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Bluegrass Ramble Applications Now Open.

19 Jan, 19 by Greg McGrath Leave a Comment

Here is an opportunity to appear before a host of Bluegrass Music agents, producers, recording companies and other folk providing opportunities to emerging bluegrass artists.

Official showcase performances at the IBMA’s annual Bluegrass Ramble during World of Bluegrass week form the premier platform for introducing talent to the bluegrass community. The Bluegrass Ramble will take place September 24-26, 2019, once again in downtown Raleigh, NC, and all emerging bluegrass bands, as well as established bands with new music or new personnel, are encouraged to apply.

Showcase Package:

Each selected showcase act will perform at least twice during the week—once on a convention center stage and once at a Bluegrass Ramble venue. Convention Center sets will be 25 minutes, and Bluegrass Ramble venue sets will be 45 minutes.

In addition to the two showcase opportunities, the IBMA showcase package includes:

Full conference registration package for performing members of group (value $1000+).
Priority access to “Gig Fair” appointments.
Complimentary booth space during business conference (value $700+).
One organizational membership for group (value $205).
Featured promotion on IBMA channels throughout the summer, ahead of the events.
Featured profile in conference program, WOB app, and printed Bluegrass Ramble schedules.
Inclusion of one mp3 on the 2019 Bluegrass Ramble mixtape via Noisetrade, available for free and promoted to DJs and talent buyers pre-event.
Download the mixtapes from prior years.
Inclusion in the Bluegrass Ramble Spotify playlist, promoted to DJs and talent buyers pre-event.

Eligibility:

All artists playing bluegrass and closely related genres are encouraged to apply. Applicant does NOT have to be an IBMA member.

All non-U.S.-based artists must be legally able to enter the United States and are responsible for acquiring all necessary travel permits including visas when necessary. Learn more.

Official IBMA showcase acts from the 2018 Bluegrass Ramble are NOT eligible for 2019. If the act performed on sponsored showcases during the Bluegrass Ramble or elsewhere during 2018, it IS eligible to apply for an Official IBMA Showcase for 2019.

Application Process:

All applications will be made online, through this page. Up to 30 artists will be invited to participate in the Bluegrass Ramble as Official IBMA Showcase Acts. Artists are chosen through a juried selection process that takes into consideration the applicant’s entertainment value, level of professionalism, potential appeal, quality of work, and potential of act to benefit from the opportunity.

All applicants will receive a response from the IBMA via email by April 15, indicating whether the act has been selected for an official showcase, selected as an alternate, or not selected for an official showcase. Apply Here.

Application Materials:

In addition to general applicant contact information, the following materials will be needed to complete the application:

Name, email, and role (i.e. banjo, fiddle) of each member of the applying act
One studio recorded song (mp3 format only, an optional second recording may be submitted as well)
One Hi-Res artist photo
An artist bio with artist location, names/roles of band members (if known at time of application), description of the artist’s sound, and note of any recently released recordings
A stage plot, indicating locations of instruments, instrument mics, vocal mics, and any other equipment (i.e. amp, pre-amp).
Credit card for application fee.
Application Deadlines & Fees

Online application for IBMA showcases must be submitted by FEBRUARY 28, 2019. All applicants are required to submit a $25 fee to help defray selection process costs. If invited to participate as an official showcase artist, there is an additional fee of $500 to offset costs of services and showcase production.

Ronnie Reno To Retire in Late 2019

16 Jan, 19 by Greg McGrath Leave a Comment

After a career of over 60 years in the music industry, Ronnie Reno announced today that he will retire in December of 2019. The longstanding host of award-winning Reno’s Old Time Music television show will call it a day.

Back in 1955, a then seven-year-old Ronnie Reno climbed up on a milk carton, stretched up to the microphone, and performed before his first national audience on The Old Dominion Barndance. This performance would prove to be the beginning of one of the most colourful, diverse and distinguished careers in the music industry. Indeed, a career that spans over 60 years, and has put him along side some of the most legendary entertainers in Bluegrass and Country Music history.

