WEDNESDAY REVIEW - Old Road New Again

 Good morning, country fans... Okay - so it's early after noon. I've been cleaning the house while I listened to the newest release by The Dillards.

Yes THOSE Dillards. 

You may remember them as The Darlings on Andy Griffith. I have to admit I am partial to these folks. See, they are originally right up the road from me about fifteen miles, in Salem Missouri.

I couldn't continue with this review without paying a momentary tribute to Mitch Jayne.

 I was thrilled when we moved down here but became irritated with myself when I failed to take time to meet the late Mitch Jayne (remember the upright base player). He was also a talented newspaper columnist. Sadly, he passed away in August of 2010. (obituary) 

A few months ago, Bob and I watched The Dillards on a PBS program. These folks really put on a production. The presentation isn't just about the music. When you have the chance to see them, go! You will be entertained.

Imagine my surprise when I opened an envelope from Kyle at Pinecastle Records. While I've not covered a lot of Kyle's clients in a couple of years, he always keeps me on his review list. I'm really glad he does! This is the Dillards' first album since 1991.

OLD ROAD NEW AGAIN is a perfect compilation of classics with a heavy shot of Bluegrass as well as new tunes, including one written long ago by Rodney Dillard and Mitch Jayne (Take Me Along for the Ride) and a couple Rodney co-wrote with his wife Beverly. Beverly also provides lead vocals and clawhammer banjo.

Rodney and Beverly Dillard

There is a lot to like about this album, eleven of them to be exact. Each one a perfect track blending the simple life of Mayberry with traditional bluegrass. 

The Dillards brought in some of the best in Bluegrass to pull this album together. Classic bluegrass wouldn't be complete without Sharon & Cheryl White or Ricky Skaggs. Herb Pedersen (joined by Sam Bush on The Whole World Round)is featured on five tunes (including the title track). Bernie Leadon lends his vocals on two tracks and the great Don Henley three outstanding numbers. 

With folks like that in your corner, you have to hit #1... it's a given.

OLD ROAD NEW AGAIN will take you back when life was simpler, you knew your neighbors and wouldn't trade a plug nickle for your life. 

I'm giving this album...

Here's a video for you:

You can keep up to date with The Dillards on the following social media locations:

WEBSITE   FACEBOOK   TWITTER   

Copies of this and other albums are available to listen and/ or for purchase:

WEBSTORE   PINECASTLE RECORDS   AMAZON      Spotify   AppleMusic

CONCERTS & EVENTS

Check out this amazing line-up performing some of the best Bluegrass you'll ever hear!

Only the best music plays in TEXAS!

COMING UP!

I know I'm supposed to be on hiatus, and the revisions are going well - thanks for asking ;-)

I had an email apprising me of a new album coming out by Lorraine Jordan. I could not pass up the opportunity to review this new Blue Grass album so come back tomorrow and give it a listen!

I'M BACK!!!

First off... HUGE Congratulations and CountryBlessings to Chris Stapleton, Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit as well as Rhonda Vincent & the Rage last night at the Grammy's. WOW! What an amazing night for country music!

First off, Chris Stapleton:

Best Country Album - From A Room Vol. 1

Best Country Solo Performance - Either Way

Best Country Song - Broken Halos

Jason Isbell:

Best Americana Album - Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit - The Nashville Sound

Rhonda Vincent:

Best Bluegrass Album - Rhonda Vincent & the Rage - In Concert Vol. 1

I am so happy to be putting this blog back together. Of all the things I'm involved in, this blog and the items I include here are what I've missed the most. I'll need a couple weeks to get reviews and interviews up and running but The Party List will launch on Thursday. 

My husband is home so I'm dividing my work/ hubby hours but he understands I have to get business rolling if there's any plan of him retiring in five years. 

In the meantime, I'd love to hear who you'd love for me to showcase this year? 

Country Blessings!

OUT OF THE CHUTE - The Baker Family - @AGT

The Baker Family Bluegrass 

I am so proud to know this talented family so when I heard they'd auditioned for America's Got Talent I knew they were going to be high on my promo list for the duration of their run - however long that may be. I can say this... if they don't get past the audition phase, four judges need to clean out their ears.

Just a look at the BIO on their WEBSITE is enough to clue you in as to why they belong on AGT... and hopefully go All the Way... Are you hearing me AGT?

