Darin Aldridge & Brooke Justice, I'll Go with You (Pinecastle), www.pinecastle.com
The debut release from Darin Aldridge and Brooke Justice is an all-bluegrass gospel collection of songs that includes two originals, “This Man” and “Get Down and Pray.” Fans will recognize Darin’s name from his work with Charlie Waller & the Country Gentlemen and The Circuit Riders. Brooke previously performed with the gospel group, Pure Heart.
Kristin Scott Benson, Second Season (Pinecastle), www.pinecastle.com
The new recording from IBMA’s reigning Banjo Player of the Year includes eight instrumentals and four vocals. Kristin is joined by Wayne Benson, Shad Cobb, Larry Cordle, Mickey Harris, David Grier, Sally Jones, Cody Kilby, Larry Stephenson, Andy Todd, Jim Van Cleve and Josh Williams for a set of music that includes four originals along with material from the O’Kanes, Bill Emerson, John Randall Stewart, Earl Scruggs, Kevin Welch and more.
Bluegrass Stuff, Volare (Arcipelago Records), www.bluegrass.it
The latest from Bluegrass Stuff, based in Italy, features music from Massimo Gatti, Perry Meroni, Leo De Giacomo, Ignazio Sanfilippo and Dino Barbe, along with guests Duilio Galfetti, Phil Leadbetter and Ugo Binda. The song list includes two originals from Gatti, plus Jim Eanes’ “I Wouldn’t Change You If I Could,” Webb Pierce’s “Slowly,” two songs from Bill Monroe, “Once a Day” from Bill Anderson and more.
Melonie Cannon, And the Wheels Turn (Rural Rhythm), www.ruralrhythm.com
The long-awaited sophomore release from Melonie Cannon, her first album on the Rural Rhythm label, will hit radio first with the up tempo single, “I Call It Gone.” Also included: the reflective “Cactus in a Coffee Can;” “I’ve Seen Enough of What’s Behind Me,” written by Ronnie Bowman & Tammy Rogers King; “Mary Magdalene,” co-written by Bowman, Melonie & Buddy Cannon and Marla Cannon-Goodman; and a duet with Willie Nelson, “Back to Earth.”
Kasey Chambers & Shane Nicholson, Rattlin' Bones (Sugar Hill Records), www.sugarhillrecords.com
Australian songwriters Kasey Chambers and Shane Nicholson have teamed up for the first time on their Sugar Hill debut, a country and bluegrass-infused collection of original songs. Instrumentation includes guitar, Dobro, banjo, lap steel and fiddle on titles like “Sweetest Waste of Time,” “Monkey on a Wire,” “The House That Never Was,” “Wildflower,” “Jackson Hole” and “Sleeping Cold,” among others.
Cherryholmes; Cherryholmes III, Don't Believe (Skaggs Family Records), www.skaggsfamilyrecords.com
Cherryholmes, two-time Grammy nominees and 2005 IBMA Entertainer of the Year, return with their third album for Skaggs Family Records. The album spotlights the family group’s musical evolution in the area of songwriting, while showcasing their trademark instrumental style and harmony blend. A dozen of 13 cuts are band originals, with seven songs from banjo player/vocalist Cia Leigh Cherryholmes.
Crowe Brothers, Brothers –N- Harmony (Rural Rhythm), www.ruralrhythm.com
In liner notes Charlie Louvin says, “It’s not hard to pick up on the fact (the Crowe Brothers) have been influenced by the harmonic sounds of the Blue Sky Boys, the Wilburn Brothers, and yes—the Louvin Brothers, It was a treat to hear ‘Are you Teasing Me’ included in this album…. Along with tight harmonies the Crowe Brothers mix bluegrass and traditional country music, and while giving a nod to their heroes now and then, this music doesn’t sound old or tired. It comes out smooth and easy to listen to. Enjoy!”
