NEW RELEASES
(Received December 25-January 24)

DARIN & BROOKE ALDRIDGE
Mountain Home Recordings
MH12592 (compact disc)

ETTA BAKER
BANJO
Music Maker MMCD109 (compact disc)

BIG RIVER BLUEGRASS
No Label, No Number (compact disc)

DEEP FRYED ACOUSTIBLASTERS
No Label, DEEP001 (compact disc)

BILL EMERSON AND SWEET DIXIE
SOUTHERN
Rural Rhythm Records RHY1053 (compact disc)

FLATPICKING GUITAR FOR THE COMPLETE IGNORAMUS!
BY WAYNE ERBSEN
Native Ground Books & Music 9781883206581 (book)

THE GRASS STAINS
STILL STAINED
No Label, GMG 11409 (compact disc)

MIKE JACKSON
WHEN WE GOIN’ BACK
Red Oak, 0901 (compact disc)

RANDY KOHRS
QUICKSAND
Rural Rhythm Records RHY1052 (compact disc)

LAURIE LEWIS
BLOSSOMS
Spruce And Maple Music SMM 2005 (compact disc)

LOUISIANA BLUEGRASS: THE EARLY YEARS
BY RON YULE
Fiddle Country Publishing 9780978735852 (book)

ROBERT MONTGOMERY AND JEREMY STEPHENS
SING THE OLD SONGS
No Label, MSM 001 (compact disc)

THE DEL McCOURY BAND
FAMILY CIRCLE
McCoury Music MCM0014 (compact disc)

NO ONE YOU KNOW
SHE WAITS
No Label, No Number (compact disc)

PATUXENT PARTNERS
SEVEN OR ELEVEN
Patuxent Records CD185 (compact disc)

LARRY STEPHENSON
20th ANNIVERSARY
Pinecastle Records PRC 1172 (compact disc)

LEE WATSON
NORTHERN TRACK
No Label, LWM001 (compact disc)

JOSH WILLIAMS
DOWN HOME
Pinecastle Records PRC1173 (compact disc)

THOMAS WYWROT
EVERY TIME I WALK THIS ROAD
Right Good Records RGR0001 (compact disc)

ADDITIONAL RELEASES
By Les McIntyre

CARL TOWNS & THE REMNANT
SONGS FROM MY CHILDHOOD, VOLUME ONE
DivinEx Entertainment DE01-CT010508.

Carl Towns is a talented singer and instrumentalist from northwest Georgia, and from the title of this all-gospel collection, it is the first of a series of future releases. Carl handles the bulk of the vocals and instrumental parts with occasional assistance from guest musicians. The ten selections are mostly gospel standards—“Rock Of Ages,” “Are You Washed In The Blood?” and “Amazing Grace.” One noted exception is Carl’s own “Seek Ye First,” co-written with Polly Towns. “Songs From My Childhood’ is a well-constructed recording. It will be interesting to see what Carl has in mind for future productions. (Carl Towns, P.O. Box 547, Trenton GA 30752, www.carltowns.com.)

GRANDPA BANANA
I’LL DO ANYTHING FOR YOU
Grandpa Raccoon Records GR9683.

Banana (aka Lowell Levinger) has been a part of the Americana music scene for a number of years. He was a co-founder of the 1960s folk-rock band the Youngbloods and later produced a pair of albums for the bluegrass band High Country. Now in his mid-sixties, “Grandpa” Banana (banjo, guitar, mandola, and vocals) has created a collection of musical treasures taken from diverse sources ranging from Bill Monroe (“Used To Be” and “Memories Of Mother And Dad”) and the Stanley Brothers (“Loving You Too Well” and “Next Sunday Darling Is My Birthday”) to Bob Dylan (“Down Along The Cove”) and even Ray Charles (“I’ll Do Anything But Work”). The result is a relaxed style of acoustic music with distinctive bluegrass overtones. Two particular highlights are the Larry Cordle/Jim Rushing collaboration “The Bigger The Fool” and Kate Wolf’s “Across The Great Divide. “I’ll Do Anything For You” is a captivating production that should find an instant audience with anyone familiar with the music of Grandpa Banana. (Grandpa Raccoon Records, P.O. Box 445, Inverness, CA 94937, www.grandpabanana.com.)

TRIPLE L BAND
CROWN HIM KING
No Label, No Number.