Reno was launched into bluegrass greatness when he picked up the mandolin and joined his father’s band. His dad just happened to be banjo pioneer Don Reno and one-half of the Hall of Fame duo Reno & Smiley. While juggling schoolwork with TV tapings and top-billed performances, young Ronnie honed his chops and was a part of that act’s great recordings in the 50’s and 60’s. He earned a reputation as a fine all-round player and picked up additional work with groups like the Louvin Brothers, or whoever else might have needed him.

Ronnie Reno then joined the famed Osborne Brothers and provided part of what became the trademark Osborne Brothers sound during the height of their commercial success. In 1971, they were awarded the coveted CMA Vocal Group of the Year.

Ronnie’s talent later caught the attention of Merle Haggard. He went on to play and sang with Haggard and became Haggard’s opening act as a solo performer.

After the death of his father Don Reno in the 1984, Ronnie joined with his two brothers, Dale and Don-Wayne Reno to form the Reno Brothers. The trio also began hosting a regular TV show for the Americana cable network in 1993, which in its day was the only nationally broadcast television program to focus on bluegrass music.

MPA Welcomes Coolgrass to Kick off the Year

8 Jan, 19 by Greg McGrath Leave a Comment

Coolgrass are set to play the Mountain Pickers Association’s January club night.

Coolgrass win and delight audiences with their hilarious take on bluegrass, and are favourites throughout Australia and New Zealand. They have been featured at Australia’s National Folk Festival, the Auckland Folk Festival, Port Fairy, the Harrietville Bluegrass Convention, the Redlands Bluegrass Festival, the Fairbridge Folk Festival, the Tamworth Music Festival and many more, plus many folk clubs, wineries, town halls, arts councils, pubs and so forth across Australia and New Zealand.

This is a show not to be missed. If you haven’t ever seen Coolgrass you’re in for a treat. If you have seen them you know whats coming – great playing, great harmonies, great hats and a great night.

Book early as this will be a popular night.

Tuesday January 29th
7:45 at the Ferntree Gully Bowling Club, Glenfern Rd, Ferntree Gully
Entry $25 / $22 and $20 for MPA Members –
Table Bookings call 9753 5888

The Mary Hill Dobro of 80 Years

27 Dec, 18 by Greg McGrath Leave a Comment

80 Year Old Dobro finds its way to this year’s Bluegrass Conference.

While at the 2018 Bluegrass Conference I ran across Andrew Ryan who shared his story, of being given a special instrument which he brought along to this year’s Bluegrass Conference in Maleny. This Dobro, circa 1936, was originally owned by Mary Hill and was given to Andrew Ryan by Mary Hill’s nephew, Peter Thomassen who has had it in storage for 52 years. Andrew has now fondly named the Dobro The Mary Hill in honour of her.

Dobro was the name that originated in 1928 when the Dopyera brothers, John and Emil formed the Dobro Manufacturing Company. The instrument was one of several instruments design by John Dopyera, the inventor of the resonator guitar, but only the second to enter production. John Dopyera was granted a patent (U.S. Patent #1,896,484) in February 1933. The Dobro company went into production in Los Angeles, California around 1933-1937.

The original slide with hard rubber surface

The Mary Hill was played by several folk at this year’s Bluegrass Conference and no doubt this was some of the first music made on it for more than 50 years.

Andrew, the instruments new owner, has set himself the task of learning to master the instrument for the future.

2018 Australian Bluegrass Conference

19 Dec, 18 by Greg McGrath Leave a Comment

As the rain clouds converged on Queensland’s south-east this weekend, a group of bluegrass musicians travelling by plane, train and car to converged on the mountain tourist town of Maleny for the 10th Australian Bluegrass Conference.

The venue for the 2018 conference is ironically named Tranquil Park Resort. It is nestled into the side of hills overlooking the famous glass house mountains some 20 kilometres inland from Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast. This year’s event was not marred by the endless rain of the weekend or the almost continuous cloud cover over the mountains, but buoyed by the enthusiasm and verve of an awaiting faculty and some 60 plus students.

