Balsam Range to Release New CD

Balsam Range New Release: Last Train to Kitty Hawk

Arden, NC- Fast rising Bluegrass group Balsam Range is set to release their new project, Last Train to Kitty Hawk this January on Mountain Home Records, a division of Crossroads Music. The North Carolina group gained critical success with their last release Marching Home which was met with excellent reviews and rose to the number 3 spot on the Bluegrass Unlimited airplay chart with the single, “The Train’s Ready”. The new project promises to impress with its showcase of the band’s vocal abilities and instrumental prowess. The CD offers 12 tracks ranging from new original songs like “Julie’s Train” and “Jack Diamond” to traditional tunes like “I’m Lonesome Without You” from Ralph Stanley. The album reflects the band's well known and unique mixture of modern bluegrass with the traditional Carolina mountain music they all grew up playing.

"I am extremely proud of the new BR recording because we produced it ourselves, did the arrangements, and picked what I believe is really strong material. It is a good representation of what we are on stage and displays a good musical variety. There is good mix of styles for die hard bluegrass folks and for new listeners.” states Balsam Range mandolin player Darren Nicholson. Executive Producer Mickey Gamble adds “Balsam Range has come a long way with their first release and this sophomore effort is full of the kind of songs that remind us of why we love Bluegrass.”

Look for the CD to hit stores and be available for digital download and online ordering January 20th 2009.

Also listen for the first single, the title cut, “Last Train to Kitty Hawk” which will hit national radio this January.

http://www.crossroadsmusic.com/

http://www.balsamrange.com/

For Booking: www.andrearoberstagency.com

2009 Bluegrass Calendar

Gary Reid's Bluegrass Calendar is back for 2009. This year Gary's Calendar will honor Pinecastle Records, 2009 is Pinecastle's 20th anniversary. Full color pictures of Pinecastle artists past and present are featured.

The Calendar is available from Bluegrass Productions of Virginia ( Note: This site was unavailable at the time this post was written), County Sales, and Music Shed.

Fan Funding for CD Project, ATTENTION BANDS

If you looking for a unique way of paying for your next recording project, you might want to check out what The Kickin' Grass Band did to fund their newest CD.

I am not going to rehash what others have published. Instead I refer you to the following links.

http://www.thebluegrassblog.com/kickin-grass-makes-fan-financing-work/

http://www.cybergrass.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=5398

The latest Kickin' Grass CD will be introduced Sunday, 11/30, On Traditional Ties,
WYEP FM 91.3 Pittsburgh PA - Streaming http://wyep.org/

Traditional Ties, 11/30/08, Playlist

Traditional Ties, 11/30/08, Playlist

Contact info for new adds:

Joe Mullins and the Radio Ramblers - http://myclassiccountry.com/

The Kickin Grass Band - http://kickingrass.com/ - http://superfanrecords.com/

Earl Scruggs - http://rounder.com/ - http://earlscruggs.com/

Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers / Poet With Wings / Tuned In / Self2008-11-3022:02

Kickin' Grass / Ramblig Man / The Kickin' Grass Band / Superfan2008-11-3022:06

Earl Scruggs / Earl's Breakdown / ...With Family and Friends / Rounder2008-11-3022:11

Pam Gadd / After the Fire is Gone / Benefit of Doubt / Self2008-11-3022:14

Danny Paisley / Rasin' Cane in Texas / The Room Over Mine / Rounder2008-11-3022:18

Kristin Scott Benson / No Southern Comfort / Second Season / Pinecastle2008-11-3022:22

Bill Emerson / Ridin' My Thumb to Mexico / ...The Sweet dixie Band / Rebel2008-11-3022:24

Earl Scruggs / Soldier's Joy / ...With Family and Friends / Rounder2008-11-3022:27

Joe Mullins / Deeper Than the Stain /Tuned In / Self2008-11-3022:31

Special Consensus / Lift Your Voice in Prayer / The Trail of Aching Hearts / Pinecastle2008-11-3022:34

Rickey Wasson / I Can Tell you the Time / From the Heart and Soul / Rural Rhythm2008-11-3022:37

