The opinions expressed are solely mine and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the KVMR MD, PD, PC, staff, management, underwriters, Board of Directors, hangers-on or passers-by.

Your Reviewers:
Dennis = Dennis Brunnenmeyer
DJ = Don Jacobson

Folk 'N Review is not published with any KVMR funds. Constructive criticism, contrary opinions, humor and suggestions welcome for publication.

You can have Folk 'N Review delivered every once in a while to your KVMR mail box or e-mail box. Leave a message in my KVMR mail box or send an e-mail to me at: donj@infostations.net.

Take 5% Nickel Creek, 10% New Grass Revival and 35% Waybacks and you begin to get an idea of what The Yonder Mountain String Band is like. The rest is 100% original, including the songs. If you like to stray far away from traditional Bluegrass, you’ll love this CD. Frankly, I can’t listen to some of the more frenetic songs on this CD for any great length of time without a substantial increase in blood pressure. I may be in the minority, [I'm with you! - DJ] however, as this group is proving to be very popular on college, festival and coffee shop stages around the country.
Dennis Brunnenmeyer 03/04/2002

Mighty fine, mighty fine! This is one of the best-produced live recordings that I’ve ever heard. I usually frown on and avoid CDs produced in situ because they usually sound so bad and the applause often doesn’t make for a good presentation on the radio. This CD is different, mainly because it made me feel like I was right there in the center of the front row. It’s pretty darn good bluegrass all the way around, too. Even the sometimes self-centered and occasionally overbearing "Dr. Ralph" comes across as pretty likeable in this environment.
Dennis Brunnenmeyer 03/12/2002

The music on this CD is from The Country Gentlemen’s early years (1973 and 1974) before John Duffy joined the band. Charlie Waller, one of the best lead vocalists ever to stand behind a bluegrass band microphone, and Doyle Lawson, with an equally impressive voice, provide most of the vocals on the two recordings represented in this release. This CD is a historically significant masterpiece and a must-play addition to KVMR’s music library.
Dennis Brunnenmeyer 02/15/2002

A brand new release from Sugar Hill, the tapes for this CD were lost for several years. Nick Forster had asked to have these live recordings made secretly in 1996, without the knowledge of the rest of the band. He wanted to make sure the performances were spontaneous and not contrived just for the recordings. The tapes were recorded during a couple of Hot Rize performances at the Boulder Theater in Boulder, Colorado. After Charles Sawtelle died, Nick looked and looked for the unedited footage at Charles’ home, only later to find that they were in his own closet. It’s a great set of recordings, with Tim O’Brien and the rest of the band at their very best! Sugar Hill SUG-CD-3943.
Dennis Brunnenmeyer 02/20/2002

Longview is a well-established group comprising some of the best voices in bluegrass music. This excellent release is a good example of the best in contemporary bluegrass music. All tracks are more than just worthy of air play--they're excellent..
Dennis Brunnenmeyer 02/15/2002

Although relatively unknown nationwide, Josh Williams, at a mere 21 years of age, is bound to become one of the top bluegrass stars of tomorrow. Perhaps he’s already there, as this fine recording of traditional style bluegrass is one of my very favorites. An accomplished instrumentalist, Josh breaks new ground by proving that he can sing as well as he can play, and that’s saying a lot. As a testimony to his skill and reputation, the all-star cast of musicians on this recording includes such notables as JD Crowe, Aubrey Haynie, Jim Hurst, David Parmley, Missy Raines, Don Rigsby, Sammy Shelor, Ron Stewart and Chris Thile. This CD may be hard to find in your local shop, but it’s worth the effort to look for it. Pinecastle PRC-CD-1115.
Dennis Brunnenmeyer 02/21/2002

This concert performance was recorded for the Library of Congress in December of 1940. It hasn't lost a bit of its vitality over the 60 plus years that have intervened. Some of the tracts are the Golden Gate Quartet, some are Josh White and some are the Quartet with Josh White. Divided in three parts: "Negro Spirituals," Blues & Ballads," and "Reels and Work Songs," the songs are introduced with poetry and prose by Alan Lomax, Alain Locke and Stirling Brown. The Quartet and Josh White are at the peak of their skills and the program was well chosen. This album is both history and a great listen. Tracks 1, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23.
DJ 02/01/2002

The only problem with this CD is that it will not get enough airplay in the UsofA, being self produced! Very fine instrumentals, both traditional and composed by McCann. Four additional musicians provide a solid context for McCann's virtuoso accordion (and occasional flute) playing. Tracks: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9.
DJ

