New EP from Mountain Faith

New from Mountain Faith

Pop Series - EP

 

     Mountain Faith has released a new EP, Mountain Faith Pop Series (Mountain Fever Records, August 21st, 2015), which features five covered pop songs.  There's a mix from 80's songs to modern day music.  Now, covering pop songs to a bluegrass genre is no easy task, especially if you want it done right.  You can't just take it, play it, and put your own twist on it like you can covering bluegrass or country songs.  YouTube has many pop songs covered in the "bluegrass" genre, but not many done well.  But Mountain Faith has done no small feat with this, as seen on their debut and take off on the show America's Got Talent.  They have taken bluegrass instruments, pop lyrics, a modern bluegrass rhythm, spun their own twist on it, and accomplished something that not many can.  So, even if you're not a fan of pop music, you might want to check this newest EP out.  And don't forget to catch Mountain Faith as they move on to the semi-finals of America's Got Talent.  Mountain Faith is moving forward very quickly (They have been nominated for the IBMA award Emerging Artist of The Year), and doing an excellent job representing bluegrass music on the national stage.

Mountain Faith Pop Series:

 https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/mountain-faith-pop-series-ep/id1032702343

Mountain Faith's Newest Single

Emily (It's Love):

  https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/emily-its-love-single/id1030667827

Mountain Faith's Website (Tour dates, merchandise, and more):

http://mountainfaithband.com/ 

Don't forget to come see Mountain Faith at the Outer Banks Island Bluegrass Festival on September 26th, 2015!
 http://www.bluegrassisland.com/#!2015-schedule/cjg9

This article was written by Brandon Merritt, August 2015.  Brandon Merritt is an amateur writer, a bluegrass enthusiast, and an aspiring musician.

 

Questions & Answers with Cia Cherryholmes

 

An Interview with Cia Cherryholmes

Songs of the Fall, Cherryholmes Reunion,

 and the Outer Banks Bluegrass Island Festival  

 

 (Photo courtesy of the Outer Banks Bluegrass Island Facebook page.)

     The Outer Banks brings much to the mind.  Vacation, beaches, the salty smell of the ocean, and bluegrass.  That's right, bluegrass music.  There's this beautiful little island in North Carolina (I've never been there, this year will be my first) where over 30 bands with gather to play and sing in just a 4-day period.  Yes, it's that awesome.  Non-stop bluegrass and mountain music from dawn 'til dusk and then some.  

     

     The Outer Banks Bluegrass Island Festival will be held September 23rd to 26th.  You can find out more or order your tickets on their website www.bluegrassisland.com.  You can even check out a video of the island and venue here.  But this year, there will be a first at this festival.  There will be a stunning variety of some of the best bluegrass groups, but there will be one special event that you won't want to miss.  The Cherryholmes family will be holding their first (and only, as of right now) Reunion Show on Saturday, September 26th.  

     
     The Cherryholmes was a family band that began in 1999.  They began their journey together in music as a result of a family tragedy.  "Cherryholmes first started playing music as a family in 1999 due to a family tragedy.  One of our siblings passed away and as a part of our grieving/healing process, we played music together.  We never intended for it to end up on the scale that it did.  It just happened sort of naturally."  - Cia Cherryholmes

     
     During their 12 years together, Cherryholmes put out a total of 9 albums, starting with Spirit High Ridge (1999), a home-produced cassette, and ending with Cherryholmes IV:  Common Threads (2010), their 4th recording with Skaggs Family Records.  During this time, they made many fans, traveled many miles, and produced many songs that are still held in high regard by all those who have had the privilege of hearing them.  In January of 2011, they made the decision to disband the family band in order to let each member pursue their own path in music.  [All of the children who played in the family band are currently in music today.]  Cherryholmes held their last show together on May 7th, 2011 in Galax, VA. 

    
     On September 26th, 2015, the family band will once again play.  Many former fans are looking forward to hearing them once again, and many fans that found out about them after they disbanded (this is where I fit in) are looking forward to meeting them.  I recently had the privilege of having an e-mail interview with Cia Cherryholmes (banjo-player and lead vocalist) regarding the upcoming reunion show and the current band that she has with her husband Stetson, Songs of the Fall.  