Jett's Creek / I'll Be Back / Supposed to Be / Self2008-11-3022:40

Grascals / Farther Along / Keep on Walkin' / Rounder2008-11-3022:46

Wayne Taylor / Be Thou My Vision / Dear Mon / Raincoe2008-11-3022:49

Greenbrier / Thank You Lord / Back of the Book / Self2008-11-3022:52

Pine Mountain Railroaad / Let's Meet By the River / Pickin', Prasin' and Singin' / Rural Rhythm2008-11-3022:55

Joe Mullins / Each Minute Seems a Million Years / Tuned In / Self2008-11-3023:02

Joe Mullins / Baby Girl / Tuned In / Self2008-11-3023:06

Joe Mullins / My Blue Eyed Darlin' / Tuned In / Self2008-11-3023:09

Joe Mullins / I Owe it All to Thee / Tuned In / Self2008-11-3023:15

Earl Scruggs / Foggy Mountain Breakdown / ...With Family and Friends / Rounder2008-11-3023:19

Kickin' Grass / Chug a Lug / The Kickin' Grass Band / Superfan2008-11-3023:22

Seldom Scene / Hometown Blues / Scenechronized / Sugar Hill2008-11-3023:23Kenny and Amanda Smith / Changing / Live and Learn /Rebel2008-11-2023:27

Kickin' Grass / The Ghost of Nathaniel Carter / The Kickin' Grass Band / Superfan2008-11-3023:32

Ralph Stanley II / Train Songs / This One Is Two / Lonesome Day2008-11-3023:37

Earl Scruggs / Black Mountain Blues / ...With Family and Friends / Rounder2008-11-3023:40

Carrie Hassler / One Way Track to Nowhere / CHHR2 / Rural Rhythm2008-11-3023:42

Sons of Navarone / Dancing Queen / At Last / Self2008-11-3023:46

Buncome Turnpike / What Tomorrow Holds / Picker's Paradise / Self2008-11-3023:52

Earl Scruggs / Lonesome Ruben / ...With Family and Friends / Rounder2008-11-3023:54

JOHN TROUT, WYEP FM, PITTSBURGH, PA. tties91@hotmail.com

'TRADITIONAL TIES'- NEW RELEASE BLUEGRASS WITH FEATURES AND INTERVIEWS. 91.3 WYEP, http://www.wyep.org/ 10:00 PM Eastern Time (U.S.) Sundays.Streaming Audio.

1608 JEFFERSON ST, LATROBE PA, 15650 -2940

Link to Traditional Ties web pages:http://wyep.org/traditionalties

Traditional Ties, 11/30, Highlights

New adds for Traditional Ties, 11/30/08, Joe Mullins and the Radio Ramblers, Earl Scruggs with Family and Friends, and The Kickin' Grass Band.








Sundays, 10:00 PM - WYEP FM, 91.3 FM, Pittsburgh PA
Streaming click here.

Rhonda and the Rage, New Lineup

As we announced last week Arron McDaris has joined Rhonda Vincent and the Rage, today the new guitarist Ben Helson has been announced. The complete news release is below.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Nashville, TN
Rhonda's New Rage!
The 7-time International Bluegrass Music Association's Female Vocalist, Grammy Nominee, and "NEW" Queen of Bluegrass, Rhonda Vincent, issues a personal message today, announcing the addition of two new members to her band The Rage; Aaron McDaris and Ben Helson; along with the departure of two current members, 7-year Rage veteran Kenny Ingram, and Darrell Webb.
Aaron McDaris joins her from the Grammy nominated group "The Grascals". Aaron is an innovative banjo player who brings his unique style to the new sound of The Rage. He is the son of a Missouri preacher, married 10 years to Amy, with son Ethan 3, and a new baby, due any day now.

Ben Helson joins her from the Grammy winning group "Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder". Ben is a 22 year old virtuoso on guitar and many other stringed instruments. He joins The Rage during his final semester at Bethel college, where he is majoring in music business. Ben will not only bring his musical skill and vocal style; but also his newly attained music business knowledge, with the completion of his degree in May 2009.

