…Verch puts another foot forward here on a program of tunes predominately from the south of the Canadian border…A nice mix of originals and currently popular old-time tunes populate this outing.

…For a new band trying to make a name for itself, this effort stands out as a worthy effort based on the more imaginative of Farrar’s original tunes. Built on good instrumental and vocal work, the band creates a pleasant and effective sound that will convert many new listeners to fans.…

…The themes of these original songs will be familiar to all old-time and traditional bluegrass lovers, as will their approach. Soloing is clean, but always at the service of the tune, and even the handful of instrumentals hew close to the old-timey ethos of feeling before flash.…

…Labeling Florida singer-songwriter Cheryl Watson’s debut a bluegrass release is open to debate. Given the ever-expanding state of contemporary bluegrass, you could make an argument for including it, and certainly four tracks do feature the banjo…

…Especially interesting is Crowe’s years with Jimmy Martin, whom Crowe describes as a great teacher. Undoubtedly, Crowe was also a great student…

…You certainly will not need the skip button on your disc player. If their debut effort put the Aldridges on the map, So Much In Between may be the launching pad for a major breakout.…

…Dehlia Low, favorites of the Asheville area roots music scene since their formation in 2007, are anything but a traditional bluegrass band. They don’t even include the banjo.…

…Truthfully, except perhaps for taking note of another historical barrier quietly falling, there’s no reason to mention anything but how good an album this is.…

…Featuring an interesting and unique approach to bluegrass, this is a strong effort by a regional artist. It works nicely and makes for a good concept album.…

…With this recording, Sisk continues creating fine traditional-based bluegrass and continues strengthening the Ramblers Choice sound. Both of those things are a great positive to the traditional wing of bluegrass.…

…Mountain Faith has a story that embodies an important niche in bluegrass music—the family band. The group started as so many have, with parents attending a festival, someone getting an instrument as a gift and the next thing you know, the fever has taken over…

…NewTown is the self-titled, first offering from this Lexington, Ky., band. The group features veterans Kati Penn-Williams (Dale Ann Bradley Band) and former NewFound Road founding member Junior Williams.…

…For fans of fine duet singing, get this CD. These folks know the genre and have an uncanny blend that melds into one voice. The songs they write blend with the traditional material. They mold the voices and instruments together to make the old material their own.…

…This recording is a highly-produced, mainstream gospel program featuring top-notch pickers and the singing of Rodney and Beverly Dillard. This is part of their mission, Mayberry Values Ministries, which they are taking on the road across the country to share the values they feel are inherent in the legacy of that television utopia.…

…Veteran mandolinist/singer/songwriter Russell Johnson has as distinct a voice as any in bluegrass, forceful, clear, and piercing. That voice is fully on display, along with his considerable songwriting ability and mandolin skills on this his first solo project…

…Overall, this is a solid effort by a band that has the potential to do much more with the right material…

…Seeing and hearing the shear joy and energy of 16-year-old Lucas White, the film’s primary focus, will give you (as it did me) an added boost, maybe make you reach for your guitar or banjo again, or double the number of festivals you attend…

…Fans of Webb will be well pleased with the dozen songs and familiar with the sound the guitarist has established over the years. He puts a nice touch on standards such as “High Lonesome” and his rhythmic touch on clawhammer banjo for “Shady Grove” gives listeners a fresh take on a jam session favorite.…

…There’s something about a love for bluegrass music that also tends to draw those with a love and appreciation for history. And there’s something about history that is heightened by an outsider’s perspective.…

…What gives the collection a lift beyond just enjoyable are Wesley Easter’s warm and clear production and the nice variety of vocal and instrumental settings, settings that run from the full traditional bluegrass of “Deck The Halls” and “Joy To The World,” to Strickland’s swing mandolin on “Winter Wonderland” …

…Winners of the 2010 DelFest band competition, the Tussey Mountain Moonshiners exude rich talent, enthusiasm, energy, and a wide knowledge of string music…

…With 14 tracks, this “tribute to bluegrass and acoustic folk music” clocks in at 54 minutes of fresh melodies and crisp arrangements.…

…Starting with Hot Rize and Front Range, Colorado has a long tradition of bluegrass bands with unique identities based on great vocals, interesting original material and strong instrumental skills. To that list, we can now add Spring Creek…