Dan Tyminski Launches Ten Degrees And Getting Colder Video
Acclaimed bluegrass musician Dan Tyminski has a new video titled “Ten Degrees And Getting Colder” featuring Dailey & Vincent. The song appears in the EP “One More Time Before You Go: A Tribute To Tony Rice” (2022).
Lost & Found Unveils “Mountain Folks”
“Mountain Folks” is a new single by Lost & Found. The song will appear on their upcoming Heritage project, Final Chapter, set for release later this year.
“Mountain Folks” was recorded in 2013 at the Mountain Fever Records studio and was the band’s last recording session. Vocalist Allen Mills joked, “They had me singing in the bathroom for that recording, so we were going to call it the John House Sessions!” Lost & Found intended to record a full twelve track album, but it was delayed due to Mills’ health issues, so this is the final recording from this legendary group.
The song includes Allen Mills on lead vocals. He is joined by Scott Napier on mandolin, Ronald Smith on banjo and harmony vocals, Dan Wells on guitar and harmony vocals, and Mills’ late nephew, Jason Moore, on bass. These historic recordings were mixed and mastered by Aaron Ramsey (Volume Five) with Sammy Shelor (Lonesome River Band) as engineer.
“Mountain Folks” was written by J.C. Poff and Allen Mills. “I always related to mountain people and their authentic lifestyle. J.C. had the chorus down, that went like this,” explained Mills.
Mountain folks don’t worry about the hard times
Cause hard times is all they’ve ever known
With a hound dog a biscuit and some taters
They just sit out on the front porch and watch the flowers grow
“Then I added two additional verses about my grandpa and his smile.” Mills sang,
Always wanted to be just like my grandpa
Always had a smile on his face
But mama said things ain’t like they use to be
But I always liked what grandpa had to say
Lindsay Lou Reveals Duo Song with Billy Strings
Lindsay Lou has returned to bluegrass on her new single, “Freedom“, a collaboration with bluegrass star Billy Strings.
Thomas Cassell Presents New Single, Redbud Tree
Thomas Cassell has a new single titled “Redbud Tree” (Mountain Fever Records). Cassell is a member of Circus No. 9, a 2021 National Mandolin Champion, and an International Bluegrass Association award winner.
“I first heard this song in 2018 while doing a deep dive into Mark Knopfler’s catalog. This tune kicks off his 2012 record Privateering – I’ll bet I played this song over ten times before getting on to the rest of the record. I jotted the song down as a potential cover for my next record, and luckily, we were able to cut it in 2021,” explained Thomas. “I wanted to capture as much as I could from the original recording in my own – such as the bass mimicking the kick drum at the beginning or the mandolin break quoting the guitar solo. Even further though, I thought all the folks you hear gave this track its own unique life – Jacob Metz’s dobro, Julian Pinelli’s fiddle, Vince Ilagan’s bass, Tim Stafford’s guitar (he actually plays two guitar tracks on this one), and lastly some fantastic harmony singing from Dale Ann Bradley and Dan Boner. It wouldn’t sound like it does without these fine folks.”
Teardrops in Tennessee, New Single by Ben James
Singer, guitarist and songwriter Ben James has a new single, “Teardrops in Tennessee“. The song features some top players in the Nashville scene: Trey Hensley on guitar; Ron Stewart on banjo; Aubrey Haynie on fiddle; Aaron Ramsey on mandolin; Josh Swift on resophonic guitar and harmony vocals; Ben Issacs on bass; and Mike Rogers on harmony vocals.
Ben James wrote “Teardrops in Tennessee” while driving across the Tennessee-North Carolina borderline.
“Cold Hearted Woman”, New single by Dave Adkins
“Cold Hearted Woman” (Mountain Fever Records) is the new single by Dave Adkins. The song, written by Adkins, will appear on his new album, We’re All Crazy, set for release on August 5, 2022.
Adkins overheard a man telling his friend that the sweetest lady he knew was a cold-hearted woman. “I couldn’t stop thinking about that conversation and him describing her as being so cold-hearted, so I wrote this song. I hope you enjoy it,” said Akins.
Musicians on the track and the album include Dave Adkins on lead vocals; Will Clark on mandolin and harmony vocals; Jeff Partin on bass, resophonic guitar, and harmony vocals; Jason Davis on banjo; and Aaron Ramsey on mandolin and harmony vocals.
Adkins is currently on tour with his band. From their home base in eastern Kentucky, the Dave Adkins Band has already completed the west coast leg of their 2022 tour, along with performances at the popular PEI Old-Time Music Festival in Canada. Upcoming performances include July 30 at Musicians Against Childhood Cancer in Ohio, August 2 at Pickin’ in Parsons in West Virginia, Aug 4 at the Osborne Brothers Hometown Festival in Kentucky, August 5 at CamFest in Kentucky, and August 6 at the Milan Bluegrass Festival in Michigan.