    Brandon Merritt [BM] - Through the last few years, you and your husband Stetson have been playing and singing as Songs Of The Fall.  How did this come about?

     Cia Cherryholmes [Cia] - Stetson and I met through  a mutual friend in the music industry.  When we started dating, music wasn't involved at all.  It wasn't until about 9 months in when we were both working on a ranch together in NM that we started working on music together as a couple.  We started out just writing songs together and then started performing and have been doing it ever since.

     BM - Songs Of The Fall spreads across several genres of music, and you have, of course, created your own unique sound.  What can folks expect to hear in your current music?

     Cia - The music I do with Songs of the Fall  is somewhat different than what I did with Cherryholmes.  Since I play the banjo, my music will always have a bluegrass flair - and we do some uptempo bluegrass songs - but I have enjoyed branching out into a more Americana/Indie style of music now.  Sometimes we play as a duo or an acoustic quartet and other times, it's a 5 piece with electric guitar, bass, and drums.  It's fun being versatile!

     BM -  As the music festival and show season is now in full swing with the summer, where can folks find Songs Of The Fall?

   

     Cia - We play all over the country but are actually playing quite a bit in NC in the coming year. We have our first tour in Europe planned for Spring of 2016. We keep www.songsofthefall.com updated with our dates.

     BM - Cia, a lot of folks know you for your lead vocals, but you are also well known for you banjo playing.  It seems that in bluegrass and similar genres there are not many women banjo players.  (Though the ones out there are excellent!)  What drew you to the banjo, and what are some of the things that have influenced your style of playing?

     Cia - Being in a family band, I was kind of "stuck" with the banjo.  My brother BJ was originally supposed to learn it but didn't have a lot of interest in it so it fell to me.  I feel like I was influenced by a lot of the well-knowns - JD Crowe, Sonny Osbourne, Don Reno - and have over the years developed my own quirks and nuances to make the style I have now.

     BM - Over the years I'm sure that you've seen some changes in the music industry overall.  What would you say are some of the positive changes, as well as some of the negative?

     Cia - Positive changes would be the ease and access of music and interaction through outlets like social media.  I feel though, that all of the streaming and free music have hurt musicians and their livelihoods.  It's a catch 22.  You want to expose your music to people all over the world, but you also need to pay bills and be able to afford to put out music for people to listen to.

     BM - Alright, let's switch subjects and talk a little about the upcoming Cherryholmes Reunion Show at the Outer Banks Bluegrass Island Festival this coming September.  As of right now, it is the one and only reunion show planned.  What do you find special about having the family all play the same venue together again?

     Cia - Outer Banks is the only reunion show we are planning on.  I won't say it is the only one that could ever happen, but right now it's the only one on the table, and there are no plans for a reunion tour.  That being said, we are all really looking forward to this show and have been putting in quite a bit of rehearsal time together!  It's been fun playing all the old songs and putting a show together.

     BM - As the family is preparing for this show, is everyone making all the plans, or is there a particular member leading the way?

     Cia - We are all putting in ideas and input, but I'd have to say that Skip is the one in charge and keeping us all in check.  We've elected him as band leader this time around.

     BM -  As the rehearsals for the reunion show are underway, could you give folks a glimpse of what we will be hearing in September?

     Cia - We put our show list together based off of requests we got from people on social media.  We wanted to make sure we were hitting the songs that were favorites with everyone.  With two hours of music, we are hoping to do something that makes everyone happy!

     BM - I'm sure that there will be many old Cherryholmes fans at the show, and I'm positivie that the family will aslo gain many new fans.  As this reunion comes together, when the songs are played and the show is over, what is it that you wish for the listeners to take away from this special occasion?

     Cia - This show is truly a reunion for us.  Some of us live kind of far from each other now - Mom, Dad, BJ, and Molly are in the Nashville area, but Skip is in NC and I'm in Colorado - so this will be the first family trip we've done together in 4 years.  My hope is that people will not only enjoy the show but also feel like they were all a part of this.  So many of the people attending were our on the road family for years and this will be a reunion for all of us!

