We have some good news about the new CD from Robin and Linda Williams, "These Old Dark Hills." It is due to be released on August 14.
And even more good news, the nice folks at Pretty Good Goods catalog will be streaming the CD live until August 14. So if you're interested in what it sounds like, CLICK HERE to give it a listen.
The CD is already starting to get some airplay. So far the song about the William’s dog, Tess, has drawn a lot of attention. And some of the guys who make guitars at Huss and Dalton in Robin and Linda’s hometown say they heard some cuts on Ian Anderson's folk show from Scotland.
with help from the likes of Alison Krauss and Tim O’Brien – Due Out March 6th
It all starts with a song, but for Julie Lee’s seventh album out March 6, it actually started with babies - not her babies, but the offspring of some of Nashville’s best musicians. As a longtime respected singer/songwriter, and Nashville being Nashville, Lee’s occasional side job of babysitting was for the likes of Kenny Vaughan (award winning guitarist for Marty Stuart, Lucinda Williams and more) and Mike Bub (Del McCoury Band).
They continually offered their services if she would get out and play again, and thus The Baby Daddies were born at a live show in 2010, inspiring her to get back into the studio last year.
On Julie Lee & The Baby-Daddies, Lee’s lauded and versatile mezzo-soprano inhabits songs inspired by all forms of Americana music, backed by the original Baby Daddies, as well as with special guests Alison Krauss, Tim O’Brien, Ron Block, and Sarah Siskind among others.
Roughstock.com selected what they consider to be “the most noteworthy newcomers of 2011” in their Year-End Review “The Best New Talent in 2011”.
Previously a band that was working for mainstream success on their own Pedestal Records, The Roys joined Rural Rhythm Records to focus more on their roots in bluegrass and acoustic music and this has allowed the brother and sister duo of Roy and Elaine Roy to shine enough to not only have a massively successful album in the bluegrass world but also be signed on to have their own variety television show in 2012.
North Carolina Bluegrass Favorite to Host 10th Anniversary Show at the Carolina Theatre of Durham on January 14, 2012.
Durham, NC - One of the Triangle’s most well-loved bands, The Kickin Grass Band, celebrates ten years of signature Americana-style bluegrass with a special hometown concert and celebration on Saturday, January 14, 2012 at the Carolina Theatre of Durham. The show is a co-presentation of The Carolina Theatre of Durham and Pinecone – the Piedmont Council of Traditional Music.
The Annual Folk Alley "Best Of" the year list is out and it appears as if the year's bluegrass products made good representation for the genre. Several, including Alison Krauss and Union Station, Steve Martin with The Steep Canyon Rangers made several lists from the various Disc Jockeys. Below is a partial listing and excerpts of their comments. To read the full list click at the bottom of this post.
Host Barb Heller's end-of-the-year CD picks
Gibson Brothers Help My Brother
Eric and Leigh Gibson have been singing together since they were kids, and playing bluegrass professionally since they were teens. I’ve always enjoyed their music, but – unlike many bands – the Gibsons continue to improve their singing, their writing, and their musical arrangements
Commemorating his 100th birthday in 2011, Mel Bay Publications announces the release of a new instruction manual on the unique mandolin style of bluegrass music innovator Bill Monroe. Play Like a Legend: Bill Monroe Tunes and Songs for the Mandolin was written by South Plains College (Levelland, Texas) music professor Joe Carr.
Here, for the first time, is an in depth study of the mandolin style of father of bluegrass music, Bill Monroe. Twenty Monroe style fiddle tunes and instrumentals, nineteen song solos and a special section on Monroe's approach to gospel turnarounds are presented here. Several of Monroe's characteristic approaches are broken down and detailed including using the chop position for soloing.
“It is a joy to hear both the exploration of this music and the grounding of it simultaneously. Also, I love the emphasis on the simple beauty of the acoustic instruments.”Edgar Meyer *******
“The Bee Eaters are the instrumental cream of the brand new string nation.” Darol Anger
Set to Release New Album “OddFellows Road” Sept. 6th
Acclaimed Boston progressive string band, The Bee Eaters, will release their brand new album, OddFellows Road on Sept. 6th. This highly anticipated project is the follow up to their 2009 self-titled debut album, produced by modern fiddle guru Darol Anger, that first garnered them national attention.
“I believe every sound you listen to informs your ears, and therefore your musical perspective. We grew up listening to the sounds of nature, rather than the sounds of cities,” says Bee Eaters co-founder Tristan Clarridge.
Perhaps it was their unusual lifestyle growing up in a tipi on the side of a mountain in a remote part of Northern California that influenced their musically explorative sound. Or the fact that Tristan and fellow co-founder and sister, Tashina, never went to a day of traditional school, sometimes driving thousands of miles for music camps and lessons and spent much of their time exploring and learning on three week backpacking trips.