Carina's rendition of Blue Moon of Kentucky is a perfect example. I wonder what they chose for their audition. While I know the family, they are under a confidentiality thing and can't tell us much except that they auditioned. Check the website for your local listing and times. You will want to catch this talented family from small town Birch Tree Missouri!

TURNTABLE TUESDAY - Country Grass - Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road

COUNTRY GRASS is a magical blend of two clans - Country and Bluegrass ... a musical marriage made in Heaven. Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road, along with a host of classic country artists, have created a sound that rings with familiarity.

Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road have their own unique Bluegrass sound that many younger fans really enjoy. Lorraine and her team have brought their signature style to thirteen tracks of great country songs and when possible, the artists who took them to the charts. While the original recordings were worthy of their success, adding a bluegrass sound brought out the nuances we never imagined.

Runnin' Water (The Kentucky Headhunters) kicks things off with a true Bluegrass sound. As I listened, I did notice that some of the country tunes required only a bit of tweaking to bring out a Bluegrass strains carried in the original. Ready for the Times to Get Better (Crystal Gayle), Dixie Road (Lee Greenwood), Boogie Grass Band (various guest artists), Don't Close Your Eyes (Keith Whitley - vocals by Jesse Keith Whitley & Tim Cifers), Rose Garden (Lynn Anderson with Lorraine Jordan) and the Floyd Cramer classic, Last Dance.

Tunes I never thought of as being bluegrass have become brand new with the addition of a mandolin. I Got Mexico (Eddy Raven), Darned if I Don't Danged if I Do (Marty Raybon), Common Man (John Conlee), You Can Have Her (Jim Ed Brown), Digging Up Bones (vocals by Tommy Long), Do You Want To Go To Heaven (T. G. Sheppard) were perfect pairings for this project.

COUNTRY GRASS is a compilation of timeless songs for those of us who remember tradition while capturing the attention of new listeners.

I tip my hat:

To purchase your copy of COUNTRY GRASS or to learn more about Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road, visit their WEBSITE or social media outlets:

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TWITTER
YouTube

OUT OF THE CHUTE - Nu-Blu

Before I go any further I need to offer up my sincerest apologies to the talented group of Nu-Blu and to Kyle Watson at Webster PR. This interview slipped through the cracks during my fall slide to oblivion 

I am happy to post the interview with them today as well as a link to my previous REVIEW of their album - All The Way

Thank you for taking the time to answer these questions on such short notice. I look forward to introducing you to my readers.

1 – The bio on your website is a great introduction. I know this is your fifth album. I’ve read about your journey, Carolyn. I’d love to hear how the other members of your group came to this point in their careers.

Daniel: I started playing guitar at age 13, moving to the banjo in high school.  I spent several years playing in local bands, but it wasn’t until I met Carolyn and started playing bass in her rock band that I realized that I had met someone that had the same drive and dreams that I had for playing music.  When the rock band dissolved we decided to start Nu-Blu, the rest is history, lol.

Levi: I started playing the banjo at age 9. After a year and a half of lessons, I began performing on the weekends in a classic country variety show called the “Rand Ole Opry”. It was my first paying gig. After a year there I started touring the country playing bluegrass gospel with the Cagle Family. With Daniel and Carolyn living in the same town as I, we all knew each other and band practice would be much closer, so I didn’t hesitate  when Daniel asked me to play with Nu-Blu. I was thirteen when I joined the band, and it has been an awesome experience being a part of the group and developing the sound over the past 9 years.

Austin: I played drums for years, and had always loved bluegrass and country music. I had gotten a mandolin when I was about 13 years old, but didn't do anything with it. In the spring of 2007 I picked it back up again. I didn't do much but practice to David Grisman albums. A few years later I had been in a couple bluegrass bands. I got hired by Nu Blu when I was 20, and thats really when I started to cut my teeth in the bluegrass circuit.

2 – Carolyn, your illness in 2003 had to have been a very scary experience for someone who had been involved in music your entire life. What did you learn about yourself on that journey back to health? And how does that translate into the evolution of your music?

I learned that life is too short to not be happy, and to appreciate the small things every day. This transfer to my music by making me more determined than ever to go after my dreams.

  

3 – All The Way is an amazing melting pot of the various strains of Bluegrass, Americana and country. How does this album differ from your previous four?