Rhonda stated: "Beginning today, November 24, 2008; Aaron McDaris and Ben Helson officially join The Rage, respectively on banjo and guitar. Hunter Berry and Mickey Harris begin their 8th season as gentlemen of The Rage. I hope that you will be as excited as I am about the new music, new members, and new approach to our presentation.

With this new group of musicians, we will also record, for the first time in the history of Rhonda Vincent & The Rage; with only the musicians of The Rage. There will be no guest appearances or additional musicians of any kind."

Rhonda Vincent & The Rage will begin their coast to coast touring schedule on January 2, 2009; flying from New York City to San Francisco on January 13th, to start off another incredible year, performing the music they love.

For complete touring details, photos, and bios: http://www.rhondavincent.com/

The new Rounder Records project will be released Spring 2009.
UPPER MANAGEMENT

Herb Sandker 615-390-8198
http://www.uppermanagement.net

Traditional Ties, 11/23, Playlist

Contact info for new adds:

Kristin Scott Benson - http://pinecastle.com/

Pam Gadd- http://pamgadd.com/

Pam Gadd / Hold Whatcha Got / Benefit of Doubt / Self / 2008-11-2322:02Kristin Scott Benson / No Steering, No Breaks / Second Season / Pinecastle / 2008-11-2322:06

Tony Rice / Why You Been Gone So Long / Night Flyer / Rounder / 2008-11-2322:10

Alan Munde Gazette / What's So Good About Goodbye / Made to Last / Munde's Child / 2008-11-2322:13

Allegheny Drifters / I”m Gonna Settle Down / Can't Wait / Self / 2008-11-2322:17

Melonie Cannon / Set 'em Up Joe / And the Wheels Turn / Rural Rhythm / 2008-11-2322:20

Northwest Territory / Picture in a Tear / Good Old Boys / Self / 008-11-2322:23

Kristin Scott Benson / Trying Times / Second Season / Pinecastle / 2008-11-2322:26

Blue Shades / Little White Church / Chasing Dreams / Self / 2008-11-2322:32

Dailey and Vincent / By the Mark /Dailey and Vincent / Rounder /2008-11-2322:36

Doyle Lawson / Press On 'O Pilgrim / Help Is on the Way / Horizon / 2008-11-2322:39

Carolina Road / Harp With Golden Strings / ...Give Jesus a Try / Blue Circle / 2008-11-2322:42

Kristin Scott Benson / The Gospel Way / Second Season / Pinecastle / 2008-11-2322:46

Aldridge-Justice / I'll Go With You / I'll Go With You / Pinecastle / 2008-11-2322:48

The Churchmen / Final Harvest / I'll Be Long Gone / Pinecastle / 2008-11-2322:52

Paul Williams / I Went Down a Begger... / What a Journey / Rebel / 2008-11-2322:55

Pam Gadd / Black Water Rock / Benefit of Doubt / Self / 2008-11-2323:02

Pam Gadd / After the Fire Is Gone / Benefit of Doubt / Self / 2008-11-2323:07

Pam Gadd / Home Sweet Highway / Benefit of Doubt / Self / 2008-11-2323:11

Pam Gadd / Farewell Wagon Master / Benefit of Doubt / Self / 2008-11-2323:16

Kristin Scott Benson / Don't Tread On Me / Second Season / Pinecastle / 2008-11-2323:20

Junior Sisk / Little Bit of This, Little Bit of That / Blue Side... / Rebel / 2008-11-2323:23

Crowe Brothers / Are You Teasing Me / Brothers-N-Harmony / Rural Rhythm / 2008-11-2323:26

Dan Tyminski / Wheels / Wheels / Rounder / 2008-11-2323:29

Pam Gadd / Applejack / Benefit of Doubt / Self / 2008-11-2323:33

Bluegrass Brothers / Momma's Flowers / Appalachian Memories / Self / 2008-11-2323:36

Rickey Wasson / Don't Wait Up / From the Heart and Soul / Rural Rhythm / 2008-11-2323: 40

Kristin Scott Benson / Something 'bout You / Second Season / Pinecastle / 2008-11-2323:

Michael Cleveland / Sold Down the River / Leavin' Town / Rounder / 2008-11-2323:46

Buncombe Turnpike / What Tomorrow Holds / Picker's Paradise / Self / 2008-11-2323:50

Jett's Creek / Song for Life / Supposed to Be / Self / 2008-11-2323:53

Kristin Scott Benson / Bugle Call Rag / Second Season / Pinecastle / 2008-11-2323:57

JOHN TROUT, WYEP FM, PITTSBURGH, PA. tties91@hotmail.com

'TRADITIONAL TIES'- NEW RELEASE BLUEGRASS WITH FEATURES AND INTERVIEWS. 91.3 WYEP, http://www.wyep.org/ 10:00 PM Eastern Time (U.S.) Sundays. Streaming Audio1608 JEFFERSON ST, LATROBE PA, 15650 -2940

Link to Traditional Ties web pages:http://wyep.org/traditionalties

Delfest 2009 Announced

Delfest 2009 Announced: (Press release)

McCoury Music and High Sierra Music present DelFest . Memorial Day Weekend . May 22-24, 2009 Allegheny County Fairgrounds . Cumberland, Maryland, 2.5 hours NW of DC . 2.5 hours from Washington National, Dulles, Baltimore and Pittsburgh airports.

3 Days . 3 Nights . Late Night Shows . On-site Camping . Kid's Area and ActivitiesArtist Playshops . Bluegrass Band Competition . Food . Drink . Art & Craft Faire . More!

Tickets On Sale Now!
Discounted tickets for DelFest 2009 are on sale now and we're happy to announce that we're once again offering our early bird deal of just $99 for an adult three-day pass while supplies last! Visit the ticketing page for details and to purchase.

Initial Line-up Announced
In addition to appearances by the Del McCoury Band throughout the weekend, Sam Bush, Railroad Earth, Peter Rowan and The Free Mexican Airforce, J.D. Crowe and The New South, Tim O'Brien, The Infamous Stringdusters, The Lee Boys, Joe Craven, Dan Paisley & The Southern Grass, the Davisson Brothers Band, and Vinegar Creek Constituency are among those already confirmed. There are many more to come so stay tuned here and to our eNewsletters for more line-up announcements!

DelFest Academy
Attention all students of bluegrass music! The inaugural DelFest Academy will be offered May 18 - 21, 2009 at our festival site in Cumberland, featuring three days of classes and performances for banjo, mandolin, fiddle, guitar and bass as taught by members of the Del McCoury band and others. Enrollment and more information in the coming weeks, so stay tuned!
2008 T-shirts Now Available
Did you miss out on getting your DelFest t-shirt at this year's festival? A new run has been printed and they are on sale now at the DMB store!

New Host for Banks of Ohio

GEORGE MCKNIGHT TO BECOME HOST OF "BANKS OF THE OHIO" On November 29, 2008, a new voice will greet internet and broadcast listeners to "Banks of the Ohio: Music from the Homeplace of Bluegrass." The weekly internet and broadcast radio program is a production of the International Bluegrass Music Museum, which is located adjacent to the Ohio River in Owensboro, Kentucky.

George McKnight, the new host of "Banks of the Ohio," is a veteran in syndicated bluegrass broadcasting, a festival and event emcee, and stage manager, presently based in Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada. McKnight's current program, "Uptown Bluegrass" begun in 1982, is broadcast by a string of mostly Canadian radio stations, and has been streamed on the World Wide Web since 2003.

"Banks of the Ohio" was initiated by the International Bluegrass Music Museum in 2002 to expand the Museum's global outreach and awareness.Beginning with American University's BluegrassCountry.org webcast service, the program is now heard on eight radio stations in the US and the Museum's own webcast outlet, Bluegrass Radio International. The founding host, Fred Bartenstein, a noted bluegrass historian, writer, and broadcaster, will continue his involvement with the Museum in other capacities.

