"The View" - The Roys - A Review

 On Sept. 2,2014, The Roys released their new bluegrass CD, "The View". The beautiful cover art of this CD will definitely catch your eye showing Lee and his sister Elaine on the porch of a beautiful cabin, tree covered view behind them.

  They have been making successful bluegrass CDs since 2011, starting with "Lonesome Whistle". They have a faithful following of fans to their melodic style of bluegrass with Christian songs mixed in.

  On this CD ,they did some things differently, Lee did all of the recording himself and they used the instruments played by their own band members, instead of studio musicians.  Also, every song is written by them, sometimes with the help of others. It came out real well, the playing of his own road band is surprisingly good, as Lee is a well talented mandolin player.

  There are a total of eleven tracks and the final track is with the help of Doyle Lawson about Bill Monroe, called "The Mandolin Man".

  Daniel Patrick on banjo and dobro is surprisingly good. On "Northern Skies",an instrumental, Lee plays some exciting mandolin parts, which have an original sound. He gets some beautiful tone out out of his mandolins. Clint White plays very good fiddle. Erik Alvar does a very good job with his bass parts.

  The CD has a good variety of mellow, original bluegrass songs. My favorites are "Sometimes", "Live The Life You Love", an upbeat song, Really like "The View", a real nice slow ballad by Elaine. It is slow and wistful. A really nice ballad featuring Elaine. "No More Tears Left To Cry" is a really well crafted song with some great dobro by Daniel.

   Overall, The View is one of the best CDs, put out by the Roys.

                      www.theroysonline.com

"Gypsy Runaway Train" - The Roys - A Review

The Roy's had a brilliant idea for their third CD on Rural Rhythm Records. They decided to pick several cover songs that they had been playing for several years with their road band, they had had fans ask them where they can find some of the songs on CD that they had been playing in shows for years. So they decide on this CD, they would take their road band and record the cover songs with them, and their new original material they would continue to let Andy Leftwich and members of Kentucky Thunder, (Ricky Skagg's Band) play the music for the their own songs. This makes for more work ,but it gives the Roy's fans an opportunity to hear what the Roys sound like with their road band.


The Roys road band has Elaine on guitar, Lee on mandolin. On bass, they have Royal Masat, their fiddle player is Clint White and they have an excellent banjo picker in Matthew Downing who can do some great Scrugg's like banjo playing. The songs recorded with their own band have a more intimate sparse sound with the vocals being the highlights. Lee is a very good mandolin player, and so also Clint White is a good Fiddler. My favorite cover songs they do are "Blue Moon of Kentucky" (Monroe), "He Took your Place" (Flatt and Scruggs) and "What Gives You The Right" (Adam Steffey).


For their original songs, it is basically the same musicians from Kentucky Thunder with Andy Leftwich producing this part with the Roy's. Let me say something about Andy Leftwich, He is Ricky Skaggs' fiddle player and this guy is dynamite, I saw him recently with Ricky Skaggs at Sellersville Theater up here in Pa., and I did not expect the show I got from that group, every player is excellent,and they just nail everything they do, I see why a lot of them do so much studio work. I talked to Andy briefly after their two hour show, and He is a very brilliant young man with a long future ahead of him. He really lit up when I brought up the Roys. I also met Justin Moses who plays banjo on the Roys original songs. He is another great banjo player from Skaggs' band. Cody Kilby plays guitar on the Roys original songs. Then you have Mark Fain on bass and Randy Kohrs playing some great Dobro. My favorite song on the CD is Elaine's heartbreak song about her divorce "Half Of Me", it is so powerful, I'm glad I got to hear her say a few words about it on a video today. Another favorite is the very upbeat "Gypsy Runaway Train", the title track of the CD. It is a song for the fans. Another song I like a lot is "Workin' On It" Their harmonies are great on this one. I love the lyrics too. The artwork on the Cd is excellent, simple, but beautiful.


www.theroysonline.com

" Gypsy Runaway Train" - The Roys - Single Review

The Roys new single from their upcoming CD is the title track "Gypsy Runaway Train". This is actually a song about their fans and their relationship with them. It is an upbeat song with Lee singing the lead vocals and Elaine wrapping her wonderful harmonies around Lee's vocals. There is some excellent pickin' by members of Ricky Skaggs Kentucky Thunder, who play on about half of the songs on the new CD, Cody Kilby plays some lightning fast guitar runs, Randy Kohrs plays some hot Dobro and there is Mark Fain on bass, plus Andy Leftwich,who is a great fiddle player. There will be some interesting twists on the new CD, which I think will be the best CD yet by the Roys.

