cesaria evora last

A Final Communiqué, Tough and Tender

The late Cesaria Evora, the 'barefoot diva' who put Cape Verde's morna music on the global map, is fully present on Mãe Carinhosa, a newly released collection of her final recordings.
by David McGee
 

 
 
mama featured

Frans de Waal’s Case for Animal Emotions

In his new book, MAMA'S LAST HUG, Primatologist FRANS DE WAAL makes a credible case for animals experiencing emotions much as humans do. Suddenly, his ideas are gaining traction. DUNCAN STRAUSS, explores those ideas with de Waa...
by David McGee
 

 

 
lisa somebodys baby

Between Rock and a Traditional Place

Lisa Matassa's impressive EP Somebody's Baby is not for country traditionalist, but fans of contemporary arena-style mainstream country will find much to admire in the rock-fueled anthems, but there is evidence here of a sensit...
by David McGee
 

 
 
novemberthumb

‘The Point Is, You Can Go On A Musical Journey’

Celebrating 10 Years of Publishing: from TheBluegrassSpecial.com archives, the November 2010 cover story interview with RAUL MALO
by David McGee
 

 

 
Album Cover

When ‘Strictly for The Birds ‘ Is a Compliment

Veteran singer-songwriter STEPHANIE SEYMOUR is a bird brain--that is, the former Aquanettas member studies and loves birds. So much so that she's released an album of original bird-oriented songs.
by David McGee
 

 
 
kathleen edwards total

Kathleen Edwards Returns, Triumphantly and With Animals

KATHLEEN EDWARDS returns from a lengthy, self-imposed sabbatical to reclaim the high singer-songwriter ground she conquered in 2003. Her new album, TOTAL FREEDOM, says much about where she's been, and memorably so. A dog, and b...
by David McGee
 

 

 
Enchanted Places cover

Blustery Days? Only Enchantment Here.

Enchanted Places: The Complete Fraser-Simpson Settings of A.A. Milne, joins the burgeoning portfolio of Milne poems set to music.
by David McGee
 

 
 
buddy guy blues dont lie

THE DEEP ROOTS ELITE HALF-HUNDRED of 2022

The Best of the Rest for 2022...winners all!
by David McGee
 

 

 
junior mountains

We Need to Talk

A fine new long player by one of the best bluegrass bands extant, THE MOUNTAINS ARE CALLING ME HOME finds JUNIOR SISK & RAMBLERS CHOICE chronicling betrayals, regrets and loss. We need to talk.
by David McGee