With Halloween coming, thought it would be fun to share this old piece I put together a few years back for Honest Tune Magazine.  I asked a bunch of different bands and musicians including Umphrey' McGee, Lotus, Bombadil, The Bridge, moe., and many others to share their thoughts about Halloween. 

Nothing wrong with loving Neil Diamond

Came across this old review I wrote for Jambase.com years ago on Neil Diamond's Home Before Dark album. Let's preface this by saying Neil Diamond rocks and we all need some (more) Neil in our life.

So take a few minutes and enjoy reading through.  Then go put on your copy of Hot August Nights and see how much better your day gets!

Neil Diamond: Home Before Dark

JORMA KAUKONEN: A LEGEND IN NO HURRY

A few years back I was lucky enough to be able to chat with Jorma Kaukonen about his new album, Ain't In No Hurry.  His fifty-year career as one of the brightest, most inventive guitarists of his generation has branded him a legend.  From his earliest beginnings playing acoustic-blues, to his ground-breaking time with Jefferson Airplane, to his highly-influential work with Hot Tuna, Kaukonen is quite simply one of the most important guitarists of all-time. His latest album enlarges that legacy and subtly references back to his earliest roots as a musician.

During the course of our conversation Kaukonen, who is originally from Washington D.C. also took time to talk about the influence of the Baltimore bluegrass scene of the 1950s which he looked up to, and was the subject of my first book which I was writing at the time.

Check out the full interview below:

JORMA KAUKONEN: A LEGEND IN NO HURRY

New album from David Benedict - The Golden Angle

Due to be released October 26, by mandolinist David Benedict from Mile Twelve, is a new solo album of all original bluegrass instrumentals titled, The Golden Angle.

The Golden Angle is produced by Grammy-Nominated mandolinist Matt Flinner, and presents an original body of instrumental string band music. The album, recorded four years after Benedict's last solo release Into the True Country, displays a new level of musical maturity and individuality. With an emphasis on virtuoso instrumental interplay and memorable melodies, the record weaves a complex yet compelling soundscape, featuring collaborations with a host of celebrated and award-winning bluegrass musicians including David Grier (guitar), Mike Barnett (fiddle), Missy Raines (bass), Ross Martin (guitar), Stuart Duncan (fiddle), and Wes Corbett (banjo).

Listen to "Leaf by Niggle" from The Golden Angle:  "Leaf by Niggle"

For more information visit: https://www.davidbenedictmusic.com/

Charm City Bluegrass Documentary

I was recently asked to be part of a new documentary on the bluegrass scene in Baltimore.  It is an amazing look at Baltimore and its long distinguished history of bluegrass.

The filmmakers (Caplan & Green Productions)recently had this to say about my participation in the project.  I was humbled to be asked to be part of it, and even more humbled by their words.

Throwback to filming with the one and only Tim Newby, author of "Bluegrass In Baltimore: The Hard Drivin' Sound & It's Legacy." Working with @marcshapiromedia and @charmcitybluegrass to put together an amazing documentary afforded the opportunity to interview some amazingly talented artists and personalities, but Tim may have been one of the most interesting guys to put in front of the camera to date. He is well articulated, has an incredible ear for music, and understands the history of the Bluegrass music genre better than anyone. His knowledge is incredibly well-researched, and his delivery is charming. 

If you have not seen the documentary yet, do yourself a favor and watch it now.