We  spread our musical wings a little more on "All the Way" than we have on any other project and let our hair down so to speak. In our earlier projects, we were still learning and experimenting with trying to balance what felt right and what we felt we had to do to conform to how  people expected us to sound. This time, we just did "us". It felt right and we are very excited and proud of how it turned out.

4 – You collaborated with other talented artists. How did you come to work with legendary Sam Moore and what did you absorb (I dislike the word ‘take’) from the experience?

We wanted someone who was friends with George Jones to sing on, "Jesus and Jones". We have always loved Sam's sound and his ability to own any song that he sings. After he brought the house down at the George Jones tribute show back in Nov. he was an obvious choice. Our publicist Kirt Webster made the connection for us and the rest is history. Recording with "The Legend" that is Sam Moore, is without a doubt, the highlight of my musical career. I took away an even deeper appreciation for Sam and deep sense of gratitude for him and all the people involved in helping to make it all happen.

5 – You teamed up with Sam Moore for Jesus and Jones. What about that particular song captured you?

I loved the song the first time I heard it. It's a wonderfully written tribute to the life and music of George Jones with an almost contagious tune that you just can't stop humming.

6 – One of my favorite tracks is That’s What Makes the Bluegrass Blue. Aside from one of my favorite bluegrass artists, Rhonda Vincent accompanying you, the story drew me in. Whether one you’ve recorded or by someone else, do you have a favorite bluegrass tune? And what about that song do you connect with?

Carolyn: "Goodbye for a While" on Blue Highway's, "Still Climbing Mountains" CD. After having my strokes in 2003, there were some very scary days when we weren't really sure how extensive the damage was and if I was in the clear or there may be another stroke coming. Daniel and I were best friends at that point and he stayed by my side through it all. I asked him to do the unthinkable, and sing this song at my funeral if I didn't make it. He reluctantly agreed. Thankfully, he never had to come through on that promise.

Daniel: I’ve always been drawn to the the song by Lonesome River Band “Running Hard on a Broken Heart.”  It really helps tell the story of lost love and the road.

Levi: “Restless” on Alison Kraussand Union Station’s Lonely Runs Both Ways album, or any other song on that album. I’ve always been drawn to this album for its perfect combination of great song selection and excellent recording quality.

 Austin: Lonesome River by RalphStanley. I think it epitomizes what true bluegrass is.

7 – A Little Good News is a classic with as much relevance today as when Ann Murray recorded the song in 1983. All The Way is a bit of good news. What were you looking for when selecting the tracks to be included on this album?

We always look for songs that are well written and that speak to us. I like the really hard hitting emotional songs the best. You know the ones that hit you right where you live and make you feel like they were written just for you. If a song makes me tear up. it will likely have that affect on someone else, too. That's the song I'm gonna want to sing.

8 – Which artists have most influenced your music and style?

Carolyn: Pat Benatar, Alison Krauss, Bonnie Raitt

Daniel: Tony Rice, Eddy VanHalen, Ritchy Sambora

Levi: Ron Block, Ron Stewart, and JonStickley

Austin: David Grisman, DonStiernberg, and Chris Thile

You can find out more about NU-BLU on their WEBSITE as well as any of the following links:

Facebook

Twitter

YouTube

To order or download their ALL THE WAY  CD, click  iTunes

TURNTABLE TUESDAY - Bluegrass Kinda Christmas - The Roys

BLUEGRASS KINDA CHRISTMAS is the heart of every traditional Christmas song packed into ten tracks. The Roys take you on a sleigh ride of fond memories through songs they grew up with. They travel as far back as O Holy Night through to the present day of the title track, which they co-wrote with their writing partner, Steve Dean. In between you will hear a mix of country and bluegrass to bring joy to your holidays for years to come.

While Santa Looked A Lot Like Daddy, With Bells On, If We Make It Through December, Christmas Time’s A Comin’, There’s A New Kid In Town and Winter Wonderland are all songs we are familiar with, we are reminded of lesser heard tunes such as Santa Train and Santa And the Kids. Together they serve up strong country flavor with that added bluegrass kick that enhances the sound and reminds us of our roots.

This is the second CD for The Roys in three months! Their fourth CD, The View, released earlier this year gave them their first #1 Bluegrass tune and garnered them their fourth consecutive #1 Bluegrass Artist at the Inspirational Country Music Artists (ICMA). Bluegrass Kinda Christmas reminds us of family, home and heart – a Hallmark movie set to music. This CD is the perfect addition to your holiday playlist.

