by Steven Miller
In the vast forest of bluegrass music, a mighty poplar has emerged, firmly rooted in tradition while reaching for new heights. This self-titled debut from the bluegrass supergroup Mighty Poplar brings together five of the genre’s most esteemed musicians, each contributing their unique flavor to a harmonious whole.
Mighty Poplar consists of an all-star lineup: Andrew Marlin of Watchhouse on vocals and mandolin, Noam Pikelny and Chris Eldridge of Punch Brothers on banjo and guitar respectively, Greg Garrison of Leftover Salmon on bass, and Alex Hargreaves, currently touring with Billy Strings, on fiddle. This [...]
One of These Days marks a significant return for Baltimore native Cris Jacobs with his self-released gem that traverses the terrains of Country, Bluegrass, and Americana. Under the adept production of Jerry Douglas and featuring collaborations with notable artists, the album is a set of eleven well-written songs. After a five-year hiatus, Jacobs has created a flow of folk, blues, gospel, and bluegrass with a contemporary flair, crafting a must-listen for fans of rich storytelling and musical depth.
Jacobs’ journey through personal hardships and a global pandemic has culminated in this album, birthed in the solitude of his barn. The [...]
The Steep Canyon Rangers brings us the vibrant hues of bluegrass, woven with tones of history, personal tales, and musical mastery. Morning Shift, the latest offering from the seasoned ensemble, is nothing short of a musical journey. Each track, elegantly constructed and artfully performed, reflects the band’s profound understanding of their craft and place within the genre’s storied tradition. But let’s dive deep into this album that serves as a chronicle of the human spirit, transcending time and space.
The Steep Canyon Rangers are [...]
Punch Brothers is mandolinist Chris Thile, guitarist Chris Eldridge, bassist Paul Kowert, banjoist Noam Pikelny, and violinist Gabe Witcher. The New York City-based quintet releases their latest album, Hell on Church Street. The album is the Punch Brothers’ re-imagining of, and homage to, the late bluegrass great Tony Rice’s landmark solo album Church Street Blues. The record features a collection of songs by Bob Dylan, Gordon Lightfoot, Bill Monroe, and others. The band recorded the songs at Nashville’s Blackbird Studio in November 2020. Hell on Church Street was intended as both its own work of art and a gift to Rice, who died that [...]