If you’re not living under a rock in Greenland, you’re probably aware of Pharis and Jason Romero by now. NPR darlings from Horsefly BC. Makers of gorgeous banjos that are both rustic and refined. Two award-winning duo albums under their belts, and a couple of collaborations before that. Songs that mine the old-time tradition and… Continue reading Pharis & Jason Romero: A Wanderer I’ll Stay
Anna Roberts-Gevalt and Elizabeth LaPrelle just released their second album as a duo, a self-titled collection of spine-tingling mountain ballads and gospel songs. These two amazing young women faithfully evoke the hard life and simple joys of traditional Appalachian music on banjo and guitar, with harmonies that encourage the listener to lean close and absorb every… Continue reading Anna & Elizabeth
Many are called, but few are chosen. On their new recording Devil in the Seat, Foghorn Stringband proves once again that they are still the Chosen Ones when it comes to down-home, foot-stomping, ass-kickin’ old time music. Portland, Oregon based Foghorn Stringband has traveled a long and winding road, with several personnel changes along the… Continue reading Foghorn Stringband: Devil in the Seat
For Throwback Thursday, Fiddlefreak is time warping back about 4 years to the summer of 2010, when banjo picker Adam Hurt released Earth Tones. A collaboration between Adam and luthier David Hyatt with musician and recording engineer Paul Roberts, this little project has gotten under my skin and refused to let me put anything else… Continue reading Adam Hurt: Earth Tones
The folk music community lost flatpicker Doc Watson two years ago. “Here’s a man who’s carrying the torch of Doc Watson!” I thought, as I spun Bryan Sutton’s brand new release Into My Own (Sugar Hill, April 29). Sutton knows his way around his Martin flattop like no one else… but also like Doc, he… Continue reading Bryan Sutton: Into My Own
In 2011, after playing with them for almost 15 years, Willie Watson left Old Crow Medicine Show and struck out on his own. His first solo album is set for official release on May 6 on Acony Records, the label started by Gillian Welch and David Rawlings, who together produced this album. Folk Singer Vol.… Continue reading Willie Watson: Folk Singer Vol. 1
Many thanks to Devon at Hearth Music for turning me on to the third album from Calahen Morrison and Eli West. We heartily recommended their first two releases, and this one raises the bar. I’ll Swing My Hammer with Both Hands is the fruit of veteran guidance from producer Tim O’Brien and contributions from crack… Continue reading Cahalen Morrison and Eli West: Swing My Hammer
