The New Line – Can’t Hold The Wheel (independent release, 2013)
American multi-instrumentalist and composer Brendan Taaffe founded The New Line, an ensemble that brought together the sounds of Africa, Appalachian bluegrass and Americana. It was a fascinating new approach to Appalachian ballads.
On Can’t Hold The Wheel, you’ll find a delightful dialog between the banjo and the mesmerizing Zimbabwean mbira.
The lineup included Brendan Taaffe on vocals, mbira, acoustic guitars and pump organ; Adam Hurt on gourd banjo and steel-strung banjo; Stefan Amidon on percussion and vocals; Colin McCaffrey on electric guitar and bass; Mike Olson on trumpet; and Heather Masse on vocals.
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.