The notion a bluegrass conference is not one that is easily explained to the uninitiated. In short it is the ultimate in personal bluegrass music development, allowing musicians to bathe in the overwhelming music, professional tuition, endless jamming and vital networking. It is the brainchild of Bellbird Banjo proprietor and luthier Peter Nahuysen of Brisbane. Some ten years ago now Peter saw the need to offer high level tuition to – initially – banjo players in Australia. Through evolution and demand, the mostly annual event has become a national celebration of all things bluegrass and features high quality tuition for not only banjos players but now includes mandolin, guitar, fiddle and double bass.

In terms of tuition this conference offers Australian bluegrass musicians the greatest opportunity to get along side and develop their craft through four days of intimate teaching contact with professional bluegrass musicians from not only Australia but from the USA, the origins of the music genre.

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This years conference featured a faculty of high quality musicians and performers from Australia and the USA. The feature bands for this year included Mustered Courage from Melbourne, The Sonoran Dogs from Arizona, USA. Each of the band members also undertook to deliver workshops during the conference.

Mustered Courage:
Nick Keeling on 5-string banjo
Julian Abrahams on guitar
Josh Bennet on mandolin
Josh Bridges on bass.

The Sonoran Dogs:
Mark Miracle on mandolin
Tyler James on 5-string banjo
Peter McLaughlin on guitar
Bruce Packard* on bass

*Bruce is a Melbourne boy often recruited to play bass by local and international bands.

Other individual tutors for the conference included Russ Carson, current banjo player with Ricks Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder, Russ’s father Glenn Carson and seasoned fiddle and old-timey banjo player. Peter Nahuysen and his twin brother Mark were also part of the teaching staff as well as Peter’s daughter Anita Nahuysen, a very competent old-time banjo player and excellent teacher and Brisbane banjo and fiddle master Gary Vann.

The weekend included 50 one-hour workshops/tutorials over the four days with class sizes limited to around six students in each of the one hour teaching sessions to ensure a level of intimacy and inclusiveness with instructors.

Thursday and Friday nights featured concerts from the teaching faculty. The Sonoran Dogs, Mustered Courage The Nahuysen Brothers band and Russ and Glenn Carson. The quality of musicianship in each of the concerts left little doubt as the the musicianship of the teaching staff for the weekend to come.

I have been to every bluegrass conference and I think this one has been the best yet. Peter (Nahuysen) never fails to bring the best of talent. To see and hear Russ Carson as well as the Sonoran Dogs has been fantastic – Greg Dunn.

As a frequent attendee to these events I can attest to the value of the four days to not just beginners but intermediate to advanced players of each bluegrass instrument. The artists’ personal anecdotes were also mesmerizing. Just listening to Russ Carson recount his experiences with Ricky Skaggs’s band Kentucky Thunder and his amazing ordeal leading up to his audition and eventual recruitment into the band left me in awe of this young man’s ability, determination and tenacity.

The two masterclasses gave us an insight into the inner workings, structure and discipline of a professional bluegrass band. While Mustered Courage recounted their eventual gravitation into bluegrass music having dabbled with jazz, hip hop and grunge ending the session with a demonstration of their highly disciplined approach to bluegrass harmony singing.

Regardless of your own level of competence with your instrument/s, you will be guaranteed to benefit from the next Australian Bluegrass Conference to be held at Tranquil Park in Maleny on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast from 12th to 15th December 2019.

Read for yourself what some of the attendees have said:

This has been a wonderful weekend and a great opportunity to catch up with friends and meet new people. The instruction has been really first-rate. While they are only one hours sessions there is so much packed in there and instructor have been happy have us record stuff to take home and apply later. A really wonderful weekend – Dave Hart.

I think it’s a weekend like no other. Great venue, great company and well worth coming to. It’s the highlight of the year for me. If you’re wondering if you are good enough to come or it sounds to frightening then you should come. You’ll feel included, you won’t regret it and you’ll have a great time – Therese Marty.

I love coming to the Bluegrass Conference in Maleny, the atmosphere is amazing, the venue is fabulous. We are ups in the mountains learning so much and jamming with people from around Australia and America, it has truly been a fantastic experience – Taylor Pfeiffer.

The highlight for me was the expert banjo pickers who were so gracious in sharing their wealth of knowledge and giving us tips that perhaps in any other industry would be considered trade secrets – Paul Mills.

