Bluegrass Makes Good Showing On SING OUT "Best List"

Sing Out Magazine's 2nd Annual GREAT ALBUMS OF THE YEAR for 2014 includes a total of 21 different projects.

Out of the 21, Bluegrass scored 3 mentions.  The list is not a ranking but rather the magazine chose to compile a list, in no particular order, of albums released this year that they felt deserve merit or recognition for a multitude of reasons.

Perhaps the most significant of the three is the all-instrumental recording THREE BELLS by Dobro Masters Auldridge, Douglas and Ickes on Rounder Records.  The magazine's John Lupton writes:

"Three Bells is exceptional on many levels, not least of which is that it features the three Dobro players widely regarded as the best at their craft demonstrating the full dynamic breadth and capabilities of the instrument – though sadly, Mike Auldridge passed away shortly after the sessions were completed. Exceptional also in that there is no backup band, just the three of them combining for an exquisite harmonic treat."

Meanwhile, Glen Herbert thinks Richard Bennett's In The Wind Somewhere on Lonesome Day Records is sadly a record most may not have heard. 

"This is a quiet album, with some famous friends sitting in, including Tony Rice. There are comparisons to be made between Bennett and Rice, and rightly so, most notably his very light touch, his mastery of his instrument, and his ability to arrange a song."

Glen also picked out another lesser known entity in RED JUNE's Ancient Dreams on Organic Records.

"The skill is clear, the musicianship is deft, the vocal harmonies are fresh and atypical. ... and the songs are allowed to speak for themselves."

Read the full report, comment on them or even add to the list of what you think was worthy of recognition - click here.