"Christmas The Mountain Way" - Christmas Bluegrass DVD/CD

This Christmas DVD/CD release by Rural Rhythm Records is a very warm enjoyable experience. It Highlights a lot of their artists and has a couple of really nice original songs. It is recorded in the Bell Theatre in Pineville Kentucky. There is a crew of stage musicians including Jason Burlesn (banjo/guitar), Clint Hurd,(mandolin); Brandon Godman(fiddle), Vic Graves(dobro), and Bryan Turner and John Bradley on bass. A very beautiful and reverent production.

The MC for the night is Mike Scott. "Christmas The Mountain Way" is written and performed by Dale Ann Bradley and Steve Gulley. The other new song is written and performed by Cumberland River. It is named "Christmas In The Mountains". Lots of traditional Christmas songs and hymns take up the other 13 songs, which makes the DVD run over an hour, and the DVD has many special features. I'm happy just watching and listening to this great music. Audey Blaylock is a very good singer and performer. Marty Raybon sings his songs very well. Dale Ann Bradley is a great singer and adds alot to the production. Cumberland River is really the only totally full band, but their original song is very nice,bluegrass and Christmas go well together. You will enjoy this, it is so down home, nice decorations ,a lot of work into this show, and I'm only mentioning the highlights, there are more artists than I'm telling you about. You really need to get this and share it.

www.ruralrhythm.com

The Roys Align With Team RealTree Outdoor Energy Drinks

Nashville, TN (September 10, 2012) -- Award-winning brother/sister duo THE ROYS have aligned with Team RealTree™ Outdoor Energy Drink for a strategic partnership.  THE ROYS will travel to their upcoming shows in a newly-wrapped bus with design and camouflage graphics courtesy of RealTree.  "It looks amazing," says Lee Roy.  "Very earthy," Elaine adds with a wink.  Other marketing efforts will be announced soon.
 
Team RealTree Outdoor Energy Drinks are available in several flavors. White Buck delivers a traditional energy drink flavor profile, but with a crisp, clean finish you've come to expect from Team RealTree Outdoor Energy.  Blaze Orange's crisp, refreshing flavor is paired with the perfect drinkability without being too sugary; easy to drink with the right amount of energy kick makes any hunt one to remember.  AP Citrus is cool and refreshing; carbonated with a hint of lime, the smooth and light flavor gives every outdoorsman a boost of energy to stay focused and alert.  Low-Carb Cream Soda is a new take on a classic; delivering all the flavor of a traditional cream soda with an extra energy boost--the only thing you sacrifice is calories.
 
 "We're truly excited about our partnership with THE ROYS," says Jamey Grosser, Managing Partner of Team RealTree Outdoor Energy Drink.  "Lee and Elaine are hard-working, energetic and talented.  They are in touch with Middle America and aren't afraid to get their hands dirty and enjoy the great outdoors."
 
 Team RealTree Outdoor Energy Drink's slogan is "Not For City Boys," but the beverage, like THE ROYS' music, appeals to fans from all walks of life.  Currently the reigning Inspirational Country Music's Bluegrass Artist of the Year, the siblings are considered to be one of the fastest-rising acts in the business.  THE ROYS are heralded for a forward-thinking instrumental attitude that contrasts and complements their more traditional vocal style.  The duo has toured extensively throughout the U.S. and Canada, performing at huge Festivals and Fairs and reaching larger and larger audiences.
 
 Lee and Elaine will need some Team RealTree Outdoor Energy Drinks in hand to tackle their next road run.  Upcoming appearances include numerous high-profile television and radio broadcasts surrounding the release of their newest EP, NEW DAY DAWNING, which debuted at Number 2 on the Billboard Bluegrass Albums Chart last week.
 
 THE ROYS' full itinerary, photos and audio clips are available at www.THEROYSonline.com.
 
 Copies of NEW DAY DAWNING are available at retail outlets Wal-Mart, Music Millennium, The Disc Exchange, The Country Music Hall of Fame, Ernest Tubb Record Shops and online at AMAZON and iTunes.
 