Daughters of Bluegrass, Bluegrass Bouquet (Blue Circle Records), www.bluecirclerecords.com
The follow-up to their 2006 IBMA Recorded Event of the Year project presents 17 cuts written by Miss Dixie and Tom T. Hall. Lead singers include Dale Ann Bradley, Jeanette Williams, Lisa Ray, Gena Britt, Valerie Smith, Frances Mooney, Lorraine Jordan, Beth Stevens, Linda Lay, Michelle Nixon, Melissa & Beth Lawrence, Heather Berry, Mindy Rakestraw and Janet McGarry, joined by dozens of talented women on vocal harmonies and all the bluegrass instruments.
Tommy Edwards, The Christmas Album (Salisbury Street Records)
In liner notes singer/guitarist Tommy Edwards says, “I have wanted to do a Christmas album for several years. I love Christmas music, both sacred and secular, and I enjoy the warmth, friendliness and acts of caring that the season engenders. And what could be more inspiring than the message of love and promise that is related in the Christmas story. I hope you enjoy The Christmas Album.” Edwards contributes six originals to the dozen cuts.
Hard Ryde, Stages, www.hardryde.ca
The members of the award-winning Canadian bluegrass band include D’Arcy Campbell, Tyler Beckett, Will Meadows, Doug DeBoer, Rich Koop and Marc Roy. The material, performed in a hard-driving, traditional style, is a mix of originals from band members, traditional tunes, a couple from Earl Scruggs and Carter Stanley, plus more.
Jeni & Billy, Jewell Ridge Coal, www.jeniandbilly.com
Jeni Hankins and Billy Kemp present original songs with an authentic, old-time edge focused on the theme of coal mining. Shad Cobb, Kim Peery Sherman, Jim Lauderdale and Randy Kohrs guest on five of ten cuts, but for the most part the songs are presented with vocals and guitar. Titles include “Minder’s Reward,” “Tazewell Beauty Queen,” “Local 6167,” “Oxycodone,” “Sweetness Keen as Pain,” “Middle Creek,” “Chicken Ridge,” “Land of the Pharaohs” and “Ain’t Got Time for Trouble Blues,” along with the title cut.
Jett's Creek, Supposed to Be, www.jetts-creek.com
In liner notes Ron Thomason says, “This CD (their first) has all the maturity, quality, depth and soul that bluegrass fans and aficionados have come to expect from established, experienced and road-worn bands…. There is a raw freshness, an exuberant enthusiasm and a noticeable uniqueness that is both excellently presented and deeply respectful of its roots that will not escape the ‘practiced’ ear of folks who love bluegrass music.” Members of the family band include Jon & Adam McIntosh, Pearl Bradley and Angie Young.
Ashley Lewis, Here I Stand (www.AshtonGap.com)
Young Ashley Lewis sang lead, played mandolin and wrote or co-wrote 12 of 13 of the contemporary bluegrass songs on her debut recording, produced by The Grascals’ Danny Roberts. Additional guests include Jimmy Mattingly, Tony Wray, Aaron McDaris, Terry Smith, Jamie Johnson, Dale Ann Bradley, Andrea Roberts and Dave DeMay. Titles include “Cascade,” “I’d Rather Miss You,” “Fire in the Water,” “Fool Moonlight,” “Blood Wood,” “Lucky 13” and more.
Lonesome River Band, No Turning Back (Rural Rhythm), www.ruralrhythm.com
The debut album on the Rural Rhythm label from the legendary Lonesome River Band features bandleader/sheik of the five-string Sammy Shelor, Brandon Rickman, Andy Ball, Mike Anglin and Mike Hartgrove in the line-up. The album kicks off with Paul Craft & Bob “Cadillac” Holmes’ classic “Them Blues,” followed by 13 more songs by writers like Jerry Salley, Larry Cordle, Ginger Boatwright, Dee Gaskin & Rebecca Bowman, Ralph Stanley, Billy Yates, lead singer Brandon Rickman and more.
Old Crow Medicine Show, Tennessee Pusher (Nettwerk), www.nettwerk.com
The latest from new-time, old-time features the Nashville-based string band’s trademark vocal harmony and danceable instrumentation on a set of original songs. Included: “Alabama High-Test,” “Methamphetamine,” “Humdinger,” “Motel in Memphis,” “Mary’s Kitchen,” “Caroline,” “Lift Him Up,” “The Greatest Hustler of All” and more.
