Albert Castiglia — Big Dog Label: Ruf Records When Albert Castiglia wants to make a point, he makes sure that his point is made. On his latest album, Big Dog, he has plenty to say and he does it with a whole lot of style. That style is raw, rough, slightly heavy and very humid. … Continue reading
Category Archives: Music
‘On Top Of Old Smoky’: New Old-Time Smoky Mountain Music (Featuring Dolly Parton)
Twenty-three-song compilation, released by the Great Smoky Mountains Association, features compelling performances of timeless Appalachian regional classics by leading roots musicians, including Dolly Parton, Norman Blake, Bryan Sutton, Alice Gerrard, Tony Trischka, Stephen Wade, Sheila Kay Adams, Martin Simpson, Dom Flemons, Jody Stecher, Kate Brislin, Courtney Hartman, and David Holt. In the image of the … Continue reading
New Country: Zach Seabaugh
Zach Seabaugh — EP Zach Seabaugh has charm for days. Almost too much. The real question is: can he sing? Well… not really. But what he lacks in vocal gifts, he more than makes up for in cheesy, manufactured unoriginality. Could there be any worse mentor for the 17-year-old than the brand known as Blake … Continue reading
New Bluegrass: Bryan Sutton — ‘The More I Learn’
Bryan Sutton — The More I Learn Label: Sugar Hill Records Note: If this review is brief, it is because I spent most of what time I should have been writing in a state of listening bliss. One of the top acoustic guitarists around, Bryan Sutton’s new album, The More I Learn, is now available. … Continue reading
(New) Classic Blues: Vinyl Reissue Of Vintage LP ‘Josh (White) At Midnight’
Good news, blues lovers; get ready for a vinyl reissue of the vintage LP Josh at Midnight. In a massively influential career that spanned several decades, South Carolina-bred singer-guitarist Josh White(1914-1969) established himself as a pioneering musical force, a uniquely charismatic performer and a popular entertainer whose appeal transcended the racial and social barriers of the … Continue reading
New Jazz: The Evenfall Quartet
The Evenfall Quartet Label: Blue Duchess Records This instrumental collection of standards will probably stay in my CD player for quite awhile. I am already looking forward to listening to it again. It’s a completely satisfying collection of classics, including “Time After Time,” “The Shadow Of Your Smile,” “After You’re Gone,” “How Insensitive,” “That Old Black Magic,” and … Continue reading
New Blues/Roots: Mike Eldred Trio — ‘Baptist Town’
Mike Eldred Trio — Baptist Town The Mike Eldred Trio has extended the artistic reach of the Americana/Roots/Blues genres of music with their latest album, Baptist Town. Recorded in Memphis’ famed Sun Studios, the collection offers just as much variety as you’d hope might come from having been created in the legendary birthplace of Rock N’ Roll. … Continue reading
Rhonda Vincent’s New Bluegrass Single — “Mama Tried”
“The New Queen of Bluegrass” Rhonda Vincent is pleased to announce her new single, “Mama Tried,” released in tribute to the late great Merle Haggard. Rhonda presents the song with invigorating bluegrass instrumentation, and a sassy vocal, with a familiarity that has everyone singing along. “The song was selected to perform on an upcoming Merle … Continue reading
New Bluegrass: The Lonely Heartstring Band — ‘Deep Waters’
The Lonely Heartstring Band — Deep Waters (available June 3) Label: Rounder Records Bluegrass music has a new—or is it a first— heartthrob. I’ll let the rest of the music critics unravel every positive adjective available to describe the utter perfection of The Lonely Heartstring Band’s album, Deep Waters. I’d rather be the first to proclaim … Continue reading
“Mind Reader” — Dustin Lynch’s Third Consecutive #1 Single
Dustin Lynch’s star continues to rise as the Broken Bow recording artist notches his third consecutive #1 single with “Mind Reader” landing in the top spot on both the Mediabase and Billboard Country Radio Airplay Charts this week. The sultry, R&B influenced song (co-written by Rhett Akins and Ben Hayslip) follows his previous two #1 … Continue reading
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