     A special thank you to Cia Cherryholmes for her time in this interview.  And a special thank you to all those who have put in the work to make the Outer Banks Bluegrass Island Festival come together!  See you there!

     Please take a moment to check out the links below.

 http://songsofthefall.com/

http://www.cherryholmes.net/

http://www.bluegrassisland.com/

This article was written by Brandon Merritt, August 2015.  Brandon Merritt is an amateur writer, a bluegrass enthusiast, and an aspiring musician.

Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver coming to Tallmadge, Ohio

Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver coming to Tallmadge, Ohio

Friday, July 17th, 2015 at 7:00PM

(Photo from doylelawson.com/media)

     Doyle Lawson has been playing bluegrass music for over 50 years, and has somewhere around 40 albums to his name.  His band, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, started over 30 years ago.  His current lineup (from left to right in this photo) includes - Josh Swift, Dobro; Dustin Pyrtle, Guitar; Joe Dean, Banjo; Doyle Lawson, Mandolin; Eli Johnston, Bass; and Stephen Burwell, Fiddle.  The current lineup includes a great instrument sound, with a vocal harmony not to be surpassed.  Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver performs a variety of songs including traditional bluegrass, gospel bluegrass, and some more modern songs, all of which will bring joy to any listener.  For more information on DLQ, or to see their upcoming tour schedule, please visit www.doylelawson.com

     

     If you live in Northeast Ohio, then you will have the opportunity to see and hear this band on Friday, July 17th at 7:00PM at the Tallmadge High School in Tallmadge, Ohio.  Before DLQ takes the stage, you will hear from Larry Efaw & The Bluegrass Mountaineers.  This performance is part of the TallFields Bluegrass Series which features three bluegrass shows this year.  The first was held this past March, featuring Sierra Hull (check out our review here).  The second event is this one on July 17th featuring Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, and the third event will be held on Saturday, September 12th, 2015, and will feature The Boxcars, with opening special guests Gold Heart.  (But more to come on this one later.)  

     Be sure to come out and enjoy a special night of bluegrass music, and be a part of this special treat coming to Northeast Ohio.  Tickets can be purchased at  https://www.ticketriver.com/event/15180

See you there!!!!

For more information about the TallFields Bluegrass Series, be sure to follow them on Facebook and Twitter!!!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/TallFields-Bluegrass-Series/706101822821415?fref=ts

 https://twitter.com/TF_Bluegrass

This article was written by Brandon Merritt, July 2015.

Brandon Merritt is an amateur writer, a bluegrass enthusiast, and an aspiring musician.

Memorial Day 2015

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."  - John 15:13

     Memorial Day.  Today is a day that our nation sets aside to remember those that have fallen in service to our country.  These men and women, beginning with the Revolutionary War and continuing around the world as you read this, have given everything they had to ensure our freedom and liberty.  Their families have suffered a loss for defense of others.  Today we not only remember, but we honor them.  And to all of those that are currently or have served our country in military service, THANK YOU!  Today as you spend time with your family and friends, please take a moment to remember the ones who paid the price so we could be in this great country, the United States of America!

     Those who play bluegrass are a unique breed, they like to write songs about life.  And part of life is honoring those who have given it all.  Below is a short list of some songs that honor the men and women who have and do defend our nation.

     1.  More Than A Name On A Wall 

              (Dailey & Vincent, Alblum:  Dailey & Vincent)

       2. Two Soldiers  

              (Blue Highway, Album:  Through The Window Of A Train)

       3. Till They Came Home   

              (Dailey & Vincent, Album:  Alive! In Concert)

       4. The Soldier Song 

             (Mountain Faith, Album:  Blue)

       5. This Is My Son 

             (Cherryholmes, Album:  Cherryholmes III:  Don't Believe)

       6. Blood Bought My Freedom 

             (The Marshalls, Album:  I'm Not Ashamed)

      As we remember those that have died for our freedom, let us not forget the one who made the greatest sacrifice for of all time, Jesus Christ.  "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."  - Romans 5:8  Jesus Christ paid the price for the liberty of any person anywhere in the world on Calvary.