About Team RealTree Outdoor Energy
NOT FOR CITY BOYS--As the number 1 energy drink brand for living life outdoors, Team RealTree Outdoor Energy is uniquely positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for brands that complement the lifestyle of today's outdoorsman. Team RealTree Outdoor Energy beverages are the first to feature 16 oz. metal re-sealable bottles, different camouflage patterns for flavor variations and the distinctive Team RealTree logo.
 
 For more information, please visit us on FACEBOOK.
RealTree AP ©2006 Jordan Outdoor Enterprises, Ltd. All rights reserved.
 

Super-Hot Roys Sign With Prestige Agency,Moonstruck Management

Nashville, TN (September 6, 2012) - Another new day is dawning for super-hot duo THE ROYS.  The trend-setting siblings just signed an exclusive global booking agreement with prestige agency, Moonstruck Management.  "Peter and I have been fans of THE ROYS since the beginning," notes Josh Trivett, Moonstruck Management partner.  "We have watched them closely - both as they burst on to the Bluegrass scene with their signature sound and gave performances that are their own and truly unique.  It is with great pride that we join THE ROYS' team, and we look forward to growing with them for years to come," Trivett adds.

For Lee and Elaine the signing with Moonstruck Management for representation is another step forward.  Just as their sophomore Rural Rhythm Records' disc debuts at Number 2 on the Billboard Bluegrass Albums Chart, they join an elite roster that includes Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out, Sal Gonzalez, Lonesome River Band, Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press and The Sleepy Man Banjo Boys.

As the reigning Inspirational Country Music's Bluegrass Artist of the Year, THE ROYS have just received nominations in three categories for the 18th Annual ICM Faith, Family & Country™ Awards scheduled to be held October 18.  The siblings were previously honored with the ICM's Duo of the Year award in 2010 and 2009.

Fans can follow THE ROYS online at THEROYSonline.com, Facebook and on Twitter @theroysonline.

MEDIA
so much MOORE media
Martha E. Moore / 615-746-3994
somuchmoore@charter.net
www.somuchmoore.com

BOOKING
Moonstruck Management / Excellence, Integrity, Vision
Josh Trivett / 626-893-5216
Josh@moonstruckmanagement.com

Roys Start new CD with #2 Ranking on Billboard Bluegrass

THE ROYS' NEW DAY DAWNING Debuts On
 Billboard Bluegrass Albums Chart At Number 2
 

 
 
Nashville, TN (September 5, 2012) - THE ROYS' sophomore Rural Rhythm Records' disc, NEW DAY DAWNING, debuts at Number 2 on Billboard's Bluegrass Albums Chart.
 
NEW DAY DAWNING is a seven-song EP (a first for a Bluegrass artist) that finds the siblings in fine form.  Their impressive traditional-style vocals ride high over progressive musicianship, keeping the duo's sound fresh and energizing. Their songwriting talents are truly remarkable, and the disc's first single release, "Still Standing," written by Lee and Elaine is already proving to be another "winner."  Other highlights include the live-show favorite "Grandpa's Barn," the heartbreaking "Daddy To Me," the moving "Windin' Roads" and the hypnotic "Fast As We Roll."
Reviewers are hailing NEW DAY DAWNING, saying:
 
"The album showcases Lee and Elaine's smooth, enjoyable brand of modern, Country-influenced Bluegrass." - BLUEGRASS TODAY
 
"If you are new to the magic of family harmony in Bluegrass, start with THE ROYS.  If, on the other hand, you are steeped in the Louvins, the Stanleys and the Osbornes ... when you first hear NEW DAY DAWNING your reaction will be 'Yeah man, that's it right there! Don't change that channel.'" - WORLDWIDE BLUEGRASS
 
"On their new studio album, NEW DAY DAWNING, the brother/sister duo continues to blend an uplifting message with a traditional sound and sibling harmonies as they take time to reflect on their own roots." - GAC
 
"There's not a weak song on the album." - BLUEGRASS NOTES
 
In case you missed these features and reviews, click on BILLBOARD, GAC, ROUGHSTOCK, Examiner.com, ParcBench and NO DEPRESSION.
 
In addition to glowing reviews, the EP is drawing high numbers in the Social Media world.  During a Twitter chat on August 28 with Jessica Northey of #CMChat, over 25 million impressions and a reach of 1 million were tallied. "Great numbers for a special Tuesday chat with THE ROYS," notes Northey.  "It was wonderful to have Elaine and Lee as guests on #CMchat!  They are both so talented.  I loved hearing their personal stories and delving deeper into the Bluegrass genre."  Lee and Elaine's Facebook pages and Twitter accounts have also enjoyed high levels of activity since the EP's release was announced.
 
