing Rhonda’s amazing career and previews her upcoming album Destinations and Fun Places — set to release August 9th. 🤩

Click on the 🔗 below to get your hands on this special edition for just $10!

Use promo code QUEEN at checkout and receive a one-year subscription (that's 12 editions) of Bluegrass Unlimited FOR FREE. 📬

https://bluegrassunlimited.com/subscribe/

07/29/2024

Most people know Lizzy Long as the multi-instrumentalist, multi-talented singer, songwriter and sidekick of Little Roy Lewis.

In her woodworking shop, the Lincolnton, GA native labors to take pieces of solid wood and form them, quite artistically (with intricate hand carvings) into aesthetically beautiful works of musical art. Each instrument is pleasing to the eye as well as the ear. She works to achieve a specific sound quality, too.

“Every fiddle is different. It is on the person’s ear and what they like."

Most people know Lizzy Long as the multi-instrumentalist, multi-talented singer, songwriter and sideSubscribe or log in to read the rest of this content.

07/28/2024

Bob Seger cut a wide swath across the rock ’n’ roll landscape for decades, giving us classic hits like “Night Moves,” “Turn the Page,” “Main Street,” “Like a Rock” and “Old Time Rock ’n’ Roll,” among others. These songs have endured because they often captured the uneasy spirit of their times.

This fine collection reminds us not only what a gifted, versatile and timeless songwriter Seger was during his long career, but also how easily his tunes lend themselves to a bluegrass setting. These thirteen tracks certainly do justice to Seger’s artistry, as well as to that of the contributors.

FacebookTweetPrint Bob Seger cut a wide swath across the rock ’n’ roll landscape for decades, giving us classic hits like “Night Moves,” “Turn the Page,” “Main Street,” “Like a Rock” and “Old Time Rock ’n’ Roll,” among others. These songs have endured because they often c...

07/27/2024

Just a stone’s throw from Rosine, Kentucky — the birthplace of Bill Monroe — Owensboro has long been known as an important landmark on the road map of bluegrass music!

The Owensboro Community & Technical College is one of sixteen colleges state-wide that are a part of the Kentucky Community and Technical College system and bluegrass instructor Scott Napier has moved to Owensboro to start a bluegrass program!

Just a stone’s throw from Rosine, Kentucky — the birthplace of Bill Monroe — Owensboro has lonSubscribe or log in to read the rest of this content.

07/25/2024

It is not unusual for older folks to look at the younger generations coming up behind them and feel as though those youngsters don’t know anything about working hard or honoring tradition. It is an old story but, like all stereotypes, not always true.

If you have ever found yourself having negative thoughts about young people, then I’m happy to introduce you to the three Kelley siblings and theIndigo Roots Band

It is not unusual for older folks to look at the younger generations coming up behind them and feel Subscribe or log in to read the rest of this content.

07/24/2024

Twin brothers Aaron and Adam Bibelhauser are from Louisville, Kentucky, and have spent many years in the music business. Aaron sings and plays guitar, banjo, resonator and steel guitars, and piano. Adam sings and plays the bass.

Aaron is also a songwriter, session musician and radio host. His songs have been recorded by artists such as Balsam Range, Michael Cleveland and Del McCoury, and while based on bluegrass traditions, the arrangements from the group add a more contemporary feel to the recordings.

FacebookTweetPrint Twin brothers Aaron and Adam Bibelhauser are from Louisville, Kentucky, and have spent many years in the music business. Aaron sings and plays guitar, banjo, resonator and steel guitars, and piano. Adam sings and plays the bass. Aaron is also a songwriter, session musician and rad...

07/22/2024

Students attending Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, KY can consider themselves extremely fortunate if they have any interest in learning to play bluegrass music.

Although the university does not have a bluegrass music degree program, they do offer a Bluegrass Ensemble course and the person who teaches that course is multi-instrumentalist and singer Pam Perry—which is the extremely fortunate part for these students!

Students attending Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) in Richmond, Kentucky can consider themselves eSubscribe or log in to read the rest of this content.

07/21/2024

James Robert “Jim” Mills (December 18, 1966 – May 3, 2024) was one of the most celebrated bluegrass banjo pickers from the last forty years!

Mills came by his banjo immersion honestly; his grandfather played the old-time clawhammer style banjo while his father (sometimes referred to as Big Jim) played two-finger style. Geography played a big part as well. In 2000, Mills told Jack Bernhart of the Raleigh News & Observer that “I was born in the heart of banjo-playing country in North Carolina. I think that had a lot to do with me turning out like I did because it’s almost a heritage. So many great banjo players have been from here.”

A Banjo Master Gone Too Soon James Robert “Jim” Mills (December 18, 1966 - May 3, 2024) was oSubscribe or log in to read the rest of this content.