Last month, Nuala Kennedy released one of the most gorgeous records to cross my desk in years. Her fourth studio album, Behave the Bravest (Under the Arch Records) showcases her angelic voice in both Gaelic and English and as usual, her superlative skills on flute and various whistles. If you follow Nuala at all, you… Continue reading Nuala Kennedy: Behave the Bravest
Last month, LA-based old time fiddler David Bragger released his debut solo CD titled “Big Fancy” on Tiki Parlour Recordings. This record is a wonderful and long-overdue collection of his favorite fiddle tunes, played solo and accompanied by second fiddles, gourd banjo, guitar, pump organ, and even bagpipes. David fiddles with heart and soul and… Continue reading David Bragger: Big Fancy
Back in the day when I lived in Upshur County West Virginia, I took every chance I could to hang out with, listen to, and jam with the local fiddlers of that part of the state. Randolph County, the next county to the west, was always a hotbed of traditional mountain music, and its festivals… Continue reading Jesse Milnes & Emily Miller
A couple months ago, I promised in a previous post to share some of the brilliant music I heard this summer at the Festival of Fiddle Tunes in Port Townsend, WA. One of my favorite discoveries is the duo of Ben Hunter (fiddle) and Joe Seamons (banjo, guitar). Their most recent album Take Yo Time… Continue reading Ben Hunter & Joe Seamons: Take Yo Time
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
Fiddlefreak doesn’t publish best-of lists–but if we did, we would place The Alt right at the top for 2014. Rabid fans of pure-drop Irish trad may already be aware of this new supertrio, but for the rest of you: wake up! The Alt is one of the best things to happen to the Irish song tradition,… Continue reading The Alt
