The new album from Ireland-based oldtime outfit Grits & Gravy, their first release, is jam-packed with a passel of high-octane traditional American fiddle tunes and songs. The music on this record shines like a mirror, reflecting our American music back to us across the Atlantic with an authentic patina that belies the Old World roots… Continue reading Grits & Gravy Stringband: Ain’t Nothin’ but a Thing
American old-time music has undergone quite a revival in these past few years. As in other genres of “trad” music (such as Irish or bluegrass), old-time music has its repertory of standards that everyone knows and everyone plays when the devotees gather to jam and share tunes. But the Holy Grail of old-time music must… Continue reading Spencer & Rains: The Old Texas Fiddle Vol III
What is it about blind musicians that makes them so dang good at their craft? Doc Watson. Ray Charles. O’Carolan. Stevie Wonder. I could go on, but I won’t. The Old Blind Dogs can still see pretty well, they’re not that old yet–but they are surely among the best folk bands in the world, and… Continue reading Old Blind Dogs: Room With A View
Old ballads draw some singers like a siren song that cannot be denied. Part of the joy of collecting and presenting these ancient songs to a modern audience comes from finding, combining, dropping and adding words and verses, swapping melodies and hooks and finally recording an arrangement that resonates with the listener of today. This is… Continue reading Lindsay Straw: The Fairest Flower of Womankind
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