NEW RELEASES
(Received April 25-May 24)

BEARFOOT—DOORS AND WINDOWS—Compass Records 7 4504 2 (compact disc)
THE BLUE CANYON BOYS—HOUSE FULL OF SORROW—No Label, BCBCB003 (compact disc)
DALE ANN BRADLEY—DON’T TURN YOUR BACK—Compass Records 7 4511 2 (compact disc)
MARK BRINE—LIVE IN A FIELD OF BLUEGRASS—No Label, OAT847 (compact disc)
JOHNNY BUTTEN & NEWGRASS UNDERGROUND—LATE IN THE DAY—No Label, No Number (compact disc)
DAVID DAVIS AND THE WARRIOR RIVER BOYS—TWO DIMES AND A NICKEL—Rebel Records REBCD1827 (compact disc)
FACES MADE FOR RADIO—THE ACOUSTIC CONSPIRACY—Saron Acoustic Recording, No Number (compact disc)
MATT FLINNER TRIO—MUSIC DU JOUR—Compass Records, 7 4503 2 (compact disc)
GIBSON BROTHERS—RING THE BELL—Compass Records 7 4506 2 (compact disc)
MELVIN GOINS & WINDY MOUNTAIN—DANCIN’ IN THE DIRT—Blue Circle Records BCR018 (compact disc)
HAMILTON COUNTY—BROKEDOWNBREAKDOWN—No Label, No Number (compact disc)
ANDY HAMILTON & EAST KENTUCKY GRASS—FLYIN’ HIGH OVER YOU—No Label, No Number (compact disc)
LONESOME HIGHWAY—THE HIGHWAY CALLED—No Label, No Number (compact disc)
LOST & FOUND—LOVE, LOST AND FOUND—Rebel Records REBCD1829 (compact disc)
MEL BAY PRESENTS: BANJO FOR THE YOUNG BEGINNER—BY ALAN MUNDE—Mel Bay MB 21068BCD (book/compact disc)
MEL BAY PRESENTS: BLUEGRASS ON HAMMERED DULCIMER—BY JEANNE PAGE—Mel Bay MB 20807 (book)
MEL BAY PRESENTS: FIRST JAMS DOBRO—BY LEE “DREW” ANDREWS—Mel Bay MB 21514BCD (book/compact disc)
MEL BAY PRESENTS: SCHOOL OF COUNTRY GUITAR—BY JOE CARR—Mel Bay MB 21506BCD (book/compact disc)
MEL BAY PRESENTS: WESTERN LEAD GUITAR STYLES—BY JOE CARR—Mel Bay MB 98953BCD (book/compact disc)
RUSSELL MOORE & IIIRD TYME OUT—Rural Rhythm Records RHY1045 (compact disc)
CONOR MULROY—SALINGER—No Label, No Number (compact disc)
CLIFF PERRY & LAUREL BLISS—SPIRIT OF LOVE—Telegraph Music 2323 (compact disc)
RACOON CREEK—BACK TO THE BLUE RIDGE—No Label, No Number (compact disc)
BARRY SCOTT & SECOND WIND—IN GOD’S TIME—Rebel Records REBCD1826 (compact disc)
SPRING CREEK—WAY UP ON A MOUNTAIN—Rebel Records REBCD1832 (compact disc)
THE STANLEYTONES—WOMEN MADE ME ACT LIKE A FOOL—No Label, No Number (compact disc)
WAYNE TAYLOR AND APPALOOSA—No Label, No Number (compact disc)
VARIOUS ARTISTS—APPALACHIA: MUSIC FROM HOME—Lonesome Records CD094 (compact disc)
VARIOUS ARTISTS—FLATPICKING BLUEGRASS—FGM Records FGM128 (compact disc)
TOMMY WEBB—HEARTLAND—Rural Rhythm Records RHY1043 (compact disc)

ADDITIONAL RELEASES
By Les McIntyre

JIM WATSON—THIS WORLD WOULD BE ALL SUNSHINE—Barker Records 726. Some readers may be familiar with Jim Watson from his days with the Red Clay Ramblers. This latest solo effort finds him in good voice on 16 selections taken from Charlie Poole (“Sweet Sunny South” and “Write A Letter To My Mother”), the Carter Family (“A Distant Land To Roam”), the Stanley Brothers (“A Vision Of Mother”), Jimmie Rodgers (“Somewhere Down Below The Dixon Line”), among others. A particular highlight is the Johnson Family Singers’ “The Death Of Ellenton,” which is an early protest song about the nuclear age. Jim is supported by Gary and Tony Williamson and former bandmate Mike Craver. “This World Would Be All Sunshine” is a first-class production showcasing Jim Watson’s musical talents. (Barker Records, 132 Justice St., Chapel Hill, NC 27516.)

