Top Albums of 2008

From Liz Meyer:

THE TOP ALBUMS OF 2008:

2008 was a banner year for bluegrass, marking the introduction of European bluegrass to the professional music world via a terrific double CD from Strictly Country Records called 10 YEARS OF EUROPEAN WORLD OF BLUEGRASS.

We're pleased to announce that 10 YEARS OF EWOB made the Top 10 Albums of 2008 on the Folk Radio Chart, representing radio airplay on Folk & Bluegrass radio shows. (The chart is international but is concentrated mostly in the USA and Canada.)

These DJs, who select from a wide range of folk and bluegrass albums, recognize not only the historical and cultural significance of this release, but also report being surprised and delighted by the high level of musicianship and the quality of the recordings. In fact, 10 YEARS OF EWOB is the ONLY bluegrass album to make the Top 10! Here is a link to a list of over 100 Top Albums of 2008. You'll find many of your favorite artists there.If you've missed 10 YEARS OF EWOB, the double CD features 33 of Europe's finest bluegrass groups, with the #1 European Bluegrass Bands, alongside 15 special guest artists from the USA and Canada.

Most people are discovering European bluegrass for the first time, and never imagined that the seeds of this music had taken root so powerfully in countries from Finland to Italy to the Czech and Slovak Republics. For the armchair traveler, it's a fascinating 2-hour musical journey.
To listen to audio clips from all 48 tracks, please visit our brand new EWOB Festival website.

Enter the Deering Banjo Contest

The Deering Banjo Company is giving away one of its Calico model banjo, value $4,500.

Discription: 5-String - also available in tenor, plectrum, or left handed models

The crisp, bright tones and delicate beauty of the Calico bring out the real fun of playing a banjo. It has a beautiful honey stained curly maple neck and resonator with purfling and ivoroid binding. Mother-of-pearl scroll inlays adorn the ebony fingerboard. The neck has a two-way adjustable truss-rod, as do all Deering banjos. Bound in white, the peghead has an elegantly finished look. The slender neck shape is fast and easy to play.
The power, brilliance, and clarity of tone come from our three-ply maple rim, zinc flange, and the Deering -06- 20 Hole Bronze Tone Ring and , combined with a figured Eastern hard rock maple neck and resonator. All Deering 5-string banjos are fitted with a geared fifth string tuner for smooth, easy, and precise tuning.
The inside walls of the resonator are tapered to maximize the sound and give you the instant response and clear tone of a Calico banjo.

Entry deadline, February 9, 4:00 pm PST.

You can find the contest rules here, and the on line entry form is here.

Good luck!!

Northwest Territory, With Guest, Lee Olson

Bluegrass at the Wayne Center, Wooster Ohio

Since 1989, NORTHWEST TERRITORY has been entertaining audiences with its own unique style and enthusiasm. Bluegrass, gospel, country, fiddle tunes, breakdowns and original compositions are all part of the band's repertoire. Family humor and fast-paced stage presence make Northwest Territory a favorite wherever they perform.

Concert information:
DATE: Friday, February 20, 2009
TIME: 7:30 PM - - - Doors open at 7:00
TICKETS: $9.00 General Admission - - - $7.00 for Wayne Center members.
Seating is limited to 200 people
CALL: 330-264-2787 ext 201 - - - Visa & MasterCard accepted.

Special guest Lee Olsen:
Bluegrass mandolin player Lee Olsen began his musical career in 1974 by forming the bluegrass band Whetstone Run while attending Penn State. His influences include Buck White, Ricky Skaggs, David Grisman and Jethro Burns.
His mandolin playing is stylistic and unique. You'll hear bits and pieces of some of the great masters of the instrument within a sound that is full of originality.

Lee Olsen has had a major influence on today's Bluegrass. Former Whetstone Run members in addition to Mike Gorrell of Northwest Territory, include Lynn Morris, Marshall Wilborn, and Chris Jones to name a few.

Allegheny Drifters, "Can't Wait" CD Revirw

Congratulations to The Allegheny Drifters, for their "Can't Wait" CD review, in the February Bluegrass Unlimited. Check the print edition, the review is not on line. Very good review and well deserved.

