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Goodbye Again 3:470:00/3:47
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Falling Down 3:400:00/3:40
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LATesT REVIEWS

Buckwild [EP] – self released (2020)
The New Acoustic Collective
Kicking off a New year with something a little different: The New Acoustic Collective! This is an ensemble that is by no means traditional in the usual sense of bluegrass music. Every member can straddle and play basically every genre, including classical, jazz, bluegrass, latin- jazz, gypsy-jazz, and more. Surely they have been highly influenced by the work of Dawg & David Grisman Quintet, Darol Anger and The Tony Rice Unit.
The band features David Boyden-fiddle, Alonso Sanchez-double bass, Nathaniel Grohmann-cello, Rodrigo Ruiz on arco double bass and Jason Keiser on guitar, mandolin and tres cubano. Jason Keiser is a professional guitarist, multi-instrumentalist, multi-stylist, recording artist, arranger and composer based out of the Bay Area, currently residing in San Jose, California. Jason names Wyatt Rice as a big influence on him, as well as Paco de Lucia who has put the flamenco touch into this project.
On this first EP release, “Buckwild“ we have seven amazing tracks. Five originals and one each of David Grisman and Wyatt Rice. They start off with “Dave's Place“ by Wyatt Rice from his 1990 album “New Market Gap“. More like a homage than a strict cover version. With a more rhythmic bass and a great fiddle. Followed by the relatively calm “Interlude“ with a beautiful bass intro and a flamenco feeling to it, where guitar and bass nicely correspond with each other. Leading over into the title track “Buckwild“ - rhythmically it likens to a bluegrass track, even with a mando chop. But the harmonies and the guitar style is flamenco. Track number four is “Val's For Dawg“ which is meant as a special tribute to David Grisman as Jason Keiser says. A waltz with a European feel to it. With a nice cello driven theme, underlined by fiddle and guitar. Next up is “E.M.D” written by Grisman himself. A classic jazz piece with a driving guitar (mandolin) theme and a perfect match for The New Acoustic Collective, as every member can show their talents as an ensemble, as well as improvisational soloists. Finally we get an outro or the second interlude which picks up elements from track two, with the bass intro and the flamenco guitar. Looking at the whole record as one, this track sequence absolutely makes sense.
What we experience is a very ambitious instrumental music journey by some very talented and open minded musicians. A compilation that is based on the work of the David Grisman Quintett and the Tony Rice Unit, with some added classical and flamenco flair. Watch out for these young guys carrying the torch of modern acoustic string music. This EP dropped on December 27th, and is available on bandcamp.
WE’RE FALLING FOR THESE HOT NEW SINGLES!
This year's been out of the ordinary in every aspect.. All the troubles and insecurity our world has faced. The fear and anxiety. The uncertainties and hatred. All this seems to have brought to light what really lies beneath a country, a nation and a single person. Inside the bluegrass community, we're lucky to have a whole lotta good people who know how to deliver their best. Yes, they had some time on their hands with no live shows, no festivals, and not even the IBMA to attend. So lucky for us, they took that time to write new songs, record them, and present us with brand new music to enjoy. Here is only a glimpse of what we all may expect in the near future…a bunch of great new records!
Wrong Turn That Led Me To You – Wilson Banjo Co.
Pinecastle Records, 2020
A great new voice, young and fresh, yet deep, smokey and smooth: Colton Rudd. Recording for the first time with the great Wilson Banjo Co. A new song – finally! Out of the pen of Mr.Steve Wilson himself. A thought provoking song about how life sometimes turns bad decisions into our good fortune. Simple twist of fate.… and although I may definitely be biased with this band and record, you can bet this is a well-crafted, heartfelt piece of music. Do yourself a favor and go check it out!
Eighteen Wheels And A Dozen Roses – Tina Adair
Engelhardt Music Group, EMG, 2020
Best known for her work with the extraordinary “Sister Sadie“ as well as for the remarkable record “Bradley & Adair“ together with Dale Ann Bradley, Tina has already released three solo records. And here at last is the first single for the forthcoming one. It is striking! Tina delivers a beautiful vocal that proves why she is considered one of the best female singers in today's bluegrass music. A tight recording from Engelhardt Music Group and their amazing crew of musicians. Get it HERE!
Lonesome Leaving Train – Amanda Cook
Mountain Fever Records, 2020
Well, here she is again. After their 2019 album “Point Of No Return“ Amanda Cook and her amazing band have fortunately returned full force. An absolute Cook-tune, co-written by Thomm Jutz, with a specific flow and melody constantly rolling down a hill that is not too steep. Carolyne van Lierop Boone’s steady banjo rounds it all out. This is the third single after “West Virginia Coal“ and “Get On Board,” and all of these songs really let us expect a great album – again. We’ll be waiting! Get the new single here!
Goodbye Again – Lee Kotick and the Sharp Flatpickers
Mountain Fever Records, 2020
Do you like sweet and soft vocals? Do you like tender melodies? Then you will love the awesome singing and breathtaking harmonies here. This new single by Lee Kotick in collaboration with Claire Lynch and Ronnie Bowman is superb. Claire Lynch wrote this tune in a classic sixties country style, and also contributes the lead vocal, in a duet with the great Ronnie Bowman. This will resonate with anyone who can harken back to a bygone era of classic duets. Add this one to your playlist today! Get it here!
Falling Down – Dale Ann Bradley
Pinecastle Records, 2020
I don't often use the term 'angelic' but for the voice of Dale Ann Bradley, I don't know any other term that suits. She assumes the highest lonesome in her singing. That is one thing I love so much about bluegrass music – combining hope and happiness with melancholy and loneliness in a perfectly delivered vocal. The result is impeccable with this lovely tune, written by Ashby Frank, a superb rendition of thoughtful lyrics. Available HERE now!
Till The River Starts To Rise – Eddie Sanders
Engelhardt Music Group, EMG, 2020
The brand new song by Eddie Sanders was released in September. An exciting follow-up to his chart topping all gospel project from Engelhardt Music Group. Up-tempo, hard-driving, compelling bluegrass at its best, with irresistible harmony vocals. I love how the banjo and the resophonic guitar battle themselves, yet carry the whole track seamlessly, at the same time. Truly a masterful and very enjoyable piece of work that leaves you looking forward to the entire record. Get it TODAY!
Fall Single Review from
Severin Theinert for
Uncut Grass - October 2020