Delta Reign, from the Mobile River Delta region of the Gulf Coast, is bringing a fresh new sound to bluegrass by incorporating swing rhythms, blues and a dash of jazz...
...The band is driven by strong fiddle and banjo, pushed along with swing rhythms,solid upright bass and a Jazz-smooth female vocalist...
Delta Reign’s sophomore album entitled, "Home", released December, 2010, brings to the listener a taste of delta bluegrass, with unique arrangements of six originals, four covers and four traditional favorites...a total of 14 professionally mixed and mastered tracks.
Clever artwork with a swampy, menu vibe, along with a song selection as diverse as the delta itself, the album showcases the band’s ability to appeal to listeners regardless of genre.
Formed in the fall of 2004, Delta Reign's bluegrass has evolved into something that contemporary as well as traditional fans can appreciate. The band is driven by strong fiddle and banjo, pushed along with swing rhythms and solid upright bass.
We heard from Mark Brine, a musician who's described as part Bob Dylan and part Hank Williams and praised for his efforts in American Traditional Music.
Mark's newest project is a 14 hour audio book based on the children's story about Jack Frost and accompanied by his original score.
Announcement Kicks Off Jam-Packed 2011 CMA Music Festival For Duo
Bluegrass Music's only Award-Winning* Brother-Sister Duo, The Roys, give a big shout out to Jennifer Silverman of Toronto, Ontario, who won the grand prize in the bluegrass/country duo's recent iPod Nano® Online Contest giveaway. The nifty new Nano comes pre-loaded with songs from The Roys' debut Rural Rhythm Records' CD, LONESOME WHISTLE.
We heard from Laurie Lewis who said she was proud to be included on one track of David Bromberg's newest CD "Use Me".
Bromberg's CD utilized a revolutionary concept toward record production. He invited several friends to write and song for him and then produce him doing the song.
Laurie writes:
One of the cuts was recorded in my home studio and produced by Linda Ronstadt. I sing harmony on it. t's a wonderful album from a legendary performer. David has made a great impact in the acoustic world, bringing a strong influence of Rhythm and Blues, and I'm so proud to have been included, or something. Check it out here.
Thanks to the Grascals for remembering Andy today and asking us to publish this video. Another FANTASTIC effort from the hardest working group in bluegrass today.
Sara Needham, Sav Sankaran,
Brandi Hart, Leah Needham,
Zachary Mongan,
Buddy Woodward
Prescription Bluegrass offered the Bee Liners a chance to be guest bloggers during the month of May as a way to keep fans up-to-date on the groups road tour, to give us all a glimpse into just what it really takes to put a touring band on the road and hopefully a method of attracting some "Dixie Converts" into the hive. So far we think it's working. Readership on their posts is incredible. Here in this third installment, group founder Buddy Woodward picks up where Sav Sankaran left off. See for yourself if you've been buzzed into the Bee Liners' swarm. [Read previous posts here]
George Orwell once observed that the first obligation of the intelligent man is sometimes to restate the obvious.
Which is a clever way for me to segue into Dixie Bee-Liners' Road Rule #2: No matter how hungry you are...no matter what time it is...no matter how tired, dispirited and cranky you are...NEVER eat gas station hot dogs.
"I'm Going Back to Old Kentucky (A Bill Monroe Celebration)"
NOW RELEASED!
Rural Rhythm Records is proud to announce today’s new album release, "I’M GOING BACK TO OLD KENTUCKY (A Bill Monroe Celebration)" by Audie Blaylock & Redline. The wealth of talent on this album is certainly a fitting tribute to Bill Monroe - especially this year as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the legend’s birth.
The album includes the talents of Audie Blaylockalong with Redline members: Patrick McAvinue, Reed Jones, and Russ Carson. Special guests on this exciting new album include: Del McCoury, Ronnie McCoury, Bobby Osborne, Glenn Duncan, Carl Jackson, Lou Reid, andJason Carter. Tracks include favorites, "Mighty Dark to Travel", "I'm Going Back to Old Kentucky", "My Little Georgia Rose," and many more!
I’M GOING BACK TO OLD KENTUCKY was recorded at Digital Underground, Engineered by Scott Vestal and Produced by Audie Blaylock. "Audie Blaylock & his Redline band have hit a home run with their new I’M GOING BACK TO OLD KENTUCKY (A Bill Monroe Celebration) CD on Rural Rhythm Records. With special guest vocalists Lou Reid, Bobby Osborne, Carl Jackson and Del McCoury they were able to capture the true Spirt of Bill Monroe's beloved Bluegrass Music,"said Charlie Hall, Radio Host WCYO FM. The entire album, including the first single, "Mighty Dark to Travel" is now available to radio via AirplayDirect.com
Audie Blaylock & Redline have of course also been busy touring and offering up fun new videos for their fans. Redliners, Patrick McAvinue and Russell Carson ride the Powderkeg roller coaster after playing a few shows at Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri all the while talking about the new album. Fans will also enjoy their recent performance on Fox 7 TV show in Austin, Texas promoting their appearance at the Old Settler’s Music Festival (see video links below).