This all-gospel production from New Mexico’s Triple L Band is probably the group’s most successful recording to date (see BU, Dec. ’07, Dec. ’08). The group includes members of the Miller family including Levi (mandolin and vocals), Lance (guitar and vocals), Landon (banjo and vocals), Len (resonator guitar and vocals), and Amy (bass). The dozen tracks come from diverse sources including Mosie Lister (“I’m Feeling Fine” and ”Where No One Stands Alone”) and Flatt & Scruggs (“God Loves His Children”). Of special note are their a cappella performances of the title song and “So High.” “Crown Him King” is bluegrass gospel at it’s finest and certain to win new converts to the music of the Triple L Band. (Triple L Band, P.O. Box 883, Portales, NM 88130, www.triplelband.com.)

IAN MAIRS
GREEN EYED WOMAN
No Label, No Number.

“Green Eyed Woman” is the third solo project for Scotland’s Ian Mairs, a musician who has been an integral part of several local bands including Old Hickory, Banjo Cocktail, and the Moonshiners. This 12-song lineup is all original material with such titles as “Is There Rest In The Grave?,” “Snakes And Ladders Of Love,” and “You Gotta Be Strong.” Ian is on guitar and lead vocals, assisted by Harvey Allan (banjo, guitar and harmony vocals), John Allan (bass), Donald Beveridge (mandolin), and Alan Mairs (fiddle). “Green Eyed Woman” is primarily of regional interest, but could easily attract attention in markets outside of Scotland. (Ian Mairs, 76 Durward Ave., Shawlands, Glasgow, G41 3UE, www.myspace.com/ianmairssolo.)

STEVE WOOD AND THE JOHNSON CREEK DRIFTERS
A SHORT LIFE & ITS TROUBLES
Shock NZ 051.

“A Short Life & Its Troubles” is the debut project for Steve Wood and the Johnson Creek Drifters. The 11 selections are Steve Wood compositions combined with standards such as “Cash On The Barrelhead,” “Stone Walls & Steel Bars,” and “How Mountain Girls Can Love.” Some of the more intriguing original selections include “Mr. Moonshiner,” “Highway Evangelist,” and the swing tune “Big Top Boogie.” “A Short Life & Its Troubles” is an excellent production of contemporary bluegrass and a significant milestone in the career of Steve Wood and the Johnson Creek Drifters. (Steve Wood, 9 Cliff Dr., Katoomba NSW, Australia 2780, www.myspace.com/johnsoncreekdrifters.)

JAKE WORKMAN
ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIDEAWAY
No Label, No Number.

“Rocky Mountain Hideaway” is the latest project from Jake Workman (guitar, banjo, mandolin, and lead vocals). Eight of the twelve selections are Workman originals including the title song, “I Won’t Be Over You,” and the instrumentals “Great Basin Rag,” “Lucky Streak,” and “Manassas.” Also featured are flawless renditions of “Come Back Darling,” the Bill Monroe instrumental “Wheel Hoss,” and the country music classic “Fraulein.” “Rocky Mountain Hideaway” is dynamic; proof that bluegrass music is alive and doing well in the Beehive State. (Jake Workman, 12737 Whisper Grove Cir., Draper, UT 84020, www.myspace.com/jakeworkman11.)

HAND-PICKED BLUEGRASS
SWEET VIRGINIA
Bluegrass Lake Recordings BLR 2.

Hand-Picked Bluegrass is a trio consisting of Joe and Sue Cronick and Robin Mileham, and “Sweet Virginia” is their latest release. On the 14 tracks, they are assisted by guest pickers including Alan Munde (banjo), Jeremy Garrett (fiddle), and Andy Hall (resonator guitar). Most of the selections are written by Joe, including “Cold Hard Winter,” “Take Me Down To The Water’ and the instrumental “Five Finger Discount.” Also featured is the Ron Spears instrumental “Billsville” and the Delmore Brothers’ “Blues Stay Away From Me.” “Sweet Virginia” is a fine offering of contemporary bluegrass highlighted by vibrant vocals and creative instrumentation. Hopefully, there will be many future projects from Hand-Picked Bluegrass. (Joe Cronick, N12002 Rice Rd., Tomahawk, WI 54487, <www.handpickedbluegrass.net>.)

RUNAWAY FREIGHT
HILLBILLY BAILOUT, THE RECESSION TAPES
Switch Track Records CAT. #RF8100.