The brother/sister duo's first Rural Rhythm release, LONESOME WHISTLE, debuted at Number 7 on the same chart and ended up with a spot on BILLBOARD Top 50 Bluegrass Albums of 2011 chart.  That CD also generated two hit singles: "Coal Minin' Man" and "Trailblazer."
 
Fans can follow THE ROYS online at THEROYSonline.com, Facebook and on Twitter @theroysonline.
 
BOOKING
Moonstruck Management
Josh Trivett
626-893-5216
email
 
 
Media Contact for The Roys:
Martha E. Moore 615-746-3994
 so much MOORE media
somuchmoore@charter.net


Rural Rhythm Records:
615-470-5451
Facebook
Twitter
 
Media:
 Penni McDaniel, email
678-377-3298
Radio:
 Rick Rowler, email
615-470-5451
NEW DAY DAWNING available to RADIO now at AirplayDirect.com
 
Album Photography and Graphic Design by:
 Anthony Ladd, Kneelindesign
 HIGH RES pic  here
HIGH RES cover art of NEW DAY DAWNING here.

 

"New Day Dawning" - The Roys - A Review

This collection of songs by Lee and Elaine Roy has the same refreshing vibe as exhibited on their last Rural Rhythm CD, "Lonesome Whistle", their sound is fresh ,especially their harmonies which have that special sibling sound.  Their music has a unique bluegrass/country acoustic sound. They do this with the help of alot of Ricky Skaggs band and other studio musicians. Randy Kohrs plays dobro, Mark Fain is on bass, Cody Kilby plays guitar, and Justin Moses on banjo. Andy Leftwich helps produce and plays mandolin and some great fiddle.

  This CD features songs all written by the Roys with some help from some friends such as Lonesome River Band's Brandon Rickman. This is actually an EP ,with seven songs, but it is cheaper and in my opinion there are no filler songs on it. Their first single has already been released and has been a breakout hit. It is "Still Standing" which has great lyrics and an infectious melody.

  I love the first song on the EP, "New Day Dawning" ,the title track, which starts the album out with an upbeat bluegrass sound, and I love the theme of this EP, which is basically family and life story oriented. For example, the songs "Daddy To Me" and "Grandpa's  Barn"  are both family oriented ballads which are just plain solid songs.

  This is a very well produced CD, which has been recorded at Skaggs recording studio, like their last CD. Go check out their website and get a good deal on an autographed CD.      

                         www.theroysonline.com

Rural Rhythm Artists - Busy Summer Coming

Lonesome River Band

Rudy Fest hosted by Lonesome River Band @ Carter County Fairgrounds, Grayson, KY

Brand New Strings performing at the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame at the CD Release Party for LIVE AT BEAN BLOSSOM now available on Rural Rhythm Records. Photo by Anthony Ladd, Kneelindesign & AnthonySP.



Saturday, June 23, 2012

Lonesome River Band

Rudy Fest hosted by Lonesome River Band @ Carter County Fairgrounds, Grayson, KY



Brand New Strings

Greeneville Summer Music Fest, Greeneville, TN



Charlie Sizemore Band

Charlotte Bluegrass Festival, Charlotte, MI



Friday, June 29, 2012

Lonesome River Band

ROMP @ Yellow Creek Park, Owensboro, KY

 Pic: Nu-Blu performing at Silver Dollar City



Saturday, June 30, 2012



www.LonesomeRiver.Band

South Branch Valley Bluegrass Festival, Romney, WV



Blue Moon Rising

Everett Brothers Music Barn, Suwanee, GA

Some Music News

Well, Hello Folks, hope everyone is doing well and has good health.  Just going to catch up on a couple of new music items,that I have come across recently. The first one is on my CD player right now. It is a new CD by the Group called The Boxcars. They are a form of a bluegrass supergroup with Adam Steffey and Ron Stewart who play mandolin and banjo respectively. They had been in Dan Tyminski's Band while AKUS was on sabbatical and Alison Krauss was singing with Robert Plant. They had enjoyed playing together with the others in the Band ,backing up Dan Tyminski.
   The CD is called "All In" and it has a very traditional type sound. Some great high lonesome harmonies and Bluegrass music. There are some really nice gospel songs too.