The second CD by Curtiss & Loretta is comprised of traditional material from England and Ireland. They definitely have their way with the material, giving it a unique edge while maintaining the traditional feeling. Tracks: 1, 3, 4, 6, 9, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16.
DJ

McGann is one of the very best Canadian singer/songwriters. She has a fantastic voice and writes excellent songs in a traditional style but with contemporary themes. This CD is mostly her own compositions with a couple of traditional songs and one song by Aileen Vance included. Tracks: 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11.
DJ

The songs are mostly topical and the instrumentals are traditional. WARNING: Tracks 2 and 5 contain "Bullshit" and "Shit" respectively!!! It's too bad because they are otherwise worth playing. "Monogamy" is my favorite track. Tracks: 1, 3, 4, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14.
DJ

From the CD jacket : "Blending the sounds of old time stringband music, early bluegrass and country blues into an irresistible groove." Not a bad description. The instrumentals stand out but "Pretty Polly" and "Boll Weevil" are a couple of vocals are airplay quality. Tracks: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17.
DJ

The Best... is a concept album about growing old, or as the jacket puts it "...the inevitable coming of age." Watroba (also a folk dj from Detroit) sings covers of material by Guy Clark Phil Ochs, Pete Seeger, Linda Allen and Steve Gillette. Included are some old favorites as well as lesser known songs. Several songs would work as a set or as stand alones. Tracks: 2, 3, 4, 7, 9, 10, 13.
DJ

One Land One Heart is a concept album of songs for and about the environment whose proceeds benefit conserving wilderness. Participants range from Paul Winter to John McCutcheon, Dakota Sid, Magpie and Lou & Peter Berryman. Walkin' Jim Stoltz who produced the album also has a contribution. Lot's of good material. Tracks: 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14.
DJ

Eye of the Hunter is the second in a series of concept CDs of songs for and about the environment whose proceeds benefit conserving wilderness. The focus of this album is on predators. More great artists contribute to this effort: Country Joe MacDonald, Jez Lowe, Larry Long, Dakota Sid and Walkin' Jim Stoltz. Track 15 has a "hidden" track from 7:05 to 9:17, elapsed time. Very worthwhile. Tracks: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15.
DJ

Kaufman is a three time National Flatpicking Guitar Champion, has given numerous guitar workshops and published instructional materials. All of his albums are worthy efforts and this one is no exception. He adds some excellent back up on several tracks. Tracks: 1, 2, 5, 7, 10, 13, 16.
DJ

Great pickers and great performances are on this CD. How did I miss Vol. 1? Besides Steve Kaufman, you will find Norman Blake, John Reischman, Mike Compton, Robin Bullock and Russ Barenburg represented. Tracks: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 14.
DJ

This CD is a nice blend of covers and songs written by Twohy. I am glad to see that the Si Kahn song "Luray Woman" is included. His songs don't get enough exposure and Twohy does a fine version. She also does an excellent rendition of the traditional "Anachie Gordon." I am already looking forward to a follow up album. Tracks: 2, 3, 5, 6, 10.
DJ

Peter, who plays guitar, is the brother of David (Johnson Mtn. Boys) and former member of Laurie Lewis's band. Laurie produced this effort as well as playing fiddle and helping with vocals. Besides Laurie, brother David, Tom Rozum, Tony Trischka, Darol Anger, Mike Marshall, Tom Adams and Todd Phillips provide the band in various combinations! What more needs to be said? Well, the selections vary from bluegrass to folk. Tracks: 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 11, 13.
DJ

Contemporary folk with hints of the tradition showing through. "Cedar Island Ferry" is humorous. Tracks: 1, 5, 7, 8, 11, 14.
DJ

Airs... is a collection of serious songs written by humorist Les Barker. The quality of his work is matched by the quality of the artists who perform on this CD: June Tabor, Eileen McGann, Steve Gillette, Cindy Mangsen and Artisan. The songs are a bit moody but fine for airplay. Tracks: 2, 4, 6, 9, 10, 12, 14.
DJ

Mostly mellow solo guitar. Tracks: 4, 7, 10.
DJ

Old time instrumental string band music, well played. Tracks: 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 15.
DJ

Folk 'N Review is not published with any KVMR funds. Constructive criticism, contrary opinions, humor and suggestions welcome for publication.

You can have Folk 'N Review delivered every once in a while to your KVMR mail box or e-mail box. Leave a message in my KVMR mail box or send an e-mail to me at: donj@infostations.net.