Then Came The Reign

Though nominally a bluegrass group, Mobile, Alabama's DELTA REIGN brings folk, blues and western swing styles to bear on its music, originals and covers alike,on Calm Before the Storm, our new Album of the Week.
by David McGee
 

 
 

Rhonda’s Revenge

Though she says it was inspired by George Jones, Rhonda Vincent's ONLY ME, a double-CD release containing one side of country and one of bluegrass, has n other message to send. Call it Rhonda's Revenge.
by David McGee
 

 

 

Wondrous Incandescence

Two folk veterans are at the top of their games: TOM PAXTON on his new REDEMPTION ROAD album and MICKEY CLARK (with his band THE BLUE NORTHER) on REASONS & RHYMES.
by David McGee
 

 
 

Planting Seeds in The Wild

Trumpian turbulence and an inner spiritual journey fuel CARY MORIN's arresting new collection of solo acoustic fingerpicked beauties, including a triumphant anthem for the Standing Rock protests.
by David McGee
 

 

 

A Gift of Transcendence

LOWLAND HUM returns with its fifth album, GLYPHONIC, and our JOSEPH MCSPADDEN finds it to be ;a song cycle that challenges the artist and listener alike to resist the gravitational pull of the material world and to choose to li...
by David McGee
 

 
 

To Shine Is Why You Came

VALERIE JUNE seems to have stepped out of some sort of enchanted forest, spreading powerfully delivered but gentle-spirited songs that are so filled with whimsy and wonder they seem to be borne more of pixie dust than musical n...
by David McGee
 

 

 

In Heavy Rotation: Songwriters & Songs

Singers and their songs (some original, some covers): LANCE COWAN, GRAYSON CAPPS and ARLEN ROTH.
by David McGee
 

 
 

With Purpose and Passion

"We were just raising some funds for this amazing junior high school on two Sunday afternoons with the student body and teachers also in attendance,” Darrell Scott writes in the liner copy. It may indeed have been as casual a...
by David McGee
 

 

 

The Songs Linger On…

Multiple JUNO award winner OLD MAN LUEDECKE has one of the sleeper albums of 2013 in TENDER IS THE NIGHT. Produced by TIM O'BRIEN, its songs linger in memory and beg repeat listens.
by David McGee
 

 
 

Claire in Autumn

Although Claire Lynch’s exceptional Compass label debut, Dear Sister, was released at the end of May, at the height of Spring, it has the reflective, contemplative feel of an autumnal missive.
by David McGee
 

 

 

It’s Small’s World After All

Adhering to a '1 guitar, 1 voice, one foot format,' MARK T. SMALL's solo acoustic collection of mostly blues songs, with a taste of country and bluegrass for variety, is a low-key, honest effort that leaves a good feeling in it...
by David McGee
 

 
 

Tough Love? Tough Stuff.

Bluesman TINSLEY ELLIS's new CD, TOUGH LOVE, proves itself tough stuff indeed--10 original songs played and sung with conviction to burn.
by David McGee