       7. It's Done

         (Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Album:  Open Carefully, Message Inside)

Freedom has a price, thank you to all who have paid it!

America, bless God! 

Written by Brandon Merritt, May 2015.

Sierra Hull in Tallmadge, Ohio, 2015

Sierra Hull in Tallmadge, Ohio

March 20th, 2015:  Concert Review

     Last night, Sierra Hull performed a show in the Tallmadge High School Theater in Tallmadge, OH.  Sierra brought in the spring season with an incredible assortment of bluegrass music - with songs ranging from the traditional bluegrass-style, to a more modern style, as well as many that she has written herself. 

     With Sierra, who featured all of the main vocals, bluegrass mandolin, as well as the octave mandolin (which sounded incredible), were Justin Moses, Bryan McDowell, and Jacob Eller.  Justin Moses performed on the guitar, banjo, dobro, fiddle, and sang harmony.  Jacob Eller played killer bass, and Bryan McDowell rang out on the fiddle and guitar, while joining Sierra and Justin with harmony.  

     They highlighted several songs from Sierra's last album Daybreak, including Best Buy, Bombshell, and What Do You Say?  Sierra has done an excellent job of taking these songs above and beyond their recorded version released in 2011.  They truly showed that she is always progressing forward, with no plans to stop.  

     Sierra performed a few songs from the album that she has just finished mastering.  (This album does not yet have an official release date, but Sierra hinted at this fall, and includes some special guests.)  One of note was Weighted Minds, and with all of the new songs, Sierra has once again outdone herself.  These songs were a great sample of what's to come on the new album.

     There were also several instrumentals performed, all with ease and flow from all the members playing.  Sierra & Justin did a mandolin duet, which was one of the highlights of the evening.

     Among the highlights of the evening were the solos sung and played by Sierra.  One of the most memorable songs of the night was Easy Come, Easy Go, which Sierra performed impromptu and solo at the request of an audience member.  She also soloed the Tennessee Waltz, among a few others.

     One of the closing numbers was a song written by Sierra, in which she sings about the life of a traveling musician.  It describes some of the downside of a traveling life, but ends with remembering that it's about the music, and what it can bring to others.  Sierra Hull truly is taking joy and purpose around the country (and other countries as well!) through song.  

     We'll close with these lyrics from Sierra.  "This music that can drive me mad, is the best friend that I've ever had."  Thank you Sierra Hull for all your music, and keep moving on!!!

Keep up with Sierra Hull at http://www.sierrahull.com/
You can find her on Facebook, and Twitter as well.

This article was written by Brandon Merritt, March 2015.

Brandon Merritt is an amateur writer, a bluegrass enthusiast, and an aspiring musician.

     

 

     

      

A Queston & Anwswer Session with - Southern Raised

A Question & Answer Session with 

Southern Raised 

 

     Southern Raised Band is a Gospel group in the bluegrass and classical genres.  The band is comprised of 4 siblings -  Lindsay, Sarah, Emily, and Matt.  They have been singing and playing for the last 7 years, with the main goal of being "Committed to the Lord, each other and bringing their music to the people."  And whether you have seen them in person, or just heard one of their CD's, you can say from first-hand experience that they have surely accomplished this.
     
     The band has generously given their time, and had a question and answer session with me, via messenger.  So, without further ado, here you have it - some facts about Southern Raised that we hope will bring you closer to the band and their music!

1.  Brandon Merritt [BM] - "You all have been blessed with great musical talent, and surely have put a lot of work into what you do, and have come very far even in the last few years.  What started Southern Raised as we know it today?"