I have really enjoyed learning the basics from the experts. How to strum, how to build chords and all of the theory has been a great help – Errold Bryant.

The highlight of the weekend has been seeing so many young musicians so passionate about bluegrass music learning and honing their skills on the spot as we teach. There aren’t enough of these events in Australia. It has meant a lot for us to be able to dig deeper into what we do and how we play our music – Julian Abrahams, Mustered Courage.

The Australian Bluegrass Conference has been one of the most positive musical experiences of my career. One of the best four days I have ever had. I have enjoyed, the (teaching) staff, the (conference) attendees, there has been such a tremendous outpouring of camaraderie. It has been wonderful to see people just so hungry to learn and to see their passion for the music – Russ Carson.

I am always delighted and surprised with the level of musicianship here in Australia when we come to teach at the Australian Bluegrass Conference. I find it just as enlightening for me as I get to learn from the students as well – Peter McLaughlin.

I have enjoyed the hospitality of the Nahyusen family and how welcoming all of the artists have been. I am all grateful that they have been so encouraging to my daughter Amy. For her to be able to get up and play with musicians of that calibre at such a young age (nine years old) has been something quite special – Andrew Ryan.

Mark it in your calendars for next year – Australian Bluegrass Conference 12th to 15th December 2019.

2019 ROMP Artists Announced

15 Dec, 18 by Greg McGrath Leave a Comment

Heading to Kentucky next year? Here is a festival you might want to take in – Romp Festival in Owensboro, Kentucky from 26th to 29th June 2019.

ROMP Festival takes place at Yellow Creek Park, in Owensboro, Kentucky. Produced by the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum, the four-day music festival celebrates bluegrass and roots music, local artists, and healthy, farm-to-table food vendors.

Headlining the initial lineup release are Hall of Fame members Ricky Skaggs and Del McCoury.

Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder will feature special guest Patty Loveless. Also appearing are bluegrass/folk-rock favourites Trampled by Turtles and Americana music icon, Steve Earle. Rounding out the initial release are Rhonda Vincent and The Rage, The Wood Brothers, Billy Strings, the Jeff Austin Band along with The Travelin’ McCourys performing The Grateful Ball, and Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers.

More artists to be announced soon.

Presale tickets are on sale now. Four-day tickets are available at the heavily discounted rate of $130 through Sunday night, when prices go up. Onsite tent and RV camping passes are also available. Children 12 & under are free.

More information can be found at: rompfest.com.

An Interview with Amanda Cook, Touring with Kristy Cox 2019.

6 Dec, 18 by Greg McGrath Leave a Comment

Kristy Cox will be touring with Amanda Cook early next year and playing the Tamworth music festival in January. Here is an interview we produced with Amanda earlier this month.

Is this your first trip to Australia?

This is my first trip to Australia and my first time playing internationally. I’m a little nervous, but certainly very excited.

What are you most looking forward to about your visit?

I’m looking forward to seeing another country. One of the coolest parts of this trip will be seeing Australia with an Australian. I’m looking forward to learning about the Australian culture and making Australian fans.

What part of the USA are you from and where do you play most of your music?

My husband and I are originally from a small town, Pace, FL. We both graduated from Pace High School and we moved to a smaller town, Jay, FL about 15 years ago. We tour nationally and well now internationally, but we do like to play for our “homefolks” here on the Gulf Coast of Florida as often as we can.

How would you describe yourself and the music you play to someone who has never seen or heard you?

My music can be described as bluegrass music based in tradition, but with a modern delivery. The key to any art-form is making your own style and being unique. I feel that I am making my style of bluegrass music.

Your next CD will be your second release for Mountain Fever Records I believe. It is a follow-up to the very successful “Deep Water” album. What is the difference between your last CD and your new one?

When we finished the studio session, words like mature and growth were used a lot. I feel that my 2nd record with Mountain Fever shows just that. I feel that this new album shows, not only my growth as an artist, writer and producer, but the band members as well. We settled in as a band this last 2 years and it shows greatly.

What do you feel is something about you as an artist or your music, that differentiates you from other musicians and bands in mainstream Bluegrass music today?