McKnight looks forward to expanding the listener base and worldwide audience for bluegrass. He said, "I am deeply honored to be given the opportunity to bring bluegrass music to the listeners of 'Banks of the Ohio.' I know I have a big job to even begin to fill Fred's shoes and I trust and hope the listeners will continue to enjoy the music we present in the regular time slot. Yes, there will be some differences in the program and I hope we'll all have fun with our favorite music each week."

Museum executive director Gabrielle Gray said, "The trustees and I are grateful to Fred Bartenstein for conceiving 'Banks of the Ohio,' building its huge and worldwide base of devoted listeners, and dedicating six years of painstaking effort to its production. In George McKnight, we know we also have an excellent broadcast spokesperson, who will positively represent the Museum and delight audiences."

For further information: Gabrielle Gray: Executive Director, International Bluegrass Music Museum,(270) 926-7891, gabriellegray@bluegrass-museum.org

George McKnight: Host, Banks of the Ohio, (250) 852-0595, Wgeorgemcknight@telus.netebsite

Traditional Ties, 10/30, Show Highlights

Traditional Ties, will be featuring new releases from the newest Grascal, Kristin Scott Benson and former New Coon Creek Girls member, Pam Gadd

The complete playlist will be posted before the broadcast Sunday at 10:00 pm, on WYEP-FM, 91.3 Pittsburgh PA. Also streaming audio at http://wyep.org/

Now We Know Where Darrell Webb Landed

Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper Anounce Newest Member

Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper are proud to announce the addition of Darrell Webb to the band.

Darrell will be taking on lead vocal and guitar duties with IBMA's 2-time Instrumental Group Of The Year. Raised in a West Virginia home rich with the sounds of hard core traditional bluegrass, Darrell discovered his talents as a musician at the age of 8 with the mandolin, and later picking up the guitar, banjo, and virtually every known bluegrass instrument during the frequent jam sessions hosted by his father.

His professional music career started at 19, when Darrell filled the mandolin position for the Lonesome River Band at the departure of Dan Tyminski who joined Alison Krauss & Union Station. At the age of 21, he joined bluegrass veteran J. D. Crowe. Darrell's music career led him on the path to bluegrass stardom during his most recent accomplishment as guitarist for Rhonda Vincent & the Rage.
Along the way, Darrell's unique voice and musicianship caught the attention of Dolly Parton who invited him to record with her on "Halos and Horns"; where he played mandolin and sang harmony for the entire project. He appeared with Dolly again on her patriotic project titled “For God And Country”.
"I'm very excited about this!" stated Webb. "Me and Michael [Cleveland] have been jamming together for years and we never dreamed we'd be able to play in a band together." Michael Cleveland shares in Darrell's excitement. "We had the opportunity to play together again at a recent event and things just fell into place," stated Cleveland. "He is a great talent and we are thrilled to have him in the band!"Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper, fronted by IBMA's 6-time Fiddle Player Of The Year, also consists of Jesse Brock on mandolin, Marshall Wilborn on bass and Jessie Baker on banjo. Darrell Webb will make his debut with the band on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry on Friday, December 26th.

According to my scorecard, that leaves Todd Rakestraw and Kenny Ingram between bands.

Anybody know where they might end up? Would you like to guess?

Help Your Local Food Bank

At this time of Thanksgiving we should remember those who depend on food banks. Our food banks are facing difficult times, with an ever increasing client list and deceasing donations.

Please consider helping your LOCAL food bank with your time and/or treasure.

This link will lead you to the Feeding America site, formerly Second Harvest. There you can enter your zip code to find the food bank, that serves your community.

The bluegrass community has been active in this cause for years through the work of Martha and Eddie Adcock, You are encouraged to continue helping their efforts, and also your local food bank.

Give till it helps!!

Comments, Comments, Comments

Comments can now be left on this blog without registering!!
You can use a name or ID if you wish, but it is not necessary.
Comments welcome.

Danny Roberts Gets His Loar

Danny Roberts of The Grascals has acquired a Gibson, Loar mandolin. The story is posted on the Bluegrass Journal site. It is long and rambling, but a must read for Loar owners and the rest of us who would like to be.

Photo is from when Danny had lots of Mandolins, pre-Loar.