"I'm Going Back To Old Kentucky", Audie Blaylock and Redline's new tribute to Bill Monroe CD recently enjoyed some creative marketing at the hands of fiddler Patrick McAvinue and Rural Rhythm Records while touring in Silver Dollar City, MO.
New Anthologies on John Duffey and the McPeak Brothers, plus a Second Volume of Larry Sparks Gospel coming June 7
REBEL RECORDS is proud to announce the issue of three new and important CD compilations from its extensive vaults. June 7 will see the release of superb collections by Larry Sparks, the McPeak Brothers and the late John Duffey.
Prescription Bluegrass Now Available On Nu-Blu Smart Phone App!
"Prescription Bluegrass is excited and honored to have our blog included on Nu-Blu's SmartPhone app. The bluegrass audience is quickly embracing new technology and Nu-Blu is a shining example. The Prescription Bluegrass Blog reports news of interest to the bluegrass community and Nu-Blu's SmartPhone app is one sharp way to deliver that news." -Brian McNeal
In other Nu-Blu News, Carolyn Routh writes:
Last month we were honored to have three very special guests share their talents with us on select tracks. Rob Ickes, of Blue Highway, Christy Reid, of Lou Reid and Carolina, and Greg Luck, of Riverside Audio, all stopped by to add their unique touch. Greg has recorded and performed with us on past projects and is always a welcome addition. This CD marks the first time that we have recorded with a Dobro and as always, Rob brought it. Christy helps out with her always beautiful vocals adding back up to a very special song. A great big thanks to all three of them for their contributions. Everyone is in for a real treat.
On Mother’s Day, we headed up to Virginia for a photo shoot with Dean Hoffmeyer. Dean shot the “Nights” cover and we are glad to have been given the opportunity to work with him again. He got some amazing shots as always, despite the subject matter and we managed to not break the camera.(However, Dean’s iPhone and one of his studio lights didn’t fare as well.)
As always, we appreciate your continued support and feedback. We have lots of new dates on ourTour Schedule and are adding new ones weekly. All the folks at Mountain Music Entertainment are working diligently to get us into your area for shows. If there is a venue or festival that you would like to see us at in your area, please drop us a note and let us know so our team can go to work on getting us there. And, please don’t forget to let the festival promoters and venue owners know that you want to see Nu-Blu. You, the audience, have the power to get us to your area.
While you’re online voting and emailing, drop by the new Pinecastle website and check it out!
We heard from Donna Ulisse that her band has been invited to go to Russia.
Donna Says:
The tour season for us is fast approaching and we've been adding some really interesting and exciting shows to my schedule. One that I can hardly wait to tell you about is...banjo roll please...we are going to RUSSIA! That's right, the country! We have been invited by the U.S-Russia Bi-Lateral Presidential Commission to perform at the second bluegrass festival in Russia. We will do two days of shows in Vologda and two days in Yekaterinburg as "bluegrass ambassadors" from the United States along with some of the fine Russian bluegrass bands. Here is a copy of the Bluegrass Bugle from the Bi-Lateral Commission that gives you an idea of what our trip will be like. We'll take lots of pictures and try to post on Facebook while we are there.
Last year Pete and Joan Wernick were the headlining act at the first bluegrass festival in Russia. Click here to read about their visit last year.
will Donate Percentage of Ticket Sales to Jordan Light Foundation, Shriners Hospitals for Children, and Highlands Center for Autism
PRESTONBURG, KY—The Blue Moon Mountain Bluegrass Festival announced today that 5 percent of all tickets sales will be dispersed evenly to five local charities, including The Jordan Light Foundation, Shriners Hospitals for Children, and Highlands Center for Autism. The Pikeville College Booth Scholarship Program will also receive a percentage of the profits from beer sales at the five-day festival to be held June 27-31, 2011 at the Prestonsburg Equine Center at Stonecrest.
Steve Spurgin is an internationally known and respected singer/songwriter with an extensive background in American music styles, from folk to country to bluegrass. His list of musical credits and experience could fill more than one career. All this history has suddenly come together in a powerfully recorded collection of songs that will capture the attention and imagination of the Americana music scene.
The acclaimed solo outing from bluegrass veteran and former Byron Berline & California member Spurgin, with a handpicked slate of all-star studio buddies: Dobro ace Rob Ickes, Swiss luminaries Uwe and Jens Kruger, mandolinist Adam Steffey and bassist Rusty Holloway. Ten Spurgin originals plus John Malcolm Penn's "Sasquatch" and Gordon Lightfoot's "Song for a Winter's Night
We have some good news about the new CD from Robin and Linda Williams, "These Old Dark Hills." It is due to be released on August 14. 
Gibson Brothers