I know so many wonderful artists in this genre and it’s hard to compare or differentiate myself to others that I admire so greatly. I would say this however, I feel that I stay true to myself and my music. I think I stand out because I don’t sound like anyone else or try to model my shows to another artist’s shows.

What do you aim to deliver to the audience when you step out on to the stage?

As mentioned before, we love to interact with our fans. Our first priority in a stage show is to bring music to the audience that they can be a part of. I love to see the audience members singing along and just having a great time with us.

Where did your love of music come from and how do you stay fresh and current in the roots music genre?

I grew up with a banjo player Dad and I truly found my love of bluegrass after playing in a band with him for many years. I believe staying fresh and new is easy: Write and create new music often.

What is the hardest part about being a rising star in the music industry today?

I read an article the other day and it mentioned the difficulties that musicians face, that maintaining a positive attitude is at the top of the list. That is truly the hardest part of the music business for me. I am a very “go-for-it” person. I love a challenge and I work very hard to promote my music and “get out there.” But it is extremely hard to stay positive all the time. I am so very thankful for my success thus far, so I have to take myself out of the moment and just reflect on my many blessings.

What is your favourite part of your job?

My favourite part of my job is meeting people and making new fans. I am very social and I love bluegrass fans they are truly the best ever.

What do you enjoy doing most during your downtime?

I love to cook for my family. I especially love to have company at the Cook Ranch and trying new recipes with my banjo player and best friend, Carolyne. We always find a way to cook together when we have free time.

Amanda Cox will be appearing in Tamworth on:

Tue. 22nd Jan.	Tamworth Bluegrass in the Park	6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Fri. 25th Jan.	Tamworth Capitol Theatre	10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Fri. 25th Jan	Tamworth Opry/Capitol Theatre	8:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Kristy Cox’s 2019 Golden Guitar Nominations

28 Nov, 18 by Greg McGrath Leave a Comment

Country Rocks Records has let us know of Aussie artist Kristy Cox’s recent announcement of two finalist nominations for the prestigious Toyota Golden Guitar Awards of Australia.

Yesterday at a special ceremony held at ABC Studios in Sydney, Kristy was announced as a finalist in Female Artist of The Year and Bluegrass Recording of The Year for her internationally acclaimed album, Ricochet – a great album from a great Australian Artist.

I’m still a little lost for words in excitement. The ongoing support from my music family is incredible. I am a lucky girl to be part of such a great community, thanks everyone – Kristy Cox.

Michael Bond from Country Rocks Records echoed Kristy’s excitement following yesterday’s announcement. “For an independent label which has been operating for a year, to score two finalist berths in the Golden Guitar Awards is a great honour. Working with Kristy and her US label this year has been a wonderful experience. We are so proud of her and the major goals she is kicking. We have our fingers crossed for her for the awards and extend our thanks to the CMAA, judges and congratulations to the other finalists on their nominations also”.

Kristy returns to Australia in January for the Tamworth Country Music Festival. Her latest single, Right Where You Left It, is playing on Australian radio now.

Check out the Video below.

Kristy Cox’s Achievements for 2018:

#1 US Billboard Bluegrass Albums (“Ricochet”)
#31 US Billboard Country Albums Chart (“Ricochet”)
#1 Bluegrass Today Chart (“Ricochet” & “I Can Almost Smell The Smoke”)
#1 AusCountry Top 10 (“Ricochet”, “I Can Almost Smell The Smoke” & “Right Where You Left It”)
#3 AusCountry Top 10 (“Sweet English Rose”)
Top 10 Female Artist nomination at International Bluegrass Music Awards
Finalist Independent Female Vocalist of Year Southern Stars
Finalist Female Artist & Bluegrass Recording of The Year Toyota Golden Guitar Awards of Australia

The HillBenders Release Self Titled Album

19 Nov, 18 by Greg McGrath Leave a Comment

The HillBenders are celebrating their 10 year anniversary as a band with the release of an eponymous new album and an anniversary tour. The Hillbenders is the follow-up to Missouri quintet’s critically acclaimed 2015 release, Tommy: A Bluegrass Opry, an acoustic interpretation of The Who’s legendary rock opera of the same name. Rolling Stone said the album turned “that pivotal moment in rock history upside down but still retained its stunning creative juice.”