    Next up is the latest guitar effect pedal from Wampler's Pedals. He has a line of at least 15 pedals before this. His pedals are used by artists like Brad Paisley, Keith Urban, Johnny Hiland and me(LOL). This pedal has created alot of interest and attention on the internet and amongst guitarists. Brian Wampler has been working on this pedal for about a year. It is made to approximate the sound of the late 50s tweed amps made by Fender.  It is called the "Tweed 57", and it does give you that vibe, but more than that, the pedal is a great overdrive pedal on it's own merit.There are several tones and drive effects that you can do using this pedal besides just giving an imitation of the Fender Tweed amp. You can get sounds from ZZ Top to Joe Walsh to some incredible blues tones. A feature that I really like is you can clean up the tone with the guitar volume knobs. You can hear many videos of the pedal on youtube, by doing a search or just going to Brian's new website www.wamplerpedals.com .  I am happy for Brian, He has been doing this for a number of years and I am happy that his pedals are catching on very well. He also does a video himself which is very interesting, because He is a very skilled guitarist, He really brings out the sweet spots on the pedal and the type of songs that it sounds well with.

   Very happy to report that Carrie Hassler has made the Billboard Bluegrass Chart with the song "The Distance" from her latest CD. Well, hope to have some more for you soon. I do have a new CD just in.

                               Brian Wampler

Lonesome River Band - Chronology - Volume One - A Review

This group is one of the true iconic groups of Bluegrass Music. To celebrate their last 30 years of recording and playing music, they will be making 3 of these EPs, eight songs on each CD and each disc will cover a decade. Their last two CDs with Rural Rhythm Records have both been very successful, each being #1 on the Bluegrass charts. Those were "Still Learning" and "No Turning Back". This band has had many of the bluegrass greats , like Dan Tyminski and Adam Steffey pass thru it over the years. The present Lineup consists of Sammy Shelor(banjo and harmony vocals), Brandon Rickman (guitar, lead and harmony vocals), Randy Jones (mandolin, lead and harmony vocals), Mike Hartgrove (fiddle), and Barry Reed  (bass and harmony vocals). 

   "Hobo Blues" is one of my favorites, it starts out with a very syncopated, jazzy type beginning, Bass is awesome. Then banjo comes in and it goes into a bluesy/bluegrass tune with a lot of punch. This recording is big studio all of the way, it has that sound of a big label CD. The mix and interaction of the banjo, mandolin,guitar and fiddle is quite excellent. Great vocal harmonies too and a nice reverb wash like records of old. Right after this song, the band kicks into a great hoedown type instrumental, with lots of fiddle, mandolin and all instruments get involved. It really has a live flavor to it. The rhythm guitar drives the song and there are snitches of lead guitar too.

   The CD starts out with "Close The Door Lightly when You Go". It is an upbeat ,heartbreak song. Great vocal harmonies. The instrument tones are great, This is a sparkling mix of songs. There is a very good booklet which describes where each song came from and who does the parts on the new versions. You have to get this if you like The NRB. It is remarkable, one of the best recordings that I have heard recently done in a very inspired fashion.

              www.lonesomeriverband.com

"Trailblazer" - The Roys

"The Life We Live" - Cumberland River - A Review

Cumberland River is a real authentic sounding bluegrass band. They write their own songs and their music has good melodies and harmonies also, but with a flair of the old time bluegrass sound prevalent in their music. The Dobro is a big part of their sound. Steve Gulley does a good job of producing the CD. I like the sound Gulley creates, not too polished, he lets the instruments come thru like they should. Banjo and mandolin sound great too, with some nice lead guitar.






James Dean plays banjo and sings, Joseph Jones plays upright bass, Dustin Middleton plays guitar and mandolin, and sings, Andy Buckner sings and plays guitar, Justin Moses plays fiddle and Dobro, and Jamie Stewart plays Dobro. Steve Gulley sings harmony on several tracks, plus Dale Ann Bradley also sings harmony vocals.



Their music appears on the TV show "Justified", Six of their original songs appeared on two different shows. I really like "Train Of Sorrow", a song that tells a sad story. "Remember Me" is a sad song that is very touching.



