three bells11 260x152 1415199906

For Whom These Bells Toll

THREE BELLS, a collaboration between three great dobro masters--MIKE AULDRIDGE, JERRY DOUGLAS and ROB ICKES--is flat-out a beautiful, evocative album with virtuosity always in service to the heart. Is is also the great AULDRIDG...
by David McGee
 

 
 
 

An Empress On the Forgotten Paths of Russian Song

Venturing down forgotten paths of Russian song on her new album, ST PETERSBURG, Empress of Song CECILIA BARTOLI offers a virtuoso performance of the long-hidden body of music composed for the Romanov court.
by David McGee
 

 

 
the roys view 260x152 1412624350

Existential Bluegrass

Bluegrass existentialists THE ROYS are back with THE VIEW, comprised of songs pondering the burden of memory as time marches on, along with philosophical appraisals of quotidian troubles and joys.
by David McGee
 

 
 
lissy walker wonderland 260x152 1411651678

Girls’ Night Out, In Style

It's girls' night out in song as LISSY WALKER, CLAIRE MARTIN and JULIE KELLY survey the Great American Songbook and posit some new, contemporary entries to it as well.
by David McGee
 

 

 
sallie cora talk with 260x152 1411650794

Paving the Way for Those Who Paved the Way

Twenty-five superb tracks, starting in 1940, of the Mother of Gospel Music SALLIE MARTIN's early recordings, appraised as invaluable by JOURNAL OF GOSPEL MUSIC founder BOB MAROVICH
by David McGee
 

 
 
dulcie taylor only worn 260x152 14108044101

Hearts in Flux

On DULCIE TAYLOR's moving new album, ONLY WORN ONE TIME, the singer-songwriter offers Finely etched reflections on mortality, heartbreak, self-reliance, self-doubt, commitment and similar weighty topics.
by David McGee
 

 

 
jesse spotlight copy 880x385 1410802840

The Whole Thing Was Such Fun

Perhaps when you hear Jesse croon the poignant plea, “Bring my baby, oh, my baby back to me…,” you think, Yes, please do bring him back. Please. Do.
by David McGee
 

 
 
ann klein featured 260x152 1410819341

Country Girl, City Rocker

ANN KLEIN has made a name for herself as a fiery guitarist, but on her new solo album, TUMBLEWEED SYMPHONY, she reveals a tender side plus an affinity for country music.
by David McGee
 

 

 
annie ross spotlight

Sing to Me, Sing to Me…

Having made so many memorable statements in her career, 84-year-old ANNIE ROSS delivers one of her finest on TO LADY WITH LOVE, in memory of her mentor-friend BILLIE HOLIDAY, with Pizzarellis Bucky and John on guitars.
by David McGee
 

 
 
442s cover 260x152 1409065744

Out of Nowhere, Making a Joyful, and Most Memorable, Noise

Out of St. Louis and in the spirit of The Goat Rodeo Sessions, The Punch Brothers and Mark O'Connor, The 442s have made a joyful, and most memorable, noise on their debut album.
by David McGee
 

 

 
kenny lavender conscious

Thoughts That Lie Too Deep for Tears

Two very different artists make two very different albums but still manage to cross paths. What do KENNY LAVENDER and his big band have in common with LAWRENCE BLATT and his guitar?
by David McGee
 

 
 
bucky three

A Classic Blend, Thus a Classic

Now 87, BUCKY PIZZARELLI gives a vintage performance in tanden with his guitarist son JOHN PIZZARELLI and his frequent six-string collaborator ED LAUB on THREE FOR ALL
by David McGee