Deep Roots Magazine

 
 

 
Spotlight Album

Extra-Savory Bluegrass

The finest in contemporary bluegrass is coming to you from Mobile, Alabama's DELTA REIGN. The band is back, following up its superb Calm Before the Storm with another top-notch outing, NOTHING BUT SKY.
by David McGee
 
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Spotlight Album

Of Life and Hearts in the Balance

The earth and the hearts of people living on it are in the balance in the potent songs on IAN TYSON's memorable new album, CARNERO VAQUERO. It's a Tyson classic.
by David McGee
 
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Reviews

Newport Folk Festival Goes Roots-y (But Hasn’t It Always Been So?)

A surprise set by JAMES TAYLOR was the highlight of highlights at this year's NEWPORT FOLK FESTIVAL. Our man on the scene, IRA MAYER, a festival veteran, reflects on the lineup's not-so-folky flavor.
by David McGee
 
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Reviews

The Past Is Present (And Accounted For)

On COUNTRY GRASS, LORRAINE JORDAN & CAROLINA ROAD bluegrassify old country hits but add a unique twist along the way.
by David McGee
 
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Spotlight Album

Indomitable

A Civil Rights Movement leader and powerful gospel singer, FANNIE LOU HAMER'S authenticity comes through most clearly on SONGS MY MOTHER TAUGHT ME.
by David McGee
 
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Spotlight Album

Art Songs, Folk Texts

In praise of POPULAIRES, a fascinating exploration of art songs with folk texts, by French Algerian soprano AMEL BRAHIM-DJELLOUL and pianist Nicolas Jouve, Reviewed by ROBERT HUGILL of Planet Hugill.
by David McGee
 
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Reviews

The Bassoon, In Search of Love

DANIEL SMITH enlists a stellar supporting cast and again proves the bassoon's viability as a lead instrument of great expressiveness on his new album, JAZZ SUITE FOR BASSOON
by David McGee
 
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Spotlight Album

The Eternal Ache in Full, Glorious Flower

The timelessness of CARTER FAMILY songs is underscored in DON'T FORGET ME LITTLE DARLING, an homage by ANTIQUE PERSUASION, a trio of roots veterans that has made one of 2015's finest albums.
by David McGee
 
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Spotlight Album

No, No Mortal Man This

Finally, a solo album from the legendary lead singer of the Persuasions, JERRY LAWSON. Expertly produced by ERIC BRACE, JUST A MORTAL MAN is a powerful showcase moment for one of the greatest soul singers of all time.
by David McGee
 
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Reviews

It’s Life, Y’know

It's the centennial year of MUDDY WATERS's birth, and two new tributes mark that special occasion: MUDDY WATERS 100, featuring contemporary Muddy acolytes, and the DVD, BLUES SUMMIT IN CHICAGO, 1974
by David McGee
 
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Reviews

Way Out Western Swing…

Best known as a jazz singer, SOLITAIRE MILES, in the guise of SUSIE BLUE, makes a convincing western swing chanteuse on her new album.
by David McGee
 
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Spotlight Album

It Starts With The Heart

Another triumph for MARK O'CONNOR, but this time he's sharing the spotlight with his ferociously talented new bride, MAGGIE O'CONNOR, on DUO.
by David McGee
 
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Before Deep Roots existed, it was TheBluegrassSpecial.com, from April 2008 through July 2012.