Compared to their previous recording (BU, Sept. ’08), “Hillbilly Bailout” is a minor disappointment. The band obviously has a wealth of talent, but the performances on this project are often substandard and marred by frantic tempos and vocals that never fully congeal. This is most apparent on “Nine Pound Hammer,” “John Hardy” “Ole Slewfoot,” and “Rock Island Line.” The band fares better on a pair of original pieces, “Auction” and “No Room.” While “Hillbilly Bailout” certainly has its disruptions, there may still be enough substance to attract fans of Runaway Freight. (Matt Ford, P.O. Box 293, College Grove, TN 37046, www.runawayfreight.com.)

BOOKS

THE FIDDLE HANDBOOK
BY CHRIS HAIGH
Backbeat Books 978-0-87930-978-7.
(Backbeat Books, 7777 W. Bluemound Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53213, www.backbeatbooks.com.)

The Fiddle Handbook is a massive undertaking that covers the role of the fiddle in various musical genres ranging from jazz and western swing to klezmer and rock music. The section on bluegrass features a brief history along with biographies of Bill Monroe and fiddlers who were members of his Blue Grass Boys. Also featured are examples of bluegrass fiddling. The section covering old-time fiddling includes examples of traditional tunes such as “Old Joe Clark,” “Fisher’s Hornpipe,” ”Greenback Dollar,” and “Granny Will Your Dog Bite?” Audio examples are also featured on a pair of CDs included with the book. The Fiddle Handbook is a valuable source of information covering just about every aspect of fiddle music—a must acquisition for any serious music library.

BACKUP TECHNIQUES ON THE FIVE-STRING BANJO, BLUEGRASS BANJO METHOD BOOK THREE
BY JACK HATFIELD
Hatfield Music 978-1-892531-07-0.
(Hatfield Music, 325 Laurelwood Dr., Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, www.hatfieldmusic.com.)

This instruction book compiled by musician Jack Hatfield is the third in a series regarding the five-string banjo. Included in this 231-page publication are discussions on such subjects as vamping, fill-in licks, playing in different keys, and how the banjo relates to other instruments in a bluegrass format. There is also an extensive section devoted to music theory along with a pair of play-along CDs. Also included are practice lessons of many favorite bluegrass numbers including “Salty Dog Blues,” “Cumberland Gap,” and “Cripple Creek.” Backup Techniques For The Five-String Banjo is a comprehensive music course and should prove to be a valuable resource for any serious student of the five-string.

MEL BAY PRESENTS:  A GUIDE TO NON-JAZZ IMPROVISATION (GUITAR EDITION)
BY DICK WEISSMAN & DAN FOX
Mel Bay MB20827BCD. (Mel Bay Publications, Inc., #4 Industrial Dr., Pacific, MO 63069, www.melbay.com.)

This instruction book from Mel Bay Publications is designed to teach improvisation techniques as they apply to the guitar. Prepared by musicians Dick Weissman and Dan Fox, this 134-page book is divided into two sections. The first deals with basic techniques such as modes, scales, chord positions and a crash course involving musical theory. Part two consists of a series of practice tunes arranged and tabbed for various guitar stylings including bluegrass, Cajun, ragtime, and other genres. Accompanying the book is a CD with examples of all the lessons. A Guide To Non-Jazz Improvisation is designed for intermediate guitar students with some knowledge of tablature and should be a valuable reference source for enhancing one’s own guitar picking ability.

COMPILATIONS AND REISSUES

CARL TIPTON
ECHOES OF THE CARL TIPTON SHOW
Gusto GT7-2153-2.

Fourteen songs including “Death Is Only A Dream,” “White Dove,” “Banjo Special,” and “When I’m Gone.” (Gusto Records, 1900 Elm Hill Pike, Nashville, TN 37210, www.bluegrassusa.com.)

COUNTRY GENTLEMEN
HIGH LONESOME, THE COMPLETE STARDAY RECORDINGS
Gusto GT7-0958-2.

Two-CD set, fifty-one songs, twenty-page booklet by Gary Reid. Songs include “Two Little Boys,” “Willie Roy, The Crippled Boy,” “These Men Of God,” and “New Freedom Bell.” Musicians include Charlie Waller, Eddie Adcock, John Duffey, Tom Gray, Pete Kuykendall, and Bill Emerson. (Gusto Records, 1900 Elm Hill Pike, Nashville, TN 37210,  www.countrymusicusa.com.)