     Southern Raised [SR] - "The genesis of Southern Raised was in June of 2007.  Our parents started us in classical music at a young age.  We grew up in North West Arkansas and now live in the Ozark Mountains of Missouri.  Living in this area of the country you hear this acoustic style music and we fell in love with it!  We thought it would be great to get some of these acoustic instruments and just have fun together as a family on our porch!  God had different plans.  When we were very young, our parents heard a message on the power and impact of a family working together toward one common goal, a ministry together.  They began praying way back then that God would give us a ministry, something we could do together as a family.  7 years ago, when we got our acoustic instruments, a friend in our hometown of Missouri asked if we would come play for their church senior function.  The instruments were brand new and we quickly worked up a set of songs!  Actually, Southern Raised didn't even know how to sing or harmonize back then!   We played a whole hour of instrumentals!  We thought that would be like patting your head and rubbing your stomach! :)  It was from that first concert that doors began to open and have opened for the last 7 years across the country.  We have toured coast to coast, north and south, and in between.  The band will tour in Canada multiple times in 2015 as well.  We believe with all our hearts that this is the answer to our parent's prayers so many years ago!  We thank God for the opportunity to share His great message of love with the world through song!"

2.  BM - "Who would you say has had the greatest influence on your music?"  

     SR - "Well, for us Bach and Beethoven have had a great influence upon our music!  Our classical training has molded who we are as acoustic musicians and vocalists today."

   

3.  BM - "Having started out with a classical background, what brought you to love the bluegrass style, and how have you been able to incorporate classical into your current music?"

    SR - "Early in our lives we heard this style of music and developed a love in our hearts for it.  We watched other family bands and it inspired us!  I think the classical music comes out in different ways.  In our arrangements, or the music we write as a band has a classical flair.  Matt wrote a piece on our new CD project called, River of Rest.  This piece has what I would call a Celtic/Classical flair.  We actually perform Vivaldi's Four Seasons Movement Summer on our acoustic instruments!  This has been filmed concept video style.  This is not something we think about, it is just who we are and it is interwoven through all our music.  Classical music is the foundation of who we are and all else just builds upon that.  Some of the greatest advice we ever received was 'To be true to God and who you are.'"

4.  BM - "What are a few of your favorite songs that you sing and play, and why?"

     SR - "Choosing favorites would be hard!  We select each song carefully, studying the lyrics and message within the songs.  Our desire is that the lyrics and message of God's love comes through in each song.  However, 2 very meaningful songs to us as a band are Ravens Still Fly and Things I've Never Seen.  God gave these to us through inspiration from His Word and a sermon we heard preached.  Things I've Never Seen came through a scripture verse in the Psalms.  Psalm 37:25 - " I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread."  I began thinking about that after reading it one day. Asking myself, what was the Psalmist trying to say to us today, in ages to come?  I think he was saying, "I have lived a long time and seen a whole lot of things, but I have never seen God turn His back on His children, never seen Him leave them alone or not provide for their needs."  I am so grateful that God promises us that whatever we walk through in this life, He will be there holding our hand through it all!  Ravens Still Fly came from a phrase a pastor said during a message.  He was encouraging the congregation that God is still on the Throne and working in lives today and that "Ravens Still Fly!", and from that phrase the song was born.  There are so many hurting, lonely and broken people in the world today.  They wonder if anyone else knows what they are going through, does anyone see the tears or even care?  We want to encourage them that the same God that met with Elijah by the brook Cherith is the same God we serve today!  So take heart, take courage, "Ravens Still Fly!"

5.  BM - "You've been able to travel quite a bit with your music.  Tell us what a few of your favorite and least favorite things about the road life are."

     SR - "We have been blessed to travel all over the country and meet so many wonderful, sweet people!  In our travels we have had the opportunity to see many beautiful places all over America!  We have a lot of fun together!  So many memories and laughs together!  Negative would be only having a 6 gallon hot water tank on the bus! :) lol"

6.  BM - "You've made some music videos, which fans love to see.  What is your favorite part of putting a video together?"