(Photo by Patty Mitchell)

Band Scramble Continues

Aaron McDaris has signed on as banjo player with Rhonda Vincent. Aaron has recently left the Grascals, before that he was in The Larry Stephenson Band. He has one solo project on Pinecastle called First Time Around, released in 2005.

IBMA Award Winners, Question

A Friend, who follows Bluegrass closely asked me the following question:



John
"I'm curious.I've always thought that Kristen Scott Benson was a solid banjo player, but what happened during the past year for her to be voted Banjo Player of the Year?"



My response, without disrespect to Kristin or any other winner past or present winner follows:



"I have no idea. she had no new release, until now, and playing with Larry Stephenson was a good gig, but not high profile. It seems to me that the diverse IBMA membership seems to "decide" to shake things up from time to time. This seems to be the case with Dale Ann Bradley also.
Both are great talents, but not "out there," at least until they win. The same applies to Phil Leadbetter, I believe.


I think their is an unspoken and maybe unrecognised sense of fairness in the collective membership. How else can you explain Del, Cherryholmes and Rhonda, being shut out?


Remember the voting process.

Round one - A blank ballot, where you who must vote for five per category.

Round two - All candidates who reach a predetermined threshold are listed, again vote for five.

Round three - The top five are nominated. At this point, I believe many vote using two criteria. Who has won enough, and who's turn is it?



Your thoughts on this, or any post are welcome. Please comment.

Rural Rhythm Records, New Catalog

Rural Rhythm, founded in 1955 by Uncle Jim O'Neal was known for a generation for it's great LP issues, Don Reno, Red Smiley, Kentucky Colonels, Clarence White, Mac Martin, Vasser Clements, Bill Harrell, Hylo Brown, J E Mainer, and many others were, and still are, in their catalog.
Remember all those two minute songs, so that 20 selections were on each LP.

For years Rural Rhythm seemed content to reissue various combinations of these artists.

But under the leadership of three generations of the Passamano family Rural Rhythm has again become a leading label presenting today's bluegrass. Recent releases by Jim Van Cleve, Randy Kohrs, Dewight Mccall, Carrie Hassler, Lonesome River Band, Pine Mountain Railroad, and more, have made them a leader in both quality and quantity.

Both Uncle Jim's classics and Rural Rhythm's current material are worth a look.

Coleman Station Bluegrass Festival - Date Change

Our friends at the Coleman Station Bluegrass Festival, are changing the dates of their fine event.
Mid September in the mountains of Somerset County PA. just didn't work, weather wise.

Every promoter works to have a great event, but none works harder than the Custer family and their volunteers.

Highly recommended!!

See the attached e-mail and check out their web site.

Hi everyone,
We hope the change in seasons and early snowfall doesn't already have you feeling the effects of cabin fever cause we've got a lot more winter to go! From it's inception, the Coleman Station Bluegrass Festival has been blessed with wonderful music, enthusiastic crowds, great food, friends and family. Unfortunately, what we have not had... is a good weather weekend. With much consideration, consultation, deliberation and prayer, we have decided to change the date for 2009. It will be the weekend of July 24th & 25th, 2009.As we move forward into 2009 we will update our web site and will distribute flyers and brochures but we need your help.We realize anytime an event changes their date after several years standing, the possibility exists there will be some confusion. We ask for your help in spreading the word. Tell all your friends. Tell your neighbors. Forward this email to everyone you know.It has always been our pleasure to be the promoters of this festival and we will continue to do our best to bring you another 9quality bluegrass festival from high atop the Allegheny mountains in Western Pennsylvania on the weekend of July 24th & 25th, 2009.

"It's not just Grandpa's music anymore!"

Thanks so much,Tim & Brenda & the Custer Family

Coleman Station Bluegrass Festival 1144 Coleman Station Road Friedens, PA 15541-6912
814-444-8509, 814-442-240
www.blue-grass.org/festival

Sirus-XM, Simulcasting Has Begun

Sirius - XM, has started simulcasting, and their is both good and bad news for Bluegrass.
The Bluegrass channel has been designated Bluegrass Junction. (XM 14, Sirius 65)

Good news for XM listeners, they can now hear Chris Jones, and Hand Picked with Del.
Good news for Sirius listeners, they can now hear Kyle Cantrell and Marty Fitzpatrick, as well as in studio specials.

