Billy Strings & Terry Barber, “Me/And/Dad” review

Billy Strings and Terry Barber Me/And/Dad Rounder It’s about the story. Billy Strings’ version of hillbilly rock ‘n’ roll has engulfed the Americana music community over the past several years. He has won a Grammy, as well as multiple International Bluegrass Music Association Awards including Entertainer of the Year twice, and an Americana Music Award…

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Jim Hurst- From the Ground Up review

Jim Hurst From the Ground Up Pinecastle It has been some many years since I last heard a Jim Hurst album. I purchased Intrepid years ago upon release, and his performance of “Dew On The Mountain” remains one of my favourites. Jim Hurst is under-known within the acoustic and bluegrass worlds despite a career of…

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Béla Fleck & Tony Rice Tribute reviews

Over at Country Standard Time two reviews of 2021 releases have been published. The Béla Fleck release was one of the years most welcome bluegrass albums while the Barry Waldrep-led tribute features some of Fervor Coulee’s favourites including Rodney Crowell with Emmylou Harris, Jim Lauderdale, Vince Gill, Darrell Scott, Tammy Rogers, Kim Richey, John Cowan,…

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Wilson Banjo Co.- Six Degrees of Separation review

Wilson Banjo Co. Six Degrees of Separation Pinecastle An odd recording, this. And I use the word ‘odd’ deliberately and without negative judgement. Six Degrees of Separation is odd because, well—we just don’t get that many bluegrass albums built around one man’s banjo creations. Steve Wilson is a recognized master at building the 5-string banjo,…

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Andy Statman- Monroe Bus review

Andy Statman Monroe Bus Shefa Records …it became clear to me how the music one plays and writes is a reflection of the life a person lives.                    -Andy Statman, liner notes to Monroe Bus Indeed. Andy Statman has had quite the journey. Raised in Queens in a family of musicians, cantors, and composers, Statman’s…

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Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper- On Down the Line review

My review of Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper’s brand new Compass Records album has been posted over at Country Standard Time. Without looking, name the members of Flamekeeper. Your response to this request may reveal how you approach the Compass Records debut of Michael Cleveland’s band. If you thought, “Doesn’t matter; it is Cleveland that matters”…

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Lonesome Road Review’s Top 10 Bluegrass Albums of 2011

A bit late but understandable being how busy editor Aaron Keith Harris is, today brings the release of the Lonesome Road Review’s top 10 bluegrass albums of the past year. I’m pleased to see that Aaron and my LRR colleague Larry Stephens agreed with me in several places, quite likely more than I expected, and…

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IBMA Awards 2011- the second segment begins

7:00- Colby Kilby and Clair Lynch to present the next award. INSTRUMENTAL RECORDED PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR “Goin’ Up Dry Branch,” Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper (artists), Buddy Spicher & Jimmy Martin (songwriters), Jeff White & Michael Cleveland (producers), Rounder Records (label) “Ground Speed;” Rural Rhythm All-Stars: Sammy Shelor, Carl Jackson, Brandon Rickman, Wayne Benson, Mike…

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Flamekeeper…and out!

http://www.thebluegrassblog.com/flamekeeper-flameout/ The Bluegrass Blog has the story today that the majority of Flamekeeper members have parted ways with bandleader Michael Cleveland. Had only this news broken yesterday…my review of Fired Up  wouldn’t be out of date a day later. I’m surprised this happened so abruptly given the history Cleveland has with Jesse Brock and Tom Adams…

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Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper- Fired Up

My long-delayed review of Fired Up has been posted at the Lonesome Road Review. The review is long-delayed simply because I know how to procrastinate. Thanks for visiting Fervor Coulee. Donald Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper Fired Up Rounder Records 4.5 stars (out of 5) By Donald Teplyske Crafted by one of the most impressive and…

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