BILL HARRELL WITH SPECIAL GUEST DON RENO
20 BLUEGRASS GREATS
Gusto GT7-2121-2.

Eight songs by Bill Harrell include “One Track Mind,” and “Top Hat Ramble.” Twelve by Reno and Harrell include “Mister Bottle,” “Just A Phone Call Will Do,” and “Peacock Rag.” (Gusto Records, 1900 Elm Hill Pike, Nashville, TN 37210, www.bluegrassusa.com.)

LONESOME PINE FIDDLERS
BLUEGRASS COLLECTION
Gusto GT7-2131-2.

The 14 songs include “Eatin’ Out Of Your Hand,” “I’m All Alone In This World,” and “Lonesome Pine.” Musicians include Curly and Ezra Cline and Melvin and Ray Goins. (Gusto Records, 1900 Elm Hill Pike, Nashville, TN 37210, www.bluegrassusa.com.)

LONESOME PINE FIDDLERS
STARDAY COLLECTION
Gusto GT7-2130-2.

The 14 songs include “Coal Dust Blues,” “Road Hog Red,” “Hobo Blues,” and “Y’all Come.” Musicians include Curly and Ezra Cline and Melvin and Ray Goins. (Gusto Records, 1900 Elm Hill Pike, Nashville, TN 37210, www.bluegrassusa.com.)

RENO & SMILEY
EARLY YEARS 1951-1959
Gusto GT7-0959-2.

Four CD set, 109 songs, 32-page booklet by Gary Reid. What a treasure! These original King recordings include “Reno Ride,” “Limehouse Blues,” “I’m Using My Bible For A Roadmap,” “Tally-ho,” and “Barefoot Nellie.” Musicians include Ronnie  Reno, Mack Magaha, John Palmer, Benny Williams, and Smiley Hobbs. (Gusto Records, 1900 Elm Hill Pike, Nashville, TN 37210, www.bluegrassusa.com.)

THE STEWART FAMILY
ORIGINAL COUNTRY GOSPEL
Gusto GT7-0964-2.

The 11 songs include “Softly And Tenderly,” “I’ll Meet You In The Morning,” “Little Community Church,” and “Will The Circle Be Unbroken.” (Gusto Records, 1900 Elm Hill Pike, Nashville, TN 37210, www.gospelmusicusa.com.)

VARIOUS ARTISTS
ESSENTIAL BLUEGRASS: 16 CLASSICS
Gusto GT7-2143-2.

Includes songs from the Stonemans, Stringbean, the Country Gentlemen, Blue Sky Boys, and New Grass Revival. Numbers include “Reno Bound,” “Knoxville Girl,” “Barbara Allen,” and “In The Pines.” (Gusto Records, 1900 Elm Hill Pike, Nashville, TN 37210, www.bluegrassusa.com.)

VARIOUS ARTISTS
16 BLAZIN’ BLUEGRASS
Gusto GR7-2140-2.

Artists include Larry Sparks, Ralph Stanley, Benny Martin, Buzz Busby, and Raymond Fairchild. Songs include “Long Journey Home,” “Mandolin Tango,” “Ida Red,” and “Turn Me Loose.” (Gusto Records, 1900 Elm Hill Pike, Nashville, TN 37210, www.bluegrassusa.com.)

BOOKS

COME AND GO, MOLLY SNOW
BY MARY ANN TAYLOR-HALL
University Press of Kentucky 9780813192161.

Originally published in 1995, this 2009 version is a 269-page paperback. The book tells the fictional story of fiddle player Carrie Mullins from Lexington, Ky., and her numerous bluegrass adventures. But, side by side, is the story of her losing her young daughter, Molly, and the healing power of music. Well-written with good bluegrass details. A welcome reprint! (University Press of Kentucky, 663 S. Limestone St., Lexington, KY 40508, www.kentuckypress.com.)

EDLY’S MUSIC THEORY FOR PRACTICAL PEOPLE
BY ED ROSEMAN
Musical Edventures 9780966161601.

Revised and expanded third edition with 192 pages. Includes some forty pages of advanced new chapters. The original chapters include information on major keys, minor keys, I, IV, V and the twelve bar blues, the circle of fifths, and intervals for ear training. (Musical EdVentures, 5 Morning Star Dr., Hadley, MA 01035, www.edly.com.)