     SR - "Creating our concept videos have been so much fun for the entire band!  We love all the "behind the scenes" that goes on creating the special moments in the videos.  There are many moments "off camera", where something funny happens or someone cannot get the right words to come out!  Bloopers, we always have lots of those! :)  We have been blessed to shoot our videos at beautiful locations.  Our latest concept videos were filmed at Barbara Mandrel's previous 27,000 sq ft log mansion called, "Fontanel."  This was an amazing venue to shoot the videos at and made for amazing memories!  Our videographer, Billy Brown, of Evidential Productions has been absolutely amazing to work with!  Nobody can beat his work ethic!  Absolutely amazingly talented, hard worker!  When we filmed the concept video for Vivaldi we hiked down a treacherous trail in middle Tennessee, to a cascading water fall.  Billy willingly hiked the entire distance packing all his camera gear and then back up again!  Never once complained and always enthusiastic!  He is incredible!"

7.  BM - "You're latest album Make A Difference (2014) sends a very important message for today, beginning with the title.  Tell us a little about this album, and what effect you've seen it have."

     SR - "Make A Difference" has become a theme for the band.  It has challenged us and our prayer is that it will challenge others as well.  Our band has been blessed and encouraged beyond words to receive emails and messages from people, sharing how this song challenged them to "Make A Difference" and share what they are now doing to touch other lives!  This is such an encouragement and we thank God that He is using the message in this song to reach and challenge people to change the world around them!  I think it is a "zenith" moment when we become aware that life is about so much more than ourselves.  We are all writing a story with our lives.  It is very convicting to ask ourselves, "what story will be written about our us?" 

8.  BM - "When someone hears a song by Southern Raised, whether live or on one of your albums, what is it that you wish for them to take away from it?"

     SR - "We pray it either blesses, encourages or challenges them in some way.  As I mentioned earlier, each song is selected with care and with a message that, Lord willing, will touch lives. bThese songs are alive, because the message of a Risen, Loving Savior is alive today!"

9.  BM - "You've been nominated for, and received quite a few awards, and 2014 saw a new album release.  A very accomplished year!  Where are you planning to head in 2015?"
    
     SR - "Wherever God leads us!  He is continuing to open exciting doors in 2015 and our desire is to walk where He leads!"

10.  BM - "Lastly, it seems as though you are very active on social media, posting pictures from your venues, as well as pictures of you with your fans, and even things from your everyday lives.  I'm sure that the fans love this!  What impact have you seen from connecting in such a close capacity with the folks that love your music?"

     SR - "We love our followers and value each of them so much!  We appreciate them taking the time and taking interest in the band.  We have been blessed to develop friendships, wonderful conversations and memories with many of them.  We want them to feel like we desire to have an interest in their lives as well.  It is not just a fan, it is a relationship.  We never want to take lightly that someone would take time to listen to us or come see us at a concert or keep up with us on social media.  We are grateful for this and want each of them to know how much we appreciate them.  Some of them we connect with on social media and then get to meet them later in person at a concert!  It is always wonderful to meet these sweet friends face to face!  Thank you to all those who support and encourage Southern Raised Band in so many ways!  We love you!"

     Thank you Southern Raised for participating in this session!  And, thank you, reader, for taking your time to read this article!  

     Be sure to head over to www.southernraisedband.com to find out more about this wonderful band, to see their tour dates and locations, check out some of their great YouTube videos, and, of course, buy their music, which is sure to be an encouragement and blessing!!
     
     And, find Southern Raised Band on social media!!!!           
          Facebook: www.facebook.com/southernrasiedband
          Twitter:   www.twitter.com/SouthernRaisedB

    
This article was written by Brandon Merritt, February 2015.

Brandon Merritt is an amateur writer, a bluegrass enthusiast, and an aspiring musician.

 

 

Top 20 Bluegrass Songs for Your Valentines Day

Valentines Day Songs for your Bluegrass Babe

(Some of) The Top 20 Bluegrass Love Songs

     So, it's Valentines Day, and you need some good old love songs to sing to your love.  Well, here are some great bluegrass songs to listen with that girl or guy of yours, not just today, but all year long.