I'm tipping my hat:

 . 1/2

As an added bonus... Here's a Christmas Wish from The Roys (YouTube 2012)

You may purchase your CD in the following locations:

Rural Rhythm Records

The Roys

Amazon

Stop by their Socail Media sights to wish them a Merry Christmas!

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Twitter

TURNTABLE TUESDAY - ALL THE WAY - Nu-Blu

That’s What Makes the Bluegrass Blue (featuring 5-time Grammy winner Rhonda Vincent) is the perfect tune to kick off the ten tracks from ALL THE WAY – the fifth album by Nu-Blu. And while you may or may not have heard much from this group previously, I promise you this CD will change what you thought bluegrass was suppose to be.

Taking a cue from the Queen of Bluegrass, Rhonda Vincent, Nu-Blu educates us in how country and bluegrass are two interwoven threads creating a seamless piece of musical fabric. A Little Good News is as relevant today as when Anne Murray first recorded the song in 1983. Relevance aside, the amazing voice of Carolyn Routh makes the track timeless and a perfect addition to this CD.

The remaining tracks from Rhythm of the Train through Heavy Cross To Bear weave an invisible ‘stitch in the ditch’ to create a well-designed quilt of comfort and coming home. But the first single from ALL THE WAY is what pulls everything together. Jesus and Jones is that one piece of fabric that with the first line you know the quilt (album) would be lacking without. The effervescent decorative applique comes from the addition of Sam Moore (Soul Man legend) sharing the lead vocals. While the last person you might associate with bluegrass, Moore’s classic tone blends well with the undercurrent of the roots that make ALL THE WAY sure to become a keeper.

I'm tipping my hat....

You can find out more about NU-BLU on their WEBSITE as well as any of the following links:

Facebook

Twitter

YouTube

To order or download their ALL THE WAY  CD, click below:

iTunes

TURNTABLE TUESDAY - The View - The Roys

THE VIEW

By The Roys

In an interview with Hannahlee Allers (The Boot.com), Lee Roy stated he wanted THE VIEW to tell The Roys’ story. With eleven top tracks written by the sister/ brother duo of Elaine and Lee Roy, they have accomplished what they set out to do. With the help of talented songwriters Steve Dean, Josh Thompson, Bill Anderson, Keesy Timmer, Jenee Fleenor, Clint White, Larry Alderman and Daniel Patrick THE VIEW came together in an album that can best be described as comforting and uplifting.

The Roys hit the perfect blend of Bluegrass and Country they were after with THOSE BOOTS. Whether they be worn by a farmer striving to feed his family or the soldier fighting for our freedom, there’s a real story here of something we don’t think much about. The opening track, NO MORE LONELY, tells the story of finding your true love and that regardless of the heartaches of the past, there is that one special person to brighten our days.

A comforting spirituality flows through every note of HEAVEN NEEDED HER MORE and MENDED WINGS. Both songs offer comfort and hope in a time when we are left with more questions than answers.

In keeping with the goal to tell their story, The Roys offer an insight to the world of Alzheimer in SOMETIMES. A devastating disease for both the patient and the family that took their grandmother. Co-writer Steve Dean offered his own heart to this piece as he watches his mom on the Alzheimer’s journey. The Roys continue the tribute to their grandmother in THE VIEW. Bill Anderson, a long-time supporter of The Roys, lent his talents to the beautifully written piece. Close your eyes as you listen and you will see THE VIEW.

LIVE THE LIFE YOU LOVE and NO MORE TEARS LEFT TO CRY are the epitome of what traditional bluegrass should sound like. Very few instrumentals hold my attention. NORTHERN SKIES held me with every note. Like bluegrass runs through our history, so does the coal vein. BLACK GOLD encapsulates the life of a coal miner.

No album, whether the genre is traditional country, bluegrass or Americana would be complete without paying homage to the great Bill Monroe. MANDOLIN MAN is a fitting tribute to the man

Overall THE VIEW is a well-constructed compilation of well-written lyrics, talented picking and classic vocals. Each track solidifies the reason why THE ROYS were named Top Bluegrass Artists at the 10th Annual International Acoustic Music Awards (Feb. 2014), as well as at the Inspirational Country Music Awards for 2011, 2012 and 2013.