Traditional Ties, 02/01, Playlist

Contact info for new adds:

Big Country Bluegrass - http://www.bigcountrybluegrass.com/ - http://www.mountainroadsrecordings.com/

Elkville String Band - http://www.elkvillestringband.net/ - http://www.mountainroadsrecordings.com/

Big Country Bluegrass / High Alleghenies / Open for Business / Mountain Roads2009-02-0122:02
Elkville String Band / There's A Star Spangled... / Over the Mountain / Mountain Roads2009-02-0122:05
Alan Munde Gazette / Wave Goodbye / Made to Last / Munde's Child2009-02-0122:07
Rhonda Vincent / Heart Wrenching Love Sick Memories / Destination Life / Rounder2009-02-0122:13
Lost and Found / That's What Country Folks Do / Love Lost and Found / Rebel2009-02-0122:16Rogers & Johnson / Heading South /When the Bands Played / New Time2009-02-0122:20
David Parmley / Anniversary of the Blues / 3 Silver Dollars / Pinecastle2009-02-0122:24
Big Country Bluegrass / Back Stop / Open for Business / Mountain Roads2009-02-0122:28
Big Country Bluegrass /Old Time Preacher ManOpen for Business / Mountain Roads2009-02-0122:32
Nothin' FancyLean On MeLord Bless This House / Pinecastle2009-02-0122:35
Donna Ulisse / The Key / Walk This Mountain Down / Hadley2009-02-0122:37
Lake Side /I Can't Help Smiling /From Our Heart / Self2009-02-0122:41
Elkville String Band / Shall We Gather... / Over the Mountain / Mountain Roads2009-02-0122:45
The Churchmen / I'll Be Long Gone / I'll Be Long Gone / Pinecastle2009-02-0122:48
Aldridge-Justice / I'll Go With You / I'll Go With You / Pinecastle2009-02-0122:51
Paul Williams / Sinner Don't Walk / Sinner Don't Walk / Rebel2009-02-0122:54
Big Country Bluegrass / All That's Left /Open for Business / Mountain Roads2009-02-0123:02
Big Country Bluegrass / Nashville Jail / Open for Business / Mountain Roads2009-02-0123:06
Big Country Bluegrass / Ghost of a Love / Open for Business / Mountain Roads2009-02-0123:10
Big Country Bluegrass / I Guess I'll Go on Dreaming / Open for Business / Mountain Roads2009-02-0122:15
Elkville String Band / ...Wreck at Altoona / Over the Mountain / Mountain Roads2009-02-0123:19
Jeanette Williams / Break the Chain / Thank You for Caring / Blue Circle2009-02-0123:22
Balsam Range / Last Train to Kitty Hawk / Last Train... / Mountain Home2009-02-0123:25
Blue Moon Rising / Angeline / One Lonely Shadow / Lonesome Day2009-02-0123:29
Special Consensus / Gone to Carolina / Signs / Pinecastle2009-02-0123:34
Audie Blaylock / Whispering Waters / Audie Blaylock & Red Line / Rural Rhythm2009-02-0123:32
Mickey Harris / Dog House Blues / Dog House Blues / Self2009-02-0123:40
Lonesome River Band / Like a Train Needs a Track / No Turning Back / Rural Rhythm2009-02-0123:43
Elkville String Band / Cindy / Over the Mountain / Mountain Roads2009-02-0123:47
Wayne Taylor / Bury Me in Dixie / (Upcoming)2009-02-0123:49
The Gibson Brothers / Angry Man / iron and Diamonds / Sugar Hill2009-02-0123:53
Big Country Bluegrass / Banjo Riff / Open for Business / Mountain Roads2009-02-0123:57

Traditional Ties, Sundays 10:00pm, 91.3 FM, Pittsburgh, PA, Streaming, http://wyep.org/

Memorial and Musical Celabration for Butsh Baldassari

From Sinclair, (Butch's wife)

Dear Friends and Family,

We have finally made the plans for Butch's service and celebration. The service will be at Blakemore United Methodist Church (3601 West End Avenue in Nashville) at 11:00 am on Saturday, January 31st. There will be a simple reception afterwards in the church fellowship hall where you can meet other friends and family.

The following day, there will be a musical celebration at The Station Inn (402 12th Avenue South) beginning at 12 noon or 1:00 pm(sorry we haven't nailed that down yet).The Holiday Inn (2613 West End) is offering a bereavement price of $98 per night. It is about a mile from the church and less than 5 miles from The Station Inn. If you want that price, you need to ask for it when you make your reservation (1-800-465-4329). If they ask, it's the Baldassari service at Blakemore.

Memorial contributions are being accepted by:

Blair School of Music 2400 Blakemore AvenueNashville, TN 37212

Blakemore United Methodist Church3601 West End AvenueNashville, TN 37205

Gilda's Club of Nashville1707 Division StreetNashville, TN 37203

An educational fund has been established for Blake at:Morgan Stanleyc/o Jason Pharris2525 West End AvenueNashville, TN 37203

I look forward to seeing you very much.