Down the Road Bluegrass and Old-Time Music Guide 2022
The 2022 Down the Road Bluegrass and Old-Time Music Guide features stories of musicians, venues, and musical traditions from Western North Carolina. Read the full magazine here. Or email to receive a free copy by mail.
Down the Road is also the name of a podcast that tells stories of the musical traditions of the Western North Carolina Foothills and Mountains. The most recent episode explored Carl Sandburg’s musical contributions.
Lonesome River Band Unveils New album “Heyday”
Bluegrass powerhouse Lonesome River Band has released a new album titled “Heyday” (Mountain Home Music Company).
“Heyday is a representation of the Lonesome River Band in transition from many years with Brandon Rickman and Barry Reed in the band to the introduction of Adam Miller and Kameron Keller as the newest members,” says vocalist and banjo player Sammy Shelor. “After 40 years in the business, Lonesome River Band is looking forward to many more years on the road bringing new music to our wonderful friends across the country. We hope you enjoy this collection!”
All In Time, Double album by Acoustic Syndicate
Acoustic Syndicate has released a new double album called “All In Time” (Organic Records). The acclaimed band is known for its engaging mix of bluegrass, rock and a healthy dose of jamband improvisation.
All In Time expands on a set of successful, previously-released singles that ran from personal, emotive, self-written songs to a revealingly wide-ranging group of covers (the Grateful Dead’s “Bertha,” Lou Reed’s “Rock and Roll” and Willie Nelson’s “Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground”).
“It’s somewhat of a plea for humanity, broken down to be as straightforward of a message as can be: Love. Love is better than hate,” says multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Bryon McMurry. “The music originally was much slower, written for a New Orleans project with tuba and banjo and other horns that is still in its infancy. The message, though, is simple, given the past few years of turmoil in this country and globally. The song is a plea for us to take a look at ourselves and those around us and try to bridge the gaps. I’m sure I’m naive in my thinking,” he concludes, “but it’s worth a try.”
Mandolin Man, The Bluegrass Life of Roland White
Mandolin Man, The Bluegrass Life of Roland White is the title of a new book by Bob Flack published by University of Illinois Press. Roland White was a leading mandolin player who played with Bill Monroe’s Blue Grass Boys and Lester Flatt’s Nashville Grass. Later, he had success with his own Roland White Band. Notably, White mentored and inspired many bluegrass musicians.
Bob Black conducted extensive interviews with White and his peers and friends to provide the first in-depth biography of the influential bluegrass figure.
The Alex Leach Band to Release All The Way in August 2022
“All The Way” (Mountain Home Music Company) is the new album by The Alex Leach Band, produced by award-winning songwriter Jon Weisberger. The lineup includes regular bassist JT Coleman, Jason Johnson (banjo), Joshua Gooding (mandolin), labelmate Carley Arrowood (fiddle), banjoist Derek Vaden (Larry Stephenson Band), fiddlers Chris Sexton (Nothin’ Fancy) and Bryan McDowell, pedal steel guitarist Chris Castle (Darryl Worley), legendary drummer Tony Creasman, and longtime friend and colleague Roscoe Morgan on mandolin.
“The Alex Leach Band has entered a new season of growth this past year,” says Leach, “and I couldn’t be more excited to share this fresh music that has been created as a result. This album is full of original tunes that I recently penned. I was honored to collaborate with Jim Lauderdale, Jon Weisberger, and my wife, Miranda, on a few as well. There are several special guests on this album, and everyone involved knocked it out of the park. Thanks to all those who have helped make this project a reality. This is the beginning of a new era for The Alex Leach Band, and we are ready to go ‘all the way!’ Sit back, crank the knob up, and enjoy!“
Tim Stafford & Thomm Jutz Release “Take That Shot”
Tim Stafford & Thomm Jutz have a new single available titled “Take That Shot” (Mountain Fever Records). The song will appear in their upcoming album of new original music, Lost Voices, to be released later this year.
Their love for history, vintage guitars, and well-crafted songs brought the two together five years ago. “I’m such an admirer of Tim’s writing, singing, and playing. Making a duo record with Tim was a logical step and a dream come true for me,” notes Jutz. Stafford says, “Thomm is such a great, unique writer, player, and singer – we connected and found so many ideas that spoke to us both. Recording was a breeze!”
“Take That Shot” began with two recently released photos of Billy the Kid and Robert Johnson. Jutz explains, “Those two photos revealed so much more about these two legends than anyone previously expected. Billy the Kid, in the newly discovered photo, looks like a boyish Huck Finn-type and not like a juvenile killer. Johnson looks like an upbeat young man with a guitar, and not like the brooding bluesman with the cigarette dangling from his mouth we all know.
