(Self-released, CD)... Read more

(Vital Records, CD)

One of the most alluring creatures of the tropical rainforests in Central and South America is the blue morpho. The iridescent butterfly is known both for its striking beauty and for the abrupt color changes that mark its life cycle. As such, the animal is the perfect namesake for the fifth album from the Bluegrass Gospel Project, one of Vermont’s most talented acoustic bands.... Read more

(Self-released, CD)

“Traditional” bluegrass features the instrument mix of mandolin, fiddle, banjo, guitar and string bass developed by Bill Monroe and his Bluegrass Boys in the late 1930s. That model became the genre standard, in part because of the many bluegrass superstars-to-be that served time in Monroe’s band. With their latest album, A New Day, northern Vermont’s Big Spike — one of precious few traditional bluegrass quintets playing in the state — demonstrates fresh chops with that venerable old setup.... Read more

(CD, self-produced)

Central Vermont musician "Banjo" Dan Lindner takes his sweet time when it comes to releasing CDs with his Mid-Nite Plowboys. The group is undeniably Vermont's longest-running, uninterrupted bluegrass combo — Banjo Dan, his brother Willy and guitarist and crooner Al Davis have been playing under the Plowboys moniker for at least 35 years. Fire in the Sugarhouse, the band's first recording since Some Rust . . . Runs Good in 2000, was worth the wait.... Read more

(Self-released, CD)... Read more

(Self-released, CD)

On Susannah Blachly's third solo release, Come on Home, the Marshfield musician shows off her talents as both a songwriter and a performer — and even as a composer of Latin-flavored pop. The latter number, "After Rain," features a sinuous groove cooked up by Vermont mandolin wizard Will Patton. He's one of many talented guest musicians who makes this stylistically varied disc sound like a party you'd like an invitation to.... Read more

