by Steven Miller
If bluegrass is a tradition built on memory, then Live At The Legion is its muscle memory rendered audible. Captured live on April 7, 2024, at Nashville’s American Legion Post 82, this 20-track collaboration between Billy Strings & Bryan Sutton is a showcase of repertoire and its tradition of timing, tone, and touch.
Forget studio polish. This is the sound of two guitars, two voices, and two minds working in millisecond synchronicity. The stereo mix tells you everything you need to know: Strings panned left, Sutton right. It’s a gift to listeners who understand that flatpicking is more [...]
by Steven Miller
Sierra Hull has built an impressive career that has been precocious and prodigious, with her mandolin mastery and vocal gifts earning her a place among bluegrass royalty. From her early Grand Ole Opry appearances to Grammy nominations, Hull has continually expanded the boundaries of her artistry. Her latest single, a cover of Tears for Fears’ “Mad World,” provides another example of her ability to transcend genre labels while staying rooted in the craftsmanship that has made her a bluegrass standout.
“Mad World,” a song originally released in 1982 by Tears for Fears, has been covered by many [...]
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 [...]