Bad news, for both, Joey Black's name has disappeared, but Wichita Rutherford lives on, and Ned Luberecki has only two weekend spots.

Bad news for Sirius listeners, less hours of hosted programing.

Here is a link to current programing, -http://www.xmradio.com/onxm/channelguide.xmc?ch=14

Traditional ties, Playlist, 11/16/08

Contact info for adds:

Alan Munde Gazette - http://alanmundegazette.com Jett's Creek - http://jetts-creek.com/

Buncombe Turnpike - http://buncombeturnpike.homestead.com

Alan Munde GazetteWave GoodbyeMade to Last / Munde's Child2008-11-1622:02
Jett's CreekTwo ShipsSupposed to Be / Self2008-11-1622:07
Buncombe TurnpikePicker's ParadisePicker's Paradise / Self2008-11-1622:12
Gibson BrothersPicker's BluesIron and Diamonds / Sugar Hill2008-11-1622:16

Dailey and VincentTake Me BackDailey and Vincent / Rounder2008-11-1622:19
Sawmill RoadLets Be Sweethearts AgainOne / Self2008-11-1622:22
Blue ShadesChasing DreamsChasing Dreams / Self2008-11-1622:25
Alan Munde GazetteTraditional Family BreakdownMade to Last / Munde's Child2008-11-1622:30

Jett's CreekThe PrayerSupposed to Be / Self2008-11-1622:33
Michael ClevelandSunday Morning ChristianLeavin' Town / Rounder2008-11-1622:36
Carolina RoadYou Gotta BelieveWhy Don't You Give Jesus a Try / Blue Circle2008-11-1622:39
Doyle LawsonHelp Is on the WayHelp Is on the Way / Horizon2008-11-1622:42

Sons of NavaroneTalk About SufferingAt Last / Self2008-11-1622:46
Aldridge – JusticeWayfaring Strangeri'll Be With You / Pinecastle2008-11-1622:49
Balsam RangeCryin' Holy to the LordMarching Home / Mountain Home2008-11-1622:53
The ChurchmenI'm Not AloneI'll Be Long Gone / Pinecastle2008-11-1622:56

Alan Munde GazetteAbove the WaterlineMade to Last / Munde's Child2008-11-1623:02
Alan Munde GazetteJohn HardyMade to Last / Munde's Child2008-11-1623:06
Alan Munde GazetteThe Run of '89Made to Last / Munde's Child2008-11-1623:10
Alan Munde GazettePenthouse to the PoorhouseMade to Last / Munde's Child2008-11-1623:14

Jett's CreekYou Don't Know My MindSupposed to Be / Self2008-11-1623:18
Buncome TurnpikeThe Man at the RiverPicker's Paradise / Self2008-11-1623:21
Infamous StringdustersWon't Be Coming BackInfamous Stringdusters / Sugar Hil2008-11-1623:25
Robin & Linda WilliamsTied Down, Home FreeBuena Vista / Red House2008-11-1623:28

Buncome TurnpikeWhat Tomorrow HoldsPicker's Paradise / Self2008-11-1623:32
Jett's CreekYour Haunting GoodbyeSupposed to Be / Self2008-11-1623:37
Ralph StanleyLittle BirdieOld Time Pickin' / Rebel2008-11-1623:39
Daughters of BluegrassLeaving Here for NashvilleBluegrass Boquet / Blue Circle2008-11-1623:41

Big Country BluegrassHigh AllegheniesOpen for Business / Mountain Roads2008-11-1623:47
Beth StevensClose ByStrong Enough / Pinecastle2008-11-1623:50
Rickey WassonLosin' in Las VegasFrom the Heart and Soul / Rural Rhythm2008-11-1623:53
Danny PaisleyI'm Leavin' DetroitThe room Over Mine / Rounder2008-11-1623:55

Alan Munde GazetteBrown County BreakdownMade to Last / Munde's Child2008-11-1623:57

