Old-Time Good-Timey, with Hints of Grandeur

Nashville's THE HOWLIN BROTHERS are poised for greater things, if the trio's new Brendan Benson-produced album, HOWL, is any indication. John Hartford, for one, is smiling.
by David McGee
 

 
 

Bluegrass Cum Laude, And Then Some

DOYLE LAWSON & QUICKSILVER begin 2015 with honors with bluegrass cum laude on IN SESSION. Highest honors here, and well earned.
by David McGee
 

 

 

Of Senses Engaged and Hearts Touched

Dig a fresh, imaginative take on some Brazilian evergreens--including three by ANTONIO CARLOS JOBIM--on the fascinating BRAZILIAN PROJECT by mesmerizing vocalist CATINA DELUNA and her LADO B band, featuring OTMARO RUIZ.
by David McGee
 

 
 

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
 

 

 

James Cotton, Fully Present

Cancer has robbed him of his singing voice but not his spirit or his ability to play blues harp like no else around. At age 77, JAMES COTTON is going strong, as his new album attests. Review by BILL DAHL.
by David McGee
 

 
 

Of Dark Hearts and Lethal Consequences

The Earl Brothers are back with their dark-hearted bluegrass--like no other bluegrass known to humankind--on Outlaw Hillbilly. Our Album of the Week selection chronicles the Bay Area band's continuing crafting of one of the mos...
by David McGee
 

 

 

The Wounded Wanderer, Restored

U.S. Route 50 lives in the shadow of Route 66 in the lore of legendary American highways, but it’s no less awesome as either myth or fact. Built in 1926 as part of the original U.S. Highway system, Route 50 runs east and west...
by David McGee
 

 
 

Right Where You Need To Be

On TURN TO JESUS, the newly minted DAVE ADKINS TRIO explains what it means to be known by God, to be held in God's gaze, to be 'right where you need to be.'
by David McGee
 

 

 

And Here’s To The Life

In a long overdue tribute. pop-jazz vocalist Connie Evingson does wonderful things in honoring the lyrics of Norman Gimbel on SWEET HAPPY LIFE, this week's ALBUM OF THE WEEK. Talk about killing us softly with his songs...
by David McGee
 

 
 

Joy To the World

Bluegrass Buddhist PETER ROWAN examines his personal spiritual journey on DHARMA BLUES and offers some insights we should all take to heart.
by David McGee
 

 

 

Always More Love to Be Had

The TWANGTOWN PARAMOURS are back with their third album, DOUBLE DOWN ON A BAD THING, with well-wrought songs, sparkling musicianship, affecting vocals and a deeper exploration of the nuances of relationships. It ain't over 'til...
by David McGee
 

 
 

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