Marc Silver & the Stonethrowers, Past is Prelude (Mark Silver Music), www.marcsilvermusic.com
Singer/songwriter and guitarist Marc Silver presents 10 originals backed by bluegrass instrumentation with pedal steel floating on top. The Philadelphia-based Stonethrowers feature John Spangler, Sam Briger, Isaac Stanford and Mike Hlatky, and Beth Sloan guests on vocals on two cuts. With the premise that one’s past is but the prelude for the next chapter in life, Marc includes songs like “Take Back Your Heart,” “Darlin’ You Can Stay,” “Early Morning Dreaming,” “Earthly Bed,” “Pull in the Reins” and more.
April Verch, Steal the Blue (Slab Town Records) www.aprilverch.com
In liner notes Jon Weisberger says, “I’m not going to tell you how good April Verch is—the music on Steal the Blue makes doing so unnecessary. But I will say that this collection is not only compelling proof of her continuing development, but also the best portrait yet of April as a performing artist.” April, on fiddle and lead vocals, is joined by Marc Bru, Cody Watters, Isaac Callender, Randy Kohrs, Sam Bush, Scott Vestal, Weisberger, Stephen & Jana Mougin, Melonie Cannon, Patty Mitchell and Travis Book. The songs are from Sarah Pirkle, Sarah Siskind, Craig Market, Tim Stafford, Larry Cordle, Steve Gulley, Mark Simos, Ron Block and more.
Jon Weisberger, If This Road Could Talk (Use Your Words Music), www.jonweisberger.com
Known primarily as a journalist and a bass player, Jon presents a set of original songs, including some co-written with Justin Carbone, Mark Simos, Alan Bartram, Tim Stafford, Jennifer Strickland and Jeremy Garrett. In liner notes Craig Havighurst says, “With this disc, Jon Weisberger announces he’s now a musician first, and it seems inevitable that this new stage in his life will be full of more great stories. You just might not be able to read them in a magazine.”
Jeanette Williams, Thank You for Caring (Blue Circle Records), www.bluecirclerecords.com
In liner notes for her third solo album Jeanette confides, “When I first stepped into a recording studio 17 years ago, I never dreamed how much this music would change my life…. Each (song here) has a message—some urgent, some poignant, and some are just plain fun.” In addition to “Enough of You,” the original that won Williams first place at the 2007 Chris Austin Songwriting Contest, material comes from Brandon Rickman, Charley Stefl, Tim Stafford, Larry Shell, Kim Williams, Dixie & Tom T. Hall, Skip Ewing, Shannon Slaughter, Laurie Lewis and more. The set ends with a surprising bluegrass version of the disco hit, “I Will Survive.”
Robin & Linda Williams, Buena Vista (Red House Records), www.redhouserecords.com
The latest recording from legendary country/folk duo Robin & Linda Williams has been described as an exploration of life’s hard times and unexpected joys. Eleven of twelve cuts are originals; also included is Lefty Frizzell’s “That’s the Way Love Goes.” In liner notes the Williams say, “Through valleys and mountains we’ve searched low and high, looking for the music God made, and hoping it hasn’t gone undetected as the years have rolled by. Maybelle and Monroe are guiding stars and they’ve helped us stay off the lost highway, out of the country of cardboard and cement. We are among the blessed…”
Nimrod Workman, I Want to Go Where Things Are Beautiful (Twos and Fews)
In 1982 Mike Seeger visited the late Nimrod Workman at his home in Mascot, Tenn. and with the support of an NEA grant, recorded 18 hours of Workman’s songs and stories. While these sessions provided the most extensive coverage of Nimrod’s talent ever made, they went unissued. Come the late 1980s he was in too poor health to keep up a touring schedule and died at age 99 in 1994. This recording, which draws on Seeger’s 1982 recordings, showcases Workman’s repertoire of humorous, melancholy, sacred and sinful songs—ranging from ballads like “Barbara Allen” and “Lord Daniel” to his own material, inspired by his experience as a coal miner and card-carrying member of the UMWA. Fans will remember Workman from appearances in the films, Harlan County USA and Coal Miner’s Daughter, as well as a guest on The Tonight Show.