Reviews

HAMMERTOWNE HILLBILLY HEROES Mountain Fever MFR 170602 This is the third release from the Kentucky-based band Hammertowne. It’s the same five guys returning. Bandmembers David Carroll, Bryan Russell, and Brent Pack had a hand in writing eight of the twelve songs, drawing on Bill Castle, Del McCoury, Jerry Dill, and Evan Maynard for the rest….

LONESOME RIVER BAND MAYHAYLEY’S HOUSE Mountain Home MH16852 The number of former members who’ve cycled through the Lonesome River Band since its founding 35 years ago is in the dozens. Through it all, it’s been banjo master Sammy Shelor, who’s kept a sure and steady hand on the tiller. Nearly 20 albums into the game,…

OLD SALT UNION Compass Records 7 4693 2 By signing with Compass Records, Old Salt Union brings their edgy and rootsy style to a major label. Yes, they have all the elements of bluegrass, but they also bring in their other influences of rock, classical, hip-hop, and Americana. The band consists of John Brighton (fiddle,…

PAUL KOVAC OHIO BLUEGRASS: FROM THE APPALACHIAN PLATEAU, VOL. 1 Yodel-Ay-Hee 093 There is plenty of good new music coming down the pipe in a bluegrass world that is constantly flexing its muscles and frequently crossing genres. Then along comes Paul Kovac with a new, old, traditional, big sound. Yes, it’s hard to describe. Kovac…

THE GRASCALS BEFORE BREAKFAST Mountain Home MH16872 One of the many charms and attributes that have won The Grascals a multitude of fans in recent years is the band’s capacity to convey everything from heart-stopping earnestness to lighthearted, even goofy humor. On the one hand, there are heart palpitators: The mournful “Demons” (written by Bill…

RHONDA VINCENT & DARYLE SINGLETARY AMERICAN GRANDSTAND Upper Mgmt. Music UM011 If you’re a fan of traditional country duos like George Jones/Tammy Wynette and Conway Twitty/Loretta Lynn, then this CD is a perfect match. As always, Rhonda Vincent’s vocals are spot-on. This time, she has the added benefit of recording with a true country traditionalist,…