1.  Never Let Me Go (Flatt Lonesome, Too)

2.  Rose Of My Heart (IIIrd Tyme Out, John And Mary)

3.  You, You, You (Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, In Session)

4.  My Only Love (Dailey & Vincent, Dailey & Vincent Sing the Statler Brothers)

5.  My Heart Was Made To Love You (Blue Highway, Sounds of Home)

6.  Only You (Cherryholmes, Cherryholmes IV Common Threads)

7.  I'll Always Be Waiting for You (Sierra Hull, Daybreak)

8.  There Is You (Dailey & Vincent, Brothers From Different Mothers)

9.  My Heart Skips A Beat (Mountain Faith, Blue)

10.  I'd Miss You (Flatt Lonesome, Flatt Lonesome)
 
11.  Her Love Won't Turn On a Dime (The Lonesome River Band, Turn On a Dime)

12.  Just Lovin' You (The Gibson Brothers, Help My Brother)

13.  I'll Love You Just the Same (Trinity River Band, Better Than Blue)

14.  I Told Them All About You (Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, In Session)

15.  Like A Train Needs A Track (The Lonesome River Band, No Turning Back)

16.  Dime Store Rings (The Lonesome River Band, No Turning Back)

17.  Where Have You Been (Dailey & Vincent, Brothers of the Highway)

18.  Only You (The Del McCoury Band, The Streets of Baltimore)

19.  Moon Magic (IIIrd Tyme Out, Prime Tyme)

20.  My Real World of Make Believe (Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Lonely Street)

     Well, we realize that some of you may be in a long distance or relationship, or just away from that special one right now.  Here's a few picks for you.

21.  Love On Arrival (Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Drive Time)

22.  Letters Have No Arms (Flatt Lonesome, Too)

23.  Pretty Little Girl From Galax (IIIrd Tyme Out, Prime Tyme)

     And, well, let's face it, there are some single folks out there that could use a tune around this "love" holiday.  Here are two for you.

24.  Lonely Street (Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Lonely Street)

25.  I Can't Be Bothered (Flatt Lonesome, Too)

     There you have it folks, just a few of the great bluegrass love songs.  If there are any you haven't heard, check them out.  And be sure to share some of you favorite that aren't on our list.  Share them to our e-mail, Facebook, or Twitter!!! 

Album Review: "In Session" by Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver

Album Review

    Title:  

  In Session

    Artist:  

Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver

     Release Date:   

January 20th, 2015

     In the words of the first phrase of track 7, we can truly say about Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver's newest album, In Session, "I'm in love with you, you, you."

     

     Released just six months after their last album, Open Carefully:  Message Inside (July 2014), Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver have truly taken In Session above and beyond expectation.  From the album opener, "Roll Big River", a hard-driving, toe-tapping tune, to the harmonies in "I'd Just Be Fool Enough" (Track 5), this album truly is musical art.

     

     The song "Big Eight Wheeler" (Track 6) takes us across the country in a true-to-life story through the eyes of a young man who felt that the grass was greener on the other side, only to long for his home of Tennessee.  "Evening Prayer Blues" (Track 8) is a unique instrumental featuring only the mandolin (Doyle Lawson), and Dobro (Josh Swift).  "Americana" (Track 12) takes us back in time, today.  It reminds us of the patriotic and community spirit that has made this country great.  And in "I Told Them All About You" (Track 10), you will find a delightful tune filled with vocal harmony, bright instrument solos, and delightful lyrics.

     Listening to the track-by-track that Doyle Lawson did with Kyle Cantrell of Sirius XM's Bluegrass Junction, Mr. Lawson stated that he wished to take time with this album and make sure it was right, because once a recording goes out, it can never be taken back.  Don't worry Mr. Lawson, this is one album that we'll be sure to keep!

Track Listing:
1.  Roll Big River
2.  Wilma Walker
3.  Calling All Her Children Home
4.  Weep and Cry
5.  I'd Just Be Fool Enough
6.  Big Eight Wheeler
7.  You, You, You
8.  Evening Prayer Blues
9.  Reasons Why
10.  I Told Them All About You
11.  Captain
12.  Americana
 

This review was written by Brandon Merritt, January 2015 

Brandon Merritt is an amateur writer, a bluegrass enthusiast, and an aspiring musician.