As I've listened to this cd repeatedly over the past couple of days, I have to give THE VIEW

You may purchase your copy today at

Amazon

iTunes

To keep up with this amazing duo, you will find them on:

Website

Facebook 

Twitter 

YouTube

TURNTABLE TUESDAY - Only Me by Rhonda Vincent

ONLY ME is the newest release from Rhonda Vincent. This new album showcases Rhonda’s roots in that there is no line between country music and bluegrass music, only tradition. Listening to the twelve tracks from this two-disc compilation reminds us why our music roots are to be treasured and passed down. They give us an insight into Rhonda Vincent’s musical background in rural Missouri, as a person and an artist.

Rhonda Vincent always brings the best she has to offer, whether in a recording or a live performance and this CD is no exception. The Bluegrass cuts include a duet with Willie Nelson (Only Me) and Daryle Singletary (We Must Have Been Out Of Our Minds), two exemplary artists in their own right. Nestled among those two are gems of recreation. Rhonda Vincent has taken traditional country songs like We Must Have Been Out Of Our Minds (George Jones & Melba Montgomery) and I Need Somebody Tonight (Jack Greene) and worked them into beautiful Bluegrass remixes.

Five of the six country tracks are covers of some of the best traditional tunes country has to offer while bearing the Rhonda Vincent signature sound we have come to love. Rhonda Vincent musically created her own cross-genre within this CD, proving an artist can stay true to their roots and put out a great product.

From the title track on Disc One – Bluegrass to the final note of Drivin’ Nails on Disc Two- Country, I can understand how this CD debuted at #1 on Billboard after only two days of sales. Her crystal vocals mixed with traditional instruments are a match made in heaven.

I know I seem to be tipping 5 hats lately on reviews, but the music coming across my desk is exemplary and deserves every one of them. ONLY ME is hits the top of the mark.

You may connect with Rhonda Vincent on:
Website: www.rhondavincent.com
FB: www.facebook.com/rhondavincentofficial
TW: @rhondavincent13

Meeting a Legend

Over the course of my time in the music arena, I’ve had the opportunity to meet some of the legends. Until a couple weeks ago, the highlight of my list was the great Faron Young. That was before I heard the musical talent of Eddie Adcock.

I went down to the Ozark Folk Center in Mountain View Arkansas without a clue as to what to expect. I hadn’t done my research on thumb picking. What I did know was that Buddy Case can play a guitar like nobody’s business. Or so I thought. It was Buddy that drew me to OFC, it was Eddie Adcock who left me with a lasting impression of true bluegrass finger style.

Eddie Adcock was born in VA. There’s his first positive. I was first introduced to ‘traditional’ music in the back hills (and I’m talking Walton’s Mountain area) of the Blue Ridge. I could relate to where this man got his roots. Like most traditionalists, Eddie absorbed the seasonings of his talent by listening to the Grand Ole Opry, Wheeling Jamboree and the Old Dominion Barn Dance on the radio. He hung around the Scottsville's Victory Theater where the likes of the Carter Family and Hank Williams performed.

Having taught himself to play stringed instruments on the family farm near Charlottesville VA, practicing until his fingers bled, he’s played with some of the greats such as Mac Wiseman and Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys. His break came when he joined The Country Gentlemen in 1959. The Country Gentlemen were a progressive band integrating the then popular folk music into the traditional bluegrass, attracting a younger audience.

As I sat in that auditorium I felt the awe from the other musicians on the stage with him. His playing, despite recent health issues, was amazing. Eddie’s wife, Martha, first noticed the tremors affecting his playing. Eddie was diagnosed with an ‘essential tremor’, an involuntary trembling in the head or hands that afflicts 10 million Americans. In 2008, he underwent surgery at Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville to correct the problem. As you’ll see from the YouTube video Here (courtesy of ABC News), Eddie was awake AND playing the banjo during the surgery to help the surgeons put the electrodes in the proper place.

Eddie says it still isn’t perfect. Something isn’t connecting right again but he’s still playing. Eddie Adcock can not NOT play. It’s who he is. He suggests beginning musicians get the basics down and then develop their own style. "Even if they play as well as someone like Earl Scruggs, they'll never be Earl Scruggs," he says. "Nothing's wrong with someone helping you get started. Then back off and let God give you your music." (quote from bluegrass-museum.org)

If you ever have the opportunity to hear this man play – GO! And if you are lucky enough to jam with him, know that you are in the presence of greatness and learn from the master.

Country Blessings