THE LaWARRE FAMILY—No Label, No Number. The LaWarres are a family trio consisting of Summer (vocals), Josh (guitar and lead vocals), and Bill (mandolin and vocals). The 14 selections are an assortment of established pieces such as “I Wish You Knew,” “Old Home Place,” and “I Wonder Where You Are Tonight.” Also included are several instrumentals including “Golden Slippers,”“Big Mon” and “Wheel Hoss.” The LaWarre Family has created an enticing collection that should resonate with anyone who appreciates dynamic vocals along with plenty of hot picking. (William LaWarre, 20 Garden Pl., Cincinnati, OH 45208, myspace.com/thelawarrefamily.)

WHITETOP MOUNTAIN BAND—LOAFER’S DREAM—Mountain Roads Recordings MRR-WM-001. Albert Hash formed the Whitetop Mountain Band in the ’40s. Current bandmembers include Thornton Spencer (fiddle), his wife Emily (clawhammer banjo, guitar, and vocals), daughter Martha (guitar, fiddle, banjo, and vocals), Jackson Cunningham (mandolin and vocals), and Debbie Bramer (bass). This album is bluegrass with an old-time edge and includes “ Train 45,” “If That’s The Way You Feel” and Judy Pagter’s “Where The Mountain Laurel Blooms.” “Loafer’s Dream” is an enticing collection of authentic music from the Whitetop Mountain Band. (Mountain Roads Recordings, 3192 Hwy. 421, Bristol, TN 37620, www.mountainroadsrecordings.com.)

KATHY BOYD & PHOENIX RISING—STORIES NEVER TOLD—No Label, No Number. “Stories Never Told,” from Kathy Boyd & Phoenix Rising, is similar in scope to their previous effort (BU, Oct. ’07). The 15 tracks are all originals and include “Uncle Whiskey,” “Risky Business,” and Bigfoot Jubilee.” While the vocals tend to be somewhat rough in spots, there is still plenty of entertaining music. (Kathy Boyd, P.O. Box 3747, Tualatin, OR 97062, www.phoenixrisingband.org.)

VINCENT CROSS & GOOD COMPANY—HOME AWAY FROM HOME—No Label, No Number. “Home Away From Home” is the recording debut for Vincent Cross (guitar, mandolin, and vocals) and his band Good Company. The dozen selections were penned by Vincent and carried off in a hard-driving bluegrass style. Some of the more interesting titles include “Sensitize, “ “Minus Love,” and “Out Of My Head.” For the first time out, “Home Away From Home” is a successful endeavor, and hopefully there will be other projects to follow. (Vincent Cross, 8008 35th Ave., Apt. #6R, Jackson Heights, NY 11372, myspace.com/vincentcrossx).

STATEMENT—WALK, TALK & TESTIFY—Mountain Fever Records MFR081228. Statement is a gospel bluegrass band from Floyd County, Virginia. This release includes a few originals (“Hammers In Heaven” and the title song) along favorites including “Traveling The Highway Home,” “All Prayed Up,” and “Amazing Grace.” The presence of Sammy Shelor who assisted in production adds polish to the project. “Walk, Talk & Testify” is inspirational gospel in its finest form. (Mountain Fever Records, 1187 Alum Ridge RD., Willis, VA 24380, www.mountainfever.com.)

DICK KIMMEL & ADAM GRANGER—LIVE AT THE RHEIN—Jeep Records 2-2-10-GO. This project from the duo of Dick Kimmel (mandolin, clawhammer banjo, guitar, and vocals) and Adam Granger (guitar and vocals) is a two-CD set recorded live at the Rhein River Arts Center in New Ulm, Minn. From the quality of the performances, it’s hard to believe that this is the first time these two musicians have recorded together. The lineup of material includes “All The Good Times,” “How Mountain Gals Can Love, “Cold Frosty Morn,” and others. There is also several original numbers along with plenty of jovial conversation in between each number. One particular moment involves a discussion about the origins of the instrumental “Flowers Of Edinburgh” and its relation to sewers. “Live At The Rhein” is a delightfully entertaining experience and future projects from Kimmel and Granger are certainly anticipated. (Granger Publications, P.O. Box 270115, Vadnais Heights, MN 55126, www.granger-music.com.)

REMINGTON RYDE—THE RYDE—Green Valley Records G163V1208. “The Ryde” consists mostly of originals from various bandmembers, including “Puddle Of Tears,” “Dog Gone Daddy,” and “Four Letter Word.” There is a nice interpretation of Ernie Sykes’ emotional classic “A Robin Built A Nest On Daddy’s Grave.” “The Ryde” is a pleasant offering of regional bluegrass that should be popular at Remington Ryde’s personal appearances. (Remington Ryde, 1231 E. Chocolate Ave., Hershey, PA 17033, www.remingtonryde.com.)

SUSAN NIKAS—HARD TIMES & BAD TIMES—Clay County CC007. Susan Nikas (guitar and vocals) brings here a collaboration with topnotch West Coast musician Dennis Caplinger (banjo, bass, resonator guitar, fiddle, and mandolin) along with several other musicians. Seven of the dozen tunes were penned by Susan. Also included are renditions of “Streets Of Laredo” and “Twilight Is Stealing.” Anyone familiar with Susan Nikas will certainly be anxious to give “Hard Times & Bad Times” a spin. (Susan Nikas, P.O. Box 604, San Dimas, CA 91773, e-mail: nikas.sue@gte.net.)