This is a very good bluegrass set of songs, that has an original sound in old genre.



http://www.cumberland-river.com/

Roys Celebrate New Album At The CMA Music Festival

"The Roys didn't disappoint, piercing through the heat with their crisp traditional sound and elegant harmonies." ~ Mark Shimabukuro, The Tennessean



Rural Rhythm recording artist, THE ROYS, celebrated their hit album, LONESOME WHISTLE with 12 performances during last week’s CMA Music Festival. Excited fans were treated to performances at the WSM/Durango Boots Acoustic Corner Stage; Cadillac Ranch (for Operation Troop Aid); The Power Source Showcase at B.B. King’s; The Gibson Acoustic Stage at the Hard Rock; the Bud Light Stage in the Sports Zone and other stages where they featured songs from their new album.



Since its April debut at #7 on Billboard’s Top 10 Bluegrass Album Chart, LONESOME WHISTLE has also proved to be a radio hit as well. The album made its debut this month on the Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine Top Album chart along with the single, “Coal Minin’ Man” climbing 10 spots to reach #16 this month on the publication’s Top 30 Song chart. The single also appears at #4 on Bluegrass Music Profiles Magazine’s Top 30 Hot Singles and #4 on Power Source Magazine’s Top 10 Bluegrass chart this month as well.



Fans might also want to check out the recent Q&A with Lee and Elaine at Music News Nashville and at http://www.examiner.com/ 



THE ROYS are currently on tour with upcoming performances at: The Turkey Track Bluegrass Festival in Waldron, AR; Eastern Music Festival in Greensboro, NC; Pigeon Forge Patriots Festival in Pigeon Forge, TN; plus many more. Please visit www.theroysonline.com, via Twitter and on Facebook. Fans can receive the latest updates on The Roys and all their favorite Bluegrass artists now on their mobile devices simply by texting "bluegrass" to 90210.



Rural Rhythm Records

Radio: Sammy Passamano III, email

Airplay Direct

Media: Penni McDaniel, email



FOR THE ROYS

Martha Moore, email

so much MOORE media

615-746-3994




Tel: 1-800-776-8742

Facebook





Photo Credit:

Martha E. Moore

A Special Message From Rural Rhythm Records

My father was a major part of the Distribution team with Decca and MCA Records for over 30 years starting in the early 50's. Bill Monroe was a major part of the label's tremendous Country & Bluegrass roster through the years, so I literally grew up enjoying Bill's music and respecting the importance an impact he had on the music world.



Rural Rhythm Records will be showing our respect to the Father Of Bluegrass this year with several tribute album projects starting with the BLUE MOON OF KENTUCKY: INSTRUMENTAL TRIBUTE TO BILL MONROE releasing January 25, 2011.



We are proud to also announce Audie Blaylock's next album will be a tribute album with some very special guest artists who performed with Bill through the years. Audie is currently celebrating a #1 single ("Cryin' Heart Blues") on the January 2011 Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine's Top 30 Song chart. The single is the title track from Audie Blaylock & Redline's 2010 chart album.



In June 2011, Rural Rhythm will be recording a live album during the Bill Monroe Memorial Bean Blossom Bluegrass Festival held in Bean Blossom, IN. TRIBUTE TO BILL MONROE - LIVE AT BEAN BLOSSOM will feature many Rural Rhythm artists performing some of Bill's special Bluegrass, Gospel and Instrumental gems.



In honor of Bill Monroe and the 100th year celebration for his musical legacy, we have developed a Celebration logo that will be used in the packaging of all our tribute album projects throughout the year. Bill the man and his music was one of a kind and this 100th year celebration is wonderful way for everyone to take time out of their busy days and acknowledge the impact this pioneer had on the music world for much of the past 100 years.



Sincerely,



Sam Passamano, Jr.

President, Rural Rhythm Records

http://www.ruralrhythm.com/

"I'm Going Back To Old Kentucky" - Audie Blaylock & Redline - Review

This is Audie Blaylock's latest CD. It is a celebration of the music of Bill Monroe. The CD is a delight to listen to. It has the sound of real traditional bluegrass and is a great recording, nothing pop sounding, this has a real authentic sound to it. Blaylock's vocals with backups make you think that you are down in the Mountains of Old Virginia with the High Lonesome sound. He has some distinguished guests in Lou Reid, Ronnie and Del McCoury, Bobby Osbourne, Glenn Duncan, Carl Jackson and Jason Carter.