JOHN TROUT, WYEP FM, PITTSBURGH, PA. 'TRADITIONAL TIES'- NEW RELEASE BLUEGRASS WITH FEATURES AND INTERVIEWS. 91.3 WYEP,

http://www.wyep.org 10:00 PM Eastern Time (U.S.) Sundays. Streaming Audio

1608 JEFFERSON ST, LATROBE PA, 15650 -2940

Link to Traditional Ties web pages: http://wyep.org/traditionalties

Traditional Ties, 11/16, Highlights

Traditional Ties next Sunday, will introduce new releases from
Alan Munde Gazette, Jett's Creek and Buncombe Turnpike.

Sunday 10:00 PM - 91.3 FM, Pittsburgh PA
http://wyep.org/ streaming all over the worad.

Complete playlist will be posted later, before show airs.

Veteran's Day

Thanks to all our Veteran's for their sacrifice and service.

Rick Allred Back With Larry Stephenson Band

Larry Stephenson has announced that Rick Allred is returning as banjo player with The Larry Stephenson Band.

Rick was Larry's first banjo player nearly 20 years ago.

Rick has been a member of Summer Wages and The Country Gentlemen.

Bluegrass Trivia - Rick had other obligations and did not play the very first Larry Stephenson Band show. Who was Larry's guest banjoist for that first show?

Please enter your guess in the comments area.

Silly Season, Part 2

I just realized that I did not include Dale Perry's move to Pine Mountain Railroad in my last post.

So you can see my list was incomplete, your comments are encouraged, please add any other changes that I am not currently listing in your comments.

Bluegrass Silly Season Has Begun

Much as in NASCAR, when drivers and crew chiefs and other key personnel jump ship and change teams at the end of the season, Bluegrass Silly Season has begun.

We have reported that Kristin Scott Benson, is replacing Aaron McDaris in the Grascals, no word on what Aaron will be doing.

Rick Hayes is leaving The Gibson Brothers, to devote more time to building his Hayes Mandolins. Joe Walsh, a recent graduate of the Berklee School of Music will replace Rick.

Now we learn that Kenny Ingram, and Darrell Webb are leaving Rhonda Vincent at year's end. Just to confuse you more, Kenny, pictured with guitar, was Rhonda's banjo player, and Darrell, with mandolin was guitarist with the Rage.

Look for at least on new band out of this move.

Kristin Scott Benson Joins The Grascals

It has just been announced that Kristin Scott Benson, banjo player of the year, has joined the Grascals. She most recently had been with The Larry Stephenson Band, for the second time.

Information below from Kristin's My Space page.

After high school, she relocated to Nashville to attend Belmont University, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing and graduated summa cum laude. While a sophomore in college, she joined the Larry Stephenson Band and spent five years with the group, recording 3 albums. During her tenure, the band was featured on the cover of Bluegrass Unlimited and made numerous appearances on the Grand Ole Opry and The Nashville Network. In 2000, she left to explore other musical avenues, but returned to the band in 2006. She can also be heard regularly with Larry Cordle and Lonesome Standard Time.

Kristin has a brand new CD, released on Pinecastle Records, called Second Season. With eight instrumentals (four of them originals) and four vocal performances, the album features her powerful banjo playing, while still appealing to fans that aren't motivated solely by instrumental prowess. The project is highly anticipated and features many of today's top bluegrass musicians, including, Wayne Benson, Cody Kilby, Jim VanCleve, Mickey Harris, Sally Jones, Larry Cordle, Josh Williams, Larry Stephenson, David Grier, Andy Todd, and Shad Cobb.
Kristin

IBMA Awards Broadcast, 11/09

At long last WYEP and "Traditional Ties" will broadcast the

2008 IBMA Awards Show. You may know the winners, but if

you haven't heard the music yet, this may be your last chance.



Sunday 11/09 at 10:00pm, eastern time, USA, In the Pittsburgh PA area 91.3 FM.

http://wyep.org/, streaming audio all over the world.



The time remaining at the conclusion the of awards will be used to salute our veterans.

No playlist will be published for 11/09.