Coming off of a high-profile album devoted to another band’s music, The HillBenders allows the band members to all contribute songs and vocals.

This album was a great chance for us to rekindle the love of our own music, track these tunes, and begin to look in new directions without regret.

There are many ups in downs in show business but with bandmates like these, great fans, and meaningful relationships, I feel lucky to be able to do what we do. Cheers to 10 more years of the HillBenders – – Jim Rea, The HillBenders.

After careful thought and some good fortune, the HillBenders were able to recruit Eric Uglum (Ralph Stanley, Alison Krauss, Sara Watkins, Rob Ickes) to produce The Hillbenders at his studio, New Wine Studios, in Apple Valley, California. Long nights of Chinese food and libations fuelled the sessions; all 11 tracks were cut live with the entire band, with the only overdubs being additional harmony vocals. As usual with this band, they all write and sing. The HillBenders also came across some interesting cover selections to help tell their story, pulling from the electro-pop world with a grassy version of MGMT’s Kids. There’s also a “co-write” with the late, great John Hartford that came from guitarist Rea, who crafted the music and melody to lyrics found in Hartford’s book, Word Movies.

“Another cover selection is a song given to us backstage at a festival by Randle Chowning, founder of The Ozark Mountain Daredevils,” Rea recounts. “‘Hey Boys’ speaks of a working man’s well-deserved night out with friends.”

The band also pays homage to a true country music icon from their Ozarks home, Johnny Mullins. Mullins wrote for Loretta Lynn, Emmylou Harris, Porter Wagoner and many others and his daughter, Melinda Mullins, continues his musical legacy. Chad “Gravy” Graves, the band’s dapper Dobro player, adopted the sing-a-long Don’t Look at Me from Johnny’s catalog.

Graves also introduces lap steel to the HillBenders’ sound on two of the songs, one of which is bassist Gary Rea’s tender ballad, Daisy Chain. Nolan Lawrence flexes his robust voice telling the story of a heist gone sour in the murderous tune, Wishing Well. Departing from the Scruggs-style banjo he’s known for, Mark Cassidy’s acoustic-indie track, Lost Your Way, builds from the softest whisper to an aural climax of strings and voice.
From the deepest roots in bluegrass as the 2010 National Single Microphone Champions to the far left of progressive acoustic music, The HillBenders have played the most elite stages in both the festival circuit and the performing arts world. High energy performances, a diverse catalog, and a slice of humour make way for what appears to be more of a brotherhood than a business, and each audience they play for becomes a part of that family.

The HillBenders is out today on Compass Records. Preview the Album here.

Track Listing:

1. Hey Boys
2. Go Away
3. Kids
4. Wrong Way
5. Don’t Look At Me
6. Lost Your Way

7. I’ve Got A Mind
8. Sod Buster
9. Wishing Well
10. Planes, Trains & Automobiles
11. Daisy Chain

Balsam Range – Aeonic

16 Nov, 18 by Greg McGrath Leave a Comment

In just over a decade, Balsam Range has collected armfuls of industry awards, held multiple months at the top of radio charts, recorded and performed with the Atlanta Pops Orchestra, and headlined an array of eclectic music festivals, all the while maintaining their identity and refining their craft to become one of the most vital artists in the roots genre.

On the heels of their second International Bluegrass Music Association Entertainer of the Year award, this eminent band continues to be a tour de force in Bluegrass with their album, Aeonic, to be released January 4, 2019 from Mountain Home Music Company. The album is now available for pre-order here and available for radio play through AirPlay Direct here.

With this music, Balsam Range continues to grow the magic that has mesmerized audiences and expanded their fandom — arresting songs full of humanity, dynamic performances graced with subtleties, and material that is both personal and profound. Music that would be powerful in any genre but is made all the more compelling through this Western North Carolina band’s acoustic music mastery.

The album kicks off with a song that has already spent weeks at the #1 spot in Bluegrass Radio, The Girl Who Invented the Wheel. With the lead vocal by Buddy Melton, 2-time IBMA Male Vocalist of the Year, it’s an out-of-the-box anecdote about a man left impressed albeit rejected by an independent woman: “I’ve been left before, this was a different deal / I think I just met the girl who invented the wheel.”

