NEW RELEASES
Received January 25-February 24)

JAY ARMSWORTHY
I COULDN’T MAKE IT WITHOUT HIM
Blue Circle Records BCR-027 (compact disc)

FLETCHER BRIGHT AND THE DISMEMBERED TENNESSEANS
BLACK TIE AND BLUEGRASS
No Label, No Number (compact disc)

THE BROMBIES
FROM THE PINEY HILLS (OF HOLLYWOOD)
Adina 1002 (compact disc)

RONNIE BROWN
HERE IT IS
No Label, No Number (compact disc)

CUMBERLAND GAP CONNECTION
A WHOLE LOTTA LONESOME
Kindred Records KR83721 (compact disc)

DELTA REIGN
HOME
No Label, No Number (compact disc)

THE EELPOUT STRINGERS
ROCKIN’ THE BOAT
No Label, No Number (compact disc)

GIBSON BROTHERS
HELP MY BROTHER
Compass Records 745492 (compact disc)

BEV KING & JOHNNY BELLAR
RESOPHONIC ROOTS
Country Heritage Prod., No Number (compact disc)

EDGAR LOUDERMILK
ROADS TRAVELLED
Mountain Fever Records MFR110111 (compact disc)

MARIE McGLONE
LISTEN TO MY HEART
No Label, No Number (compact disc)

NEW GRACE
JUST ANY DAY NOW
No Label, No Number (compact disc)

ROCKY NECK BLUEGRASS BAND
No Label, No Number (compact disc)

CHARLIE SIZEMORE
HEARTACHE LOOKING FOR A HOME
Rounder 11661-0657-2 (compact disc)

THE SOUTH CAROLINA BROADCASTERS
A THOUSAND MILES AWAY FROM HOME
No Label, No Number (compact disc)

ADDITIONAL RELEASES
By Les McIntyre

DELLA MAE
ACOUSTIC E.P.
No Label, No Number.

Della Mae is an all-female group based in Boston, Massachusetts. Bandmembers include Amanda Kowalski (bass), Grace Van’t Hof (banjo), Jenni Lyn Gardner (mandolin), Kimber Ludiker (fiddle), and Avril Smith (guitar). Their latest compact disc release is a brief selection of seven performances including a band original (“Blues Have Got Me Down”) along with others such as “In the Pines,” “Head Over Heels,” Reno & Smiley’s “Unwanted Love,” and a special rendition of Loretta Lynn’s classic “Fist City.” Acoustic E.P. is an entertaining production created by a group of ladies who are rapidly establishing themselves as an important voice in the world of bluegrass music. (McGuckin Entertainment, 500 Riverside Dr., Ste. 160, Austin, TX 78704, www.heyheydellamae.com.)

THE CALIFORNIA RAMBLERS
YARD SALE
TCR 0012010.

THE CALIFORNIA RAMBLERS
GOODBYE TO AN ANGEL
No Label, No Number.

Here is a pair of compact discs from Maryland’s California Ramblers. Yard Sale is a 14-piece collection consisting mostly of bluegrass standards like “Close By,” “Room At The Top Of The Stairs,” “Send Me Your Address From Heaven,” and Dudley Connell’s “God’s Not Dead.” Goodbye To An Angel is a gospel-related project that features three songs composed by bandmember Joey Tippett (“Still Missin’ You,” “Visit My Grave When I’m Gone” and “We’ll Pay The Price”). Other entries include “Crying Holy Unto The Lord,” “God Loves His Children,” and Hank Williams’ “Cold Grey Tomb Of Stone.” The personnel lineup is the same on both projects, and musicianship is solid throughout. The California Ramblers have created two heartfelt offerings of mainstream bluegrass music that should find instant favor with their many friends and followers. (Joey Tippett, 45941 Clarks Rd., California, MD 20619, www.californiaramblers.com.)

ON THE EDGE

THE LAWS
TRY LOVE
JML Music JML0006.

The Laws are a Canadian-based duo consisting of John (guitar and vocals) and Michele (electric bass and vocals). Their music is an amalgamation of styles, including folk and contemporary country combined with occasional bluegrass overtones. Try Love is The Law’s latest compact disc and consists mostly of original pieces. J.P. Cormier served as the project’s producer and also guests on multiple musical instruments. The music of The Laws reflects a positive outlook on life as is apparent on selections like the title song, “Love Again” and “With My Heart.” Gordon Lightfoot’s “Wherefore And Why” and the original instrumental “Beer Mountain Rag” are both done in a definitive bluegrass style. The music of John and Michele Law certainly encompasses elements of bluegrass, but extends far beyond its defined boundaries. Try Love should find favor with anyone who appreciates contemporary music with a healthy dose of creativity. (JML Music, P.O. Box 394, Wheatley, ON, Canada N0P 2P0, www.thelaws.ca.)