“We talked about other iconic photos that shaped American history, and this song fell in our lap,” Staffords adds. “I love the idea that the art of photography can say as much as libraries full of books, summing up entire eras, defining moments in time.”
On “Take That Shot”, Tim and Thomm trade lead vocals, supported by their friends Tammy Rogers on fiddle, Mark Fain on bass, Ron Block on banjo, and Shaun Richardson on mandolin.
Thomm Jutz
Thomm Jutz has developed the reputation as one of bluegrass music’s most prolific songwriters; taking home the 2021 International Bluegrass Music Association’s Songwriter of the Year award. Jutz has written numerous bluegrass hits and his songs have been recorded by artists such as John Prine, The Steeldrivers, Balsam Range and more.
In 2021, Jutz’ album To Live in Two Worlds, Vol. I gained a Grammy nomination for Best Bluegrass Album. Jutz also toured as a guitarist for Mary Gauthier, Nanci Griffith, and David Olney. Most recently, Mountain Fever Records released the successful album Surely Will Be Singing by Tammy Rogers and Thomm Jutz.
Tim Stafford
Tim Stafford is a prominent figure in the Bluegrass genre as a founding member of powerhouse group Blue Highway. The band achieved nearly 30 International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) award wins, making them among the most decorated and influential groups in Bluegrass history.
Stafford has a 1993 Grammy win on his list of accolades from his time with Alison Krauss and Union Station.
Stafford also has a notable songwriting career, with over 250 songs recorded. He was named IBMA Songwriter of the Year in both 2014 and 2017. Stafford recently won the 2021 IBMA Award for Liner Notes of the Year for the reissue of Tony Rice’s California Autumn.
The Jacob Jolliff Band Reveals Outbound Train Single
The Jacob Jolliff Band has released a single titled “Outbound Train” (Adhyaropa Records). Jacob Jolliff is an acclaimed mandolin player and vocalist who has performed with Yonder Mountain String Band. He is a graduate of the Berklee College of Music and won the National Mandolin Championship in Winfield in 2012.
The Jacob Jolliff Band includes Stash Wyslouch on guitar; John Mailander on fiddle; and Myles Sloniker on bass.
Somewhere Beyond, New Album by Breaking Grass
“Somewhere Beyond” (Mountain Fever Records) is the sixth studio album by bluegrass band Breaking Grass. “I am proud to see a young band who are developing their own style and creating original music at such a high level. That is the future of bluegrass. The vocals and instrumentation are top-notch,” said Darren Nicholson, Balsam Range.
Somewhere Beyond includes Breaking Grass members Cody Farrar on lead and harmony vocals and acoustic guitar; Zach Wooten on mandolin and harmony vocals; Britt Sheffield on upright bass and harmony vocals; Jody Elmore on banjo and harmony vocals; and Tyler White on fiddle. Guest musicians include Aaron Ramsey on lead guitar and Randy Kohrs on dobro.
Tammy Rogers, a founding member of the Grammy award-winning group, The Steeldrivers, said, “Cody Farrar sings and writes just the way I like to hear it…soulful with some grit! I’m a fan, and I’m betting you will be too. Well done, boys!”
Unspoken Tradition Releases Imaginary Lines
Western North Carolina band Unspoken Tradition has a new album titled “Imaginary Lines” (Mountain Home). The album includes a hit single, ‘California’, that has reached the top of the Bluegrass Today chart.
“‘California’ comes to us from our buddy Thomm Jutz, and was chosen specifically because it’s a tremendously well written song with a feel that we’ve never explored as a band. It immediately stood out to me, and I’m glad it didn’t take much convincing to get the guys on board with this one,” says Unspoken Tradition vocalist and guitarist Audie McGinnis. “There are plenty of us who leave home in search of something. But what happens when you get there, and it isn’t what you expected? Or maybe the urge to go back home is stronger than you might have anticipated. That’s what ‘California’ is all about. This musician has moved to Nashville to chase a dream, and amidst all the music, lights, and opportunity, they feel alone and homesick, lost in the crowd. That’s lonely.”
The band includes bassist Sav Sankaran, guitarist/vocalist Audie McGinnis, brother Zane McGinnis (banjo), mandolinist Ty Gilpin and Tim Gardner (fiddle, vocals)
I’ll Be Lovin’ You” New Video by Greg Blake
Celebrated vocalist Greg Blake, recently nominated for Male Vocalist of the Year with the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA), has a new video for the single “I’ll Be Lovin’ You.”
