NEW RELEASES
(Received November 25-December 24)

JESSIE BAKER
YESSIR!
Patuxent Music CD196 (compact disc)

NATHAN BLAKE LYNN
WHO SAID THE WORLD’S FAIR
PH Balanced Recordings, No Number (compact disc)

JIMMY COX & FRIENDS
BACK HOME MEMORIES
No Label, No Number (compact disc)

NATHAN DAY
THE BLUEGRASS ALBUM
No Label, No Number (compact disc)

HIGH COUNTRY
PERFECT COMPANIONS
Squirty Records SR013 (compact disc)

LOUISIANA FIDDLERS
BY RON YULE
University Press of Mississippi 9781604732955 (book)

JIMMY MARTIN, JR.
IT TAKES ONE TO KNOW ONE
No Label, No Number (compact disc)

McCORMICK BROTHERS
SOMEWHERE IN  TIME
Stonewall Records SWM 20080001 (compact disc)

SUGGINS BROTHERS
NUMBER 7
No Label, No Number (compact disc)

WATKINS FAMILY
HEAVEN’S WORTH WAITING FOR
No Label, No Number (compact disc)

WONDER
No Label, No Number (compact disc)

ZOOGRASS
HOT DAY AT THE ZOO
No Label, No Number (compact disc)

ADDITIONAL RELEASES
By Les McIntyre

CASEY JOE ABAIR & HUNTER ROBERTSON
IF YOU WANT TO GO TO SLEEP, GO TO BED
Yodel-Ay-Hee 074.

Hunter Robertson (banjo and vocals) and Casey Joe Abair (fiddle and vocals) is a pair of old-time musicians currently residing in France. The curious title of this latest release was inspired by a favorite saying attributed to musician Charlie Lowe. The performances are mostly fiddle and banjo instrumentals augmented by an occasional vocal rendering. The lead vocals bear a raspy style similar to that of folk singer Dave Van Ronk. The 17 tunes are from a variety of sources including Wade Ward (“June Apple”), Elizabeth Cotton (“Run Slave Run”), Hobart Smith (“The Devil’s Dream”), Uncle Dave Macon (“Sail Away Ladies”), and many others. The tracks were recorded at the musicians’ homes rather than in a recording studio. This is most apparent on “Sugar Baby” when the sound of sirens can be heard in the background. “If You Want To Go To Sleep, Go To Bed” is a pleasant collection of old-time music that pays homage to traditional values—a welcomed addition to any music library. (Hunter Robertson, 25 rue des Terreaux, 25380, Charmoille, France, www.hunterrobertson.com. )

KIM JOHNSON
KEEPERS
Buffalo Skinner CD 3081.

Kim Johnson is an old-time banjo picker from West Virginia, and for her latest recording, she has gathered a number of fellow pickers to create 19 bland performances (along with a totally forgettable bonus track). The selections have a rough-hewn edge, especially on “What A Friend We Have In Jesus,” “Mouth Of Stinson,” “Boating Up Sandy,” (with Tracy Schwarz), and “Milk Cow Blues.” One particular performance is John Lilly’s rendition of the Hank Williams classic “May You Never Be Alone.” Those familiar with the music of Kim Johnson should find much to savor with the contents of “Keepers.” (Kim Johnson, P.O. Box 1607, Clendenin, WV 25045, www.myspace.com/banjowv.)

BLUE & LONESOME
SOME OLD DAY
No Label, No Number.

Blue & Lonesome is a California-based bluegrass band headed up by musician Ed Neff (mandolin, fiddle, and vocals). Other members include Mike Wilhoyte (guitar and vocals), Jeff King (bass and vocals), Larry Cohea (banjo and vocals), and Paul Shelasky (fiddle). “Some Old Day” is a 15-song project of pure bluegrass that attempts to recreate some of the classic works of the genre. The album gets off to a rousing start with the band’s rendition of the Johnnie and Jack standard, “Poison Love,” and concludes with “Roll On Buddy.” Noted highlights include the title song, “Summertime Is Past And Gone,” “Goodbye Old Pal,” “Rocky Road Blues,” and others. While “Some Old Day” offers no real surprises, the performances are flawless, a sterling example of mainstream bluegrass at its finest. (Ed Neff, 903 Grouse Ln., Petaluma, CA 94954, www.edneff.com.)

JUSSI SYREN & THE GROUNDBREAKERS
FROM VYBORG TO LA.
Goofin’ Records GRCD 6156.

Jussi Syren & the Groundbreakers are one of Finland’s premier bluegrass bands and have long been thrilling audiences throughout Europe. This latest venture is similar to previous releases in that the 11 songs are mostly originals with a few familiar pieces thrown in. These tracks are some of the band’s best recordings, featuring Jussi’s own “Call Of The Big Wind,” “From VyBorg To L.A.,” and the instrumental “Rumble On The Blue Ridge.” Other highlights include the Red Simpson/Buck Owens collaboration “Cadillac Lane,” along with “Mr. Bojangles” and “God’s Own Singer.” “From Vyborg to L.A.” is recommended listening from one of the most influential bluegrass bands currently on the international bluegrass music scene. (Goofin’ Records, Hämeentie 46, 00500 Helsinki, Finland, www.goofinrecords.com.)

PAUL REECE & FRIENDS
WATERBOUND
No Label, No Number.

