With Dolly Parton, the Glitz Was Never Separate From the Genius
In tribute to Dolly Parton, we celebrate her genius not only in songwriting and singing, but also in being the creative force behind her indelible image.
bluegrass
Old Crow Medicine Show Celebrate America at 250 Years
Ketch Secor’s insistence on making a “Hooray for America!” record ends up putting Old Crow Medicine Show in an awkward position.
Leah Song Stands Strong at the Crossroads of Art and Activism
Folk-rock troubadour Leah Song of Rising Appalachia discusses her passion for combining music and activism.
Tony Rice’s 1977 Album Marks a Key Moment in Bluegrass
Tony Rice was an epochal guitarist, and his work with the likes of David Grisman, and Ricky Skaggs has long held a special place in the hearts of bluegrass lovers.
Jim Lauderdale Aims to Make Us All Smile and Be Happy
Americana singer-songwriter Jim Lauderdale aims to make one smile, and he understands the best way to do that is to smile at the other person first.
Carolina Chocolate Drops Bring the Past to Delight
Carolina Chocolate Drops’ third album is still revolutionary and lays out a singular vision that’s traditional, innovative, scholarly, and fun.
Molly Tuttle Goes Solo with Delightful New Record
Molly Tuttle’s So Long Little Miss Sunshine finds her stretching out her sound, though her songwriting and guitar skills continue to be on full display.
Rising Appalachia Step Up to Sing for a Better World
In a more sane world, Rising Appalachia would be filling arenas, but it’s fabulous to be able to catch them in an intimate setting like this.
Tim O’Brien and Jan Fabricius Pick on the Past
Tim O’Brien’s new LP isn’t meant to shake the room and get everybody partying, but it will bring a smile and a tear to those who appreciate bluegrass and folk.
Country’s Tony Kamel Reminds Us That ‘We’re All Gonna Live’
The ten songs on We’re All Gonna Live suggest life is worthwhile. Tony Kamel’s singing, playing, and songwriting offer hope in this crazy world.
Ollella Makes the Political Personal on ‘Antifragile’
Ollella’s Antifragile has enough beauty to remind us of how liberating having respect and an open mind can be in these troubled times.
Alison Krauss’ ‘Arcadia’ Is Dazzling and Worth the Long Wait
Alison Krauss and Union Station show a meeting of minds, wildly creative professionals reunited to log yet another sterling work in their estimable discography.