With lots of love,

Sinclair
_____

Blue Highway Celebrates 15 Years

"A Message from Blue Highway"

A big thanks for 15 years posted by Rob,

It's almost impossible to believe: Blue Highway is celebrating our 15th year together. Remarkably, we're at this milestone with all of the original musicians who first performed as "Blue Highway" on Dec. 31, 1994.

On behalf of everyone in the band, I'd like to send out a huge "thanks" to everyone who has joined us in some way during our 15-year journey. If you've come out to our performances, bought our music, participated in a workshop, or hosted us in your town, you're part of the reason we've had the privilege of a 15-year run, and we hope you'll join us in celebrating!
~ got a cool photo of Blue Highway? Enter it in our photo contest! We'll be launching the contest Feb. 1, contest information can be found here.

Send us an anniversary message; we'll enter your name into a monthly drawing for a free "goodie" from our Music/Store page: a CD, a t-shirt or a cap. And we'll share your messages on our anniversary page.

Traditional Ties, 02/01, Highlights

Hopefully WYEP listeners will be celabrating a Super Bowl Victory this Sunday. I hope you will include Traditional Ties as your Soundtrack.

New adds this week are from Big Country Bluegrass and The Elkville String Band, multiple new singles will also be introduced. Lots of new music through out the program.

WYEP 91.3 FM Pittsburgh PA, streaming audio click here, Sundays 10:00pm EST.

Rural Rhythm Signs Third Tyme Out

Rural Rhythm Records is extremely pleased to announce they have signed multi-awarding winning bluegrass band, Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out to the label and will release the group's new album later this year. "We are all thrilled to be a part of this new chapter for Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out. We look forward to a long and prosperous relationship together and can't wait to share their powerful Rural Rhythm debut album with everyone. Their tremendous accomplishments, combined with their major achievements, awards, and of course their incredible list of hit albums over the years, clearly defines their major artist status in the music business," said Sam Passamano, President of the label.

The upcoming new album will be the group's 15th career album and the first since their 2004 hit CD, "The Best Durn Ride." Russell Moore, founding member, lead vocalist and guitarist with the band said, "We are very excited about our new relationship with Sam Passamano and all the folks at Rural Rhythm Records and are looking forward to working with them on this new studio release! We all feel like this will be a groundbreaking recording for Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out and we are anxious to get it into everyone's hands as soon as possible!"

Joining Moore is Steve Dilling (vocals, banjo), Justen Haynes (vocals, fiddle), Wayne Benson (vocals, mandolin) and Edgar Loudermilk (vocals, bass). This immensely popular band has won over 50 industry awards since the band's conception in 1991 including: 7 consecutive wins as the IBMA Vocal Group of the Year; 5-time award winner of the SPBGMA Vocal Group of the Year; and Russell Moore as a 2-time award winner for the IBMA Male Vocalist of the Year, plus a 6-time winner of the SPBGMA Male Vocalist of the Year.Often referred to as one of the top bluegrass bands in the world, Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out have deservingly won the respect of their fans and peers, not only for their incredible rich harmony and instrumentation, but their outstanding a cappella performances. This is clearly evidenced by their numerous performances on the Grand Ole Opry, appearances on the GAC and RFD television networks, and their heavy tour schedule year after year.

More and Better Ice Jam Photos

More and better January Ice Jam photos are now posted in the Ice Jam web site. They were taken by Jeff Phister and are excellent quality, I think he paid more for his camera than I did ($49.99).

When you enter the site click the photo tab, but don't stop with the page displayed. Click the 2009 photos link for a slide shoe of all 318 pictures.

Pinecastle to Release Second Grasstowne CD

Grasstowne Finishing New Album:

Grasstowne is putting the final touches on the follow-up to the critically acclaimed The Road Headin' Home album. The disc will be titled The Other Side Of Towne and will be released this summer. A first taste of the new album will be a single to be released to radio in late March,

WSM Goes "Back to the Barn"

Back To The Barn to debut February 20, on WSM-AM and on line.

Back To The Barn is a weekly, two-hour radio show and video webcast that revives the historic legacy of live musical production on the legendary WSM-AM. Broadcast on Friday nights from 10:00 to 12:30am, Back To The Barn showcases Nashville's astonishing music scene, from country and Americana to more progressive interpreters of tradition -- a "roots and branches" format that brings together fans of different tastes and generations. Presented live from the stage of the Wildhorse Saloon and broadcast worldwide, Back To The Barn is old school entertainment for the digital age.

