It was pitch black outside as a light rain obscured the waxing moon. A stark chill was in the air, punctuating the eerie silence that blanketed all hallows eve in Crab Orchard, Tennessee. Across from the field that Byrd's Creek Music Festival calls home, there was a glow in the night. Inside a well-appointed... Continue Reading →
Live Show Review: Caroline Spence
There are some things that defy the hands of time. At her recent concert at Nashville’s 3rd & Lindsley, Caroline Spence ended her show with the title track from her last album, Mint Condition. The song, a clear fan favorite, is an ode to the timelessness of love. However, the song could easily be used... Continue Reading →
Live Show Review: Ruston Kelly
Over the last year, Ruston Kelly has rapidly transformed from a critically-acclaimed rising star to a household name. During that time, conversations about Kelly have taken two paths— redemption is always topic number one. Skim his bio, listen to any of his songs, leaf through a couple of tabloids, and the stories quickly reveal that... Continue Reading →
Album Review: I’m With Her – See You Around
See You Around, the much-anticipated debut album from I’m With Her, sounds as natural and opiate as one would expect of a release combining the talents of three of folk music’s most accomplished musicians, songwriters, and vocalists. What’s more is that the trio, comprised of Sara Watkins (Nickelcreek, Watkins Family Hour), Aoife O’Donovan (Crooked Still), and... Continue Reading →
Live Show Review: Bela Fleck and Abigail Washburn
Can a three-finger bluegrass-styled guy be the perfect match for a clawhammer lady? Bela Fleck and Abigail Washburn have been set on proving that their stylistic differences complement instead of clash, and have been doing a darn good job of it along the way. The Nashville couple recently completed a mini-residency titled “Circle Round Home,”... Continue Reading →
Interview: Sean McConnell
“It’s just me with a guitar and a piano on this tour,” says veteran country-folkster Sean McConnell, who is currently on tour supporting his new acoustic album, Undone, out via Rounder Records. “Maybe I could sell a few more tickets if I could pull off playing them both at the same time. I’ve been thinking... Continue Reading →
Live Show Review: Jillette Johnson
Even made of brick and stone, one might wonder how the walls of The Basement in Nashville were able to contain the power of Jillette Johnson’s voice last Thursday night. Celebrating the release of her much-anticipated new record All I Ever See In You Is Me via Rounder Records, Johnson admitted a lot of pent... Continue Reading →
Interview: Jerry Douglas
Does Jerry Douglas play dobro in his sleep? “Lord I hope not, there has to be some time when I don’t have that thing on. It’s like a little brother,” he laughs. “Sometimes I hate the damn thing, but I can only be away from it for a couple of days before I’ve got to... Continue Reading →
Steep Canyon Rangers at City Winery Nashville
Grammy award-winning progressive bluegrass band Steep Canyon Rangers performed for an all-ages crowd at Nashville's City Winery recently, and I had the distinct pleasure of witnessing their impeccable musicianship first-hand. The collective, comprised of Woody Platt (guitar, lead vocals), Mike Guggino (mandolin, vocals), Charles Humphrey (bass,vocals), Graham Sharp (banjo, vocals), Nicky Sanders (fiddle, vocals), and Michael Ashworth... Continue Reading →