Blake commented, “acclaimed bluegrass and country songwriter, David Stewart, pitched this song to me some time ago. It’s a “positive” love song, affirming the fact that “you can count on my love for you”. As the chorus states – If the devil’s soul is black as coal, if Kentucky’s grass is blue – Just as sure as God made little green apples, I’ll be lovin’ you!”
Joining Blake are Jesse Brock on mandolin and vocals; Jacob Metz on banjo and vocals; Aynsley Porchak on fiddle; and Mark Schatz on bass.
Shot in the Piedmont region of North Carolina, the video highlights Blake’s fun-loving attitude as well as his stellar vocals. So grab an apple, and enjoy it with Greg as you watch “I’ll Be Lovin’ You.”
Molly Tuttle’s Bluegrass Album Crooked Tree
Americana and crossover artist Molly Tuttle has released a bluegrass album titled “Crooked Tree” (Nonesuch Records). “Crooked Tree” explores Tuttle’s love of bluegrass, which she discovered through her father and her grandfather, a banjo player. Recorded live at Nashville’s Oceanway Studios, the record was produced by Tuttle and Jerry Douglas and features collaborations with Sierra Hull, Old Crow Medicine Show, Margo Price, Billy Strings, Dan Tyminski and Gillian Welch.
Molly Tuttle recorded a new performance video of her song, “Grass Valley,” featuring her father, Jack Tuttle, a music teacher and multi-instrumentalist, on mandolin and vocals. “Grass Valley” appears in “Crooked Tree” and tells the story of going to Grass Valley, California’s annual Father’s Day Bluegrass Festival with her dad, where she was first exposed to the bluegrass music that inspired her to play.
Reflecting on the video, Tuttle shared “My dad took me to the Father’s Day Bluegrass Festival in Grass Valley, California when I was 10 years old, and it changed my life. It was my first time going to a music festival, and the songs that I heard on stage and jammed in the campground stuck with me for years to come. When I was writing the songs for Crooked Tree, I kept going back to those earliest musical memories. I decided to close my album with a song about Grass Valley to give context to the music that I make now. I hope you enjoy this special version of “Grass Valley” that I filmed with my dad! Happy Father’s Day weekend!”
Molly Tuttle and her band Golden Highway, Bronwyn Keith-Hynes (fiddle), Dominick Leslie (mandolin), Shelby Means (bass) and Kyle Tuttle (banjo), will tour throughout this fall with upcoming performances at Cambridge’s Sinclair, Alexandria’s Birchmere, Seattle’s Woodland Park Zoo, and Bozeman’s Elm as well as several major festivals including Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion, Bourbon & Beyond, AmericanaFest, and Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival.
“I always knew I wanted to make a bluegrass record someday,” says Tuttle. “Once I started writing, everything flowed so easily: sometimes I’ve felt an internal pressure to come up with a sound no one’s heard before, but this time my intention was just to make an album that reflected the music that’s been passed down through generations in my family. I found a way to do that while writing songs that feel true to who I am, and it really helped me to grow as a songwriter.”
In addition to Tuttle (vocals, guitars), Jerry Douglas (dobro), Keith-Hynes (fiddle), and Leslie (mandolin), “Crooked Tree” also features musicians Darol Anger (fiddle), Ron Block (banjo), Mike Bub (upright bass), Jason Carter (fiddle), Viktor Krauss (upright bass), Todd Phillips (upright bass), and Christian Sedelmyer (fiddle) with additional harmony vocals from Tina Adair, Lindsay Lou, and Melody Walker.
Caleb Bailey & Paine’s Run Roll Out New Single, Camille
Caleb Bailey & Paine’s Run have released a single titled “Camille.” This original song by Caleb Bailey is inspired by the devastation caused by Hurricane Camille, which ranks as the second most powerful hurricane to strike the continental United States. The hurricane affected Nelson County, Virginia, and killed over 100 people.
“I had it on my heart for several years to write a song about Hurricane Camille and its devastation, especially to those in Nelson County, Virginia,” explains Caleb. “I wanted to capture the speed and intensity of the storm and have accurate lyrical content that brought to light the severity and solemness of that night in 1969. My band, Paine’s Run, helped bring to life my vision for this song, and I couldn’t be prouder of how it was laid down in the studio. I hope our fans enjoy a trip back in time to Camille.”
“Camille” appears on the band’s upcoming album that includes nine new original songs by Caleb Bailey and written by Paine’s Run band member, Rob Slusser.
More bluegrass music news:
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(headline image: From left: Unspoken Tradition’s Zane McGinnis and Ty Gilpin; Mountain Home’s Jon Weisberger; and Unspoken Tradition’s Sav Sankaran, Audie McGinnis and Tim Gardner. Photo by Ken Voltz.).
Author: World Music Central News Room
World music news from the editors at World Music Central