Music fans worldwide know WSM-AM as the greatest broadcaster in the history of country music, and Back To The Barn embraces and builds on that foundation. WSM is country music to a global audience, not just as the keeper of the traditional flame, but as a trusted tastemaker that looks to the future of country music in all its forms and sub-genres: bluegrass, folk, alternative, western, rockabilly and crossovers into rock, jazz and world music. There has never been a time of greater variety, abundance and quality in Nashville's creative community, and Back To The Barn puts that talent on a worldwide stage.

Each broadcast will feature 6-8 artists in 15-30 minute segments, hosted by WSM on-air personalities Bill Cody, Keith Bilbrey, Mike Terry, and Eddie Stubbs. Other guests hosts will participate as well. Back To The Barn will be filmed and streamed over wsmonline.com. WSM is pursuing a global initiative to partner with international country radio stations all over the world to bring Back To The Barn to their loyal listeners.

Calliope Music Classes

Calliope, The Pittsburgh Folk Music Society, is once again offering classes in various styles of music and dance. Bluegrass is a big part of their offerings. Check offerings below.

The Calliope School of Folk Music, located at Chatham University, teaches heritage-based music through classes and workshops. Take time to re-discover your creative side; pick up your favorite instrument, sing, or dance. Our informal and relaxing classes are made to fit your busy schedule.
1.5 hr classes meet for 8 weeks
Average class size 5-8
Classes at Chatham University. Free parking
Classes are rated by levels. Determine your level
Discount for members
View our current offerings!

Read an interview with our featured teacher of the month!

THREE ways to register:

1. NEW!! Register on-line with Visa or Mastercard.
2. Mail a check made to “Calliope” with your registration form to:Calliope 6300 Fifth Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15232
3. Call the Calliope office with your Visa or Mastercard412-361-1915

Dailey and Vincent on Prairie Home Companion

NASHVILLE, TENN. (January 22, 2009)-- Rounder Records duo Dailey & Vincent will be guests on A Prairie Home Companion on Saturday, February 7, at the show's home theater, The Fitzgerald, in St. Paul, Minnesota, at 5 p.m. CST. The beloved show is heard by more than 4 million listeners each week on some 580 public radio stations, and abroad on America One and the Armed Forces Networks in Europe and the Far East.

(Prairie Home Companion is heard on in the Pittsburgh area on WQED FM 89.3 Saturday at 6:00pm eastern time.)

"When we sat down to talk about our goals for the first couple years of our career, we put A Prairie Home Companion on that list," says Jamie Dailey. "It was a lofty goal, but I've done the show with Doyle Lawson, Darrin's been there with Ricky Skaggs, and we both had a wonderful time. For us to be invited as Dailey & Vincent is quite an honor, and we're very excited."

In addition to being named Entertainer of the Year at the International Bluegrass Music Awards in October, Dailey & Vincent took home honors for Vocal Group of the Year, Album of the Year (for their self-titled Rounder release), Gospel Recorded Performance of the Year (for "By the Mark"), Emerging Artist of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year (Dailey) and Recorded Event of the Year, for Vincent's participation in the Everett Lilly & Everybody and Their Brother project. No other artist has ever won Emerging Artist and Entertainer in the same year, a feat all the more incredible because the duo released their debut album only 12 months ago. They are also nominated for nine SPBGMA Bluegrass Awards at the upcoming ceremony on February 15.

Dailey & Vincent will release their second Rounder album, Brothers From Different Mothers, on March 31, 2009. Their self-titled debut album entered Billboard's Top Bluegrass Albums chart at #2, where it reached #1 in June and has been in the top 5 for 38 weeks. The album was #9 on Billboard's Year-End Top Bluegrass Albums chart, and Dailey & Vincent were #7 on Billboard's year-end Top Bluegrass Artists chart.

Dailey & Vincent was also #1 for 3 months--June, July and August--on the Bluegrass Unlimited National Bluegrass Survey album chart, yielded the #1 singles "By the Mark," "Sweet Carrie" and "More Than a Name on a Wall," and was included on several year-end "best of 2008" album listings. In the Nashville Scene 2008 Country Music Critics Poll, Dailey & Vincent placed #9 on the list of top-10 Duos and Groups.

A Prairie Home Companion is produced by Prairie Home Productions, and distributed nationwide by American Public Media. The program is underwritten by General Mills and Ford.