Music To Inspire You
Musical inspiration, where does it come from? A concert, a jam session, a song on the radio or a TV broadcast, or a new CD! The easiest way to inspire ourselves is to pick up a CD with exciting new music performed by old/new favorite artists. Here is a short list of artists who have some new CDs to inspire you!
1. Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers “Rare Bird Alert”
If you loved “The Crow” then you will be head over heels in love with Steve’s newest CD “Rare Bird Alert.” Steve is the consummate entertainer weaving wonderfully crafted lyrics with lively composed melodies played in Clawhammer and traditional bluegrass. His touching tribute to his friend, Nancy, in the tune “The Great Remember” illustrates the full depth of his talent. Read the liner notes…they round out the masterfully crafted performances by Steve & the Steep Canyon Rangers and give us a glimpse into the mind of this artist who has renewed his love affair with the banjo which benefits all of us who hear him.
2. Carolina Chocolate Drops: Genuine Negro Jig
This Grammy-award winning CD has introduced me to the historical richness of American Stringband music. With banjo, fiddle, guitar, and unique use of bones, tambourine, frame drum set, and jug, these accomplished musicians take us on a beautifully performed historical journey into our early American roots. Rhianon Giddens is a classically trained singer whose fluid interpretation of “Reynadine” sung acapella will leave you wanting to hear more and more. She plays banjo and fiddle; Dom Flemons and Justin Robinson are also multi-instrumentalists and finish up this trio of dedicated musicians known as the Carolina Chocolate Drops.
3. The Kruger Brothers: One of the best imports to come to America from Europe is the Kruger Brothers Band! Just about anything Kruger is amazing! With Jens Kruger on banjo, Uwe on guitar, and Joel Landsberg on bass, you will be toe tapping, humming, and strumming along. The latest is “Appalachian Concerto.”
4. Terry Baucom “In the Groove”
Classic bluegrass picking at its finest! Treat yourself to a dozen hot picking numbers that show you why Terry is nicknamed “The Duke of Drive.” With guest appearances by Jamie Dailey, Doyle Lawson, Ronnie Bowman, Jimmy Haley, and Lou Reid, Terry has assembled an all-star team of players for his first solo CD.
5. Gibson Brothers "Help My Brother"
To say they've got the classic brother duet thing down is an understatement; they own it.
- Michael Eck, No Depression
6. Mark Johnson "Acoustic Vision"
Mark Johnson created a style called “Clawgrass.” Mark’s signature Clawgrass banjo makes his music sound like a loving tribute to the Civil War history he is so fond of. He and mandolin player Emory Lester extol the virtues of Americana in music that will open up the vistas of this combination of Clawhammer and bluegrass style banjo playing. His latest is “Acoustic Vision” but we have “Acoustic Rising” as well.
7. John McEuen & the L.A. Lizards "Round Trip - Live in L.A."
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and John McEuen are synonymous with “longevity” in the world of popular music. John McEuen is an advocate of our GOODTIME banjo! Hear his Goodtime Banjo Suite on "John McEuen & the L.A. Lizards Round Trip - Live in L.A."
8. Eddie Adcock "TwoGrass"
Bluegrass Hall of Fame inductee Eddie Adcock has been playing Deering’s Golden Era for decades (and yes, he loves his Goodtime banjo too.) Listen to him play along with his wife, Martha, on his CD titled “Twograss.”
9. Harvey Reid "Artistry of the 6-String Banjo"
The six string banjo is not to be ignored! Now being played by such famous bands as Keith Urban, Taylor Swift, Montgomery Gentry, Carrie Underwood, it was Harvey Reid who was among the first virtuosos to show the world the this fantastic instrument in his CD “Artistry of the 6-string Banjo.”
10. Kingston Trio "On A Cold Winter's Night"
Grammy Lifetime Award recipient’s the Kingston Trio play the Vega Long Neck banjo. Here there great harmonies and lively music on the 2-CD set called "On a Cold Winter's Night."
Any one of these CDs will inspire you to pick up your banjo! They include a wide variety of styles and very different sounding banjos. Variety is the spice of life so add a bit of spice to yours today!