Several of the songs share a prevailing theme of searching for meaning. They may reveal where Balsam Range finds itself as an artist, evaluating the past, looking toward what’s next. Tumbleweed Town with lead vocal delivered by guitarist Caleb Smith, is a mid-tempo stroll through a town that lives inside a mind tortured with regret. The Rambler, with vocal rendered by mandolin player Darren Nicholson, is a dirge into the dark night of the soul, a story about life on the road and the road of life.

Get Me Gone, the most recent single from Aeonic, continues this theme of looking back, moving forward. It’s a catchy version of an otherwise sad story of love lost and soon to be forgotten. “Gone like whiskey gone like broke / Straight outta here like wind-blown smoke / Won’t you give me some light good Lord, and get me gone.”

Hobo Blues showcases instrumental minimalism in order to pull you into the sadness of the character. A Ray LaMontagne cover with lead vocal by Smith, it creates a quiet interval on the album that adds to its thoughtful effect.

Help Me To Hold On is a song about desperation, and it’s performed that way, with an arrangement that portrays a profound sincerity. Melton’s vocal range and controlled power result in a performance that highlights a singer at the top of his game and illustrates why he has been awarded as such.

Let My Life Be a Light harkens back to the foundation of this band. Driving traditional Bluegrass Gospel powered by the band’s most seasoned and awarded performer, Grammy-winning banjoist, Dr. Marc Pruett. Pruett’s perfect timing and syncopation here showcase why he has been so celebrated, performing with greats like Ricky Skaggs before bringing his prowess to Balsam Range. With lead singing from Smith, the chorus sounds off the rich 3-part harmonies of him, Melton, and Tim Surrett.

My Cross to Bear is a murder ballad, purposefully written from an ambiguous first-person perspective who is constantly tortured with the guilt of their crime.

Graveyard Blues continues on dark themes common to Bluegrass storytelling, illustrating the harshness of life in another era where hard labor, tragedy and death were commonplace.

Angel Too Soon challenges listeners’ hearts. A hauntingly beautiful performance matched with an equally haunting lyric about the death of a child, it is the hardest of subjects and surely meant to be cathartic.

Bookending the collection of songs on this album with uniqueness, Balsam Range shows yet another dimension of their talent with a cover of The Beatles’ If I Needed Someone. With lead vocal by IBMA Bass Player of the Year Tim Surrett, the song features Beatles-styled stacked harmonies, along with impeccable timing and instrumental wizardry, that are unlike any arrangement the band — or arguably anyone in Bluegrass — has attempted. The result is a look at how adept Balsam Range is at merging genres. Both styles become enriched by the influence of the other.

It has been said that great songs are timeless. But they also organise time into attractive human pieces while their lyrics manage their way into our hearts and minds with lasting meaning. Great music has no expiration date, it is Aeonic.

About Balsam Range:

The 2018 International Bluegrass Music Association’s Entertainer of the Year, Balsam Range, has become one of the genre’s most award-winning acts. Since forming in 2007, the group has garnered 13 IBMA awards on the heels of 8 critically acclaimed albums. Balsam Range has left audiences spellbound while headlining major festivals from coast-to-coast, selling out venues across the nation and in multiple appearances at the Grand Ole Opry. The band collaborated with the Atlanta Pops Orchestra Ensemble to record 2 albums, the second of which, Mountain Overture, debuted on the Billboard Bluegrass Chart at #5 and the Classical Crossover Chart at #6. Their previous outing, Mountain Voodoo, debuted at #4 on the Billboard Bluegrass Albums Chart and remained on that chart for 45 weeks. Three singles from that album reached #1 on the Bluegrass Today Chart, including Blue Collar Dreams, which spent three consecutive months at the top. The band most recently claimed the #1 radio chart spot with their single The Girl Who Invented The Wheel. In addition to winning Entertainer of the Year, Balsam Range vocalist Buddy Melton won IBMA’s Male Vocalist of the Year and bass player Tim Surrett won IBMA’s Bass Player of the Year in 2018.