Here is a strange album from Ohio-based Paul Reece (guitar and lead vocals). The friends are area musicians from the bands Faces Made For Radio and Copus Hill. “Waterbound” contains a total of 28 tracks. Tracks one through 14 are nicely done renditions of traditional material: “The Rising Sun Blues,” “Buffalo Gals,” “O’ Mary Don’t You Weep,” “Tom Dooley,” and others. Tracks 15 through 28 are just repetitions of the first 14 with the vocal parts stripped away and labeled “Instrumentals.” With the vocal tracks removed, these particular tracks detract from the overall effectiveness of the project. Without them, the album would have been far more satisfying. (Paul Reece, 537 Pershing Ave., Galion, OH 44833, e-mail, paulreece44@yahoo.com.)

BLUE MOON COWGIRLS
I LOVE YOU HONEY
Azalea City Recordings, ACCD0903.

The Blue Moon Cowgirls have been a long-time fixture on the music scene in and around Washington, D.C. The group consists of cowgirls Karen Collins (guitar, fiddle, and vocals), Lynn Healey (guitar and vocals), Ann Porcella (guitar and vocals), and cowboy Ira Gitlin (guitar and vocals). In this abbreviated seven-song collection, the performances are western-style with emphasis on the harmony vocals. Titles include Karen’s own “Goodbye Maria,” Hank Williams’ “Weary Blues From Waiting,” and “Born To Be With You.” The proceedings come to a conclusion with a rendering of the Roy Rogers/Dale Evans theme song, “Happy Trails To You.” “I Love You Honey” is a pleasant change of pace and certain to introduce new followers to the music of the Blue Moon Cowgirls. (Azalea City Recordings, P.O. Box 5441, Tacoma Park, MD 20913, www.azaleacityrecordings.com.)

JEFF & VIDA
SELMA CHALK
Rosebank Records, No Number.

Selma Chalk (also known as marl or marlstone) is an impurity found in the most fertile ground of the South. With that bit of trivia out of the way, “Selma Chalk” is also the title of this latest effort from the Jeff and Vida Band which consists of Vida Wakeman (guitar and vocals), Jeff Burke (mandolin and vocals), Jake Schepps (banjo), Justin Hoffenberg (fiddle), Gregg Schochet (archtop guitar and bouzouki), and Will Downes (bass). The 13-songs are all originals and include “Fire In The Water,” “Alabama Sky,” “Boxcar Blues,” “Heartache Train,” and others. Vida’s vocals are unique and give the production a special personality. “Selma Chalk” is contemporary bluegrass at its finest. I look forward to hearing more from the Jeff and Vida Band. (Jeff and Vida Band, P.O. Box 68273, Nashville, TN 37206, www.jeffandvida.com.)

JOHN VIERS & FRIENDS
I’D RATHER HAVE JESUS
No Label, No Number.

Here is an all-instrumental gospel collection created by Virginia musician John Viers (guitar and banjo). The 12 tracks are mostly standard material and include “Kneel At The Cross,” “I Feel Like Traveling On,” “Where The Soul Of Man Never Dies,” and others. The arrangements are basic bluegrass with occasional harmonica and saxophone solos. While the arrangements are generally good, it would have been nice to include an occasional vocal. Still, “I’d Rather Have Jesus,” is a nice piece of work that should prove inspiring to anyone familiar with the music of John Viers. (John Viers, 2637 Julia Simkins Rd., Hiwassee, VA 24347, e-mail: 5string@psknet.com.)

EAST SIDE DAVE & THE MOUNTAIN FOLK BAND
MUSIC FROM THE MOUNTAIN FOLK HOMEPLACE
Mountain Laurel ML-063009.05.

East Side Dave Kline has been an integral part of the bluegrass music scene in Pennsylvania for a number of years. In this latest self-produced collection, Dave and his Mountain Folk Band have created 12 exciting performances consisting mostly of original material written by Dave. Included are “Here’s To The Dogs,” “Kiss Me On The Mountain,” “Put The Yak In The River And Go,” and the instrumental “The Hawk Mountain Hoedown.” Also included are the familiar numbers “Lost Indian,” “Take Your Shoes Off Moses,” and “I’ll Fly Away.” The CD’s extensive liner notes describe the inspirations behind the songs and add further credibility to the overall production. “Music From The Mountain Folk Homeplace” is well-conceived and executed collection of bluegrass music that represents a significant milestone in the musical career of East Side Dave Kline. (Mountain Laurel Prod., P.O. Box 2266, Sinking Spring, PA 19608, www.mountainfolk.com)

COMPILATIONS AND REISSUES

BLUE HIGHWAY
SOME DAY: THE FIFTEENTH ANNIVERSARY COLLECTION
Rounder Records 11661-0633-2.

Thirteen songs, including three new cuts, drawn from previous Rounder albums and Rob Ickes’ solo album. New cuts are “Cold And Lowdown Lonesome Blues,” “Bleeding For A Little Piece Of Mind,” and “Some Day.” Others include “Wondrous Love” and “Elzic’s Farewell.” Notes by Kathy Mattea. (Rounder Records, One Rounder Way, Burlington, MA 01803, www.rounder.com.)

THE CARTER FAMILY FEATURING A.P. AND SARA
GONNA LIVE ON DOWN THE LINE
Old Homestead OHCD-4061.

This is not the Original Carter Family, rather A.P. and Sara with children, Janette and Joe, and recorded in the 1950s. Songs include “Crying Holy,” “Anchored In Love Divine,” “Elbow Room,” and “Jesus Hold My Hand.” (Old Homestead Records, P.O. Box 100, Brighton, MI 48116, www.oldhomesteadrecords.com.)