DELMER SEXTON AND THE RONE COUNTY BLUEGRASS BOYS—DELMER’S MANDOLIN—No Label, . Here is an interesting package of hard-driving bluegrass created by Delmer Sexton (mandolin and vocals) and the Rone County Bluegrass Boys. The ten selections Delmer delivers include “I’m A Stranger To You,” “The Path Of Life” and the instrumental “Rone County Breakdown.” Although the production here is minimal, it offers enough intrigue to want to hear more from this particular band. (Delmer Sexton, 778 E. Maple St., Scottsville, KY 42164.)

MIDDAY RAMBLERS—RUN MOUNTAIN…CHUCK A LITTLE HILL—Bluegill BG004. The Midday Ramblers are a highly entertaining Midwestern bluegrass band, apparent from their previous recordings (BU, Jan. ’02 and Feb. ’03). This release includes a generous portion of original material, traditional numbers, and some relatively obscure numbers. Highlights include “Old Reuben # 9,” “Give Me The Chance To Let You Down,” and “The Honky Tonks Are Calling Me Again.” This is a thoroughly entertaining assortment of contemporary bluegrass that manages to retain traditional values. (Midday Ramblers, 1621 Rhode Island St., Lawrence, KS 66044, www.themiddayramblers.com.)

TENBROOKS—THOROUGHBRED BLUEGRASS—Sonic Zen Records, No Number. Tenbrooks is Robbie Macdonald (banjo and vocals), David Putnam (guitar and vocals), Tom Bekeny (mandolin, fiddle, and vocals) and Jerry Logan (bass). The 14-songs here are familiar tunes such as “Helen” and “I’ll Drink No More Wine,” along with a few band originals “Hold Me,” “Cold Chill” and “The Kentucky Derby Song.” Throughout “Thoroughbred Bluegrass,” Tenbrooks clearly establishes why they’re one of the most dynamic bluegrass bands in California. (Robbie Macdonald, 401 Granelli Ave., Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, www.tenbrooks.net.)

NATIVE SON—SUNRISE—No Label, No Number. Here is a unique collection of original acoustic music with bluegrass overtones. All selections were composed and performed by Kenny Epps (guitar, mandolin, octave mandolin, and vocals). Epps proves to be a highly-effective songwriter especially of numbers like “Crazy Horse,” “Ride Traveller Ride” and “Pirouette Devotions.” If you enjoy contemporary acoustic music with an unusual twist, this just might fill the bill. (Kenny Epps, 16258 W. Patrick Henry Rd., Montpelier, VA 23192, myspace.com/nativesonacoustic.)

BOOK

THE SONG PEDDLER—BY KEITH DAVIS—Morris Publishing 2008908958. Paperback, 390 pp., $18.50. (Keith Davis, 110 Malvern Dr., Hendersonville, NC 28739.)
The Song Peddler is a novel that follows the antics and travels of an aspiring songwriter who is out to discover and create authentic country music. The story takes place primarily in East Tennessee and western North Carolina, and many towns and attractions in those areas are woven into the story. While bluegrass content is minimal, The Song Peddler might be of interest to those who enjoy reading fiction that carries a music theme.

COMPILATIONS AND REISSUES

MAC WISEMAN—BLUEGRASS HITS AND HEARTSONGS—Rebel REB-CD-7523. Fourteen songs taken from Mac’s two Vetco albums. Musicians include Billy Edwards, Tater Tate, John Palmer, Buddy Griffin, Jeff Terflinger, and Tommy Boyd. Songs include “Don’t Let Your Sweet Love Die,” “Mary Of The Wild Moor,” and “The Letter Edged In Black.” (Rebel Records, P.O. Box 7405, Charlottesville, VA 22906, www.rebelrecords.com.)

VARIOUS ARTISTS—DRIVE-TIME BLUEGRASS—Rebel REB-CD-8005. Eighteen songs from various Rebel artists including Ralph Stanley, Blue Highway, Red Allen, Dave Evans, and Del McCoury. Songs include “Reno Bound,” “Fox On The Run,” “Highway 52,” and “Nashville Jail.” (Rebel Records, P.O. Box 7405, Charlottesville, VA 22906, www.rebelrecords.com.)

INSTRUCTIONAL

THE MURPHY METHOD, VAMPING: BEGINNING BANJO BACKUP—TAUGHT BY MURPHY HENRY—Mel Bay MB22027DVD. Eleven separate lessons. Each lesson explains and demonstrates the four-finger backup vamp chords used in each song. Songs include “Foggy Mountain Breakdown,” “Fireball Mail,” “Old Joe Clark,” and “Salt Creek.” (Mel Bay Publications, #4 Industrial Dr., Pacific, MO, www.melbay.com.)