Recorded at "The Digital Underground" ,it has a real warm sound to the great recording. The first single is "Mighty Dark to Travel", which is an upbeat bluegrass delight with great harmony. Some other great tracks are "Lord, Lead Me On", "Tall Timber", "My Little Georgia", and "I'm In Despair". Listening to this music is one of the most authentic bluegrass recordings that I have heard in awhile. Now, I'm a fan of all kinds of Bluegrass including the more modern groups like The Grascals and Mountain Heart. But for people who think real bluegrass is dead,they need to check this out. This is the real stuff. A great Release by Rural Rhythm Records. Some more good news, looks like last years great recording of "The All-Star Jam - Live at Graves Mountain" will be coming out on DVD this fall, I can't wait. That is a great recording. Word also has it that Carrie Hassler is back in the studio working on a new CD.



http://www.audieblaylock.com/

Kickin' Up Dust - Grasstowne - Review

I have put this off way too long. It was a pleasure to open the jewel case of the colorful CD with the vintage Red Chevy. It was fun just to put it in the CD deck and sit back and enjoy.




Grasstowne has a very nice traditional sound. Steve Gulley (founder of Mountain Heart) runs this well oiled ship. These guys have a great, natural acoustic sound. These guys can do a driving bluegrass song or pull up the reins and do a nice ballad.



Every instrument is first rate, the mandolin player can rip off some sweet leads, Gulley plays rhythm guitar. An acapello song called "Our Father" is a masterpiece. It has such sweet harmony. Alan Bibey plays mandolin. Adam Haynes plays a sweet sounding fiddle.



"Grass Stain" is a sweet instrumental written by Adam Haynes, very nice melody and some great pickin' by all.



"Anchor In The Storm" is a comforting blue grass song. A well written song, and Steve has such a mellow lead vocal, with bluegrass harmonies and some more good fiddlin'.



"Vicksburg" is a haunting song about the civil war and the taking of Vicksburg. The fiddle does some very creative sounds. This song is worth price of admission by itself.



"Waves Of Sorrow" is a song about heartbreak, originally done long ago by 111rd Tyme Out.



Justin Jenkins is their very capable banjo picker and Kameron Keller plays bass, This was a joy to listen to, no filler. Bluegrass that is traditional, but creative too. Enjoy!!







http://www.grasstowne.com/

Grasstowne - Kickin' Up Dust

Josh Slone and Coaltown

Josh Slone is good, real good. He knows how to make a song his and get into it, and make it come alive. Slone has been blessed with a great voice plus the tight high lonesome harmonies are great.




Rural Rhythm scores again. This recording is hot, the followup of the great opening song is a heartbreak ballad "Daddies Don't Cry" and then the real upbeat "Destination Heartbreak" which is another strong offering, nice mandolin and fiddle. This recording has a good deal of reverb and compression, but it is used tastefully. When a producer or mastering engineer uses these tools right, it adds excitement and warmth to the music.



I would love to hear his four piece band live, because it is just him on guitar, a bass player, banjo and mandolin. He has a lot of guest musicians and vocalists on this CD. It is hard to pick out which singers and players are in his band, because there are seventeen people listed as singers or musicians on the CD. But the vocals are tight and there is great Dobro, Banjo and Fiddle.



I love the material, some great song writers stuff. Songs are more like country songs done the bluegrass way. Mark Brinkman, Larry Cordle, whose "Big Blue Raindrops" is a classic. Josh really sounds like a pro, not someone who is doing his first CD.



"Bluegrass and Me" by Mike Wells who wrote alot of these songs is a great uptempo song. The arrangements may be sparse at times, but the music is always top flight. There is a great guitar solo on "Hillbilly Girl", which I'm guessing was done by Josh, because he is the only guitar picker listed.



The closer "Long Legged Woman" is a hoot with some great fiddle playing by Gerald Evans who I read that this was his last CD. That is sad news, Sounds like a man that will be missed by many.



Josh is also a very good guitar player. This is a very good CD overall with lots of great original bluegrass, wish Josh The best!!!



http://www.joshsloneandcoaltown.net/

"Coal Minin' Man" - The Roys - New Single

Coal Minin' Man is the first single from The Roys’ upcoming March CD, LONESOME WHISTLE on Rural Rhythm Records.


It is a classic , traditional sounding up-tempo bluegrass track which tells a true-life story. The instrumentation is really full- with fiddle, guitar, mandolin and Dobro.

Lee and Elaine’s vocals harmonize perfectly as only a brother and sister can.

If the other songs on the CD are anything like this, we are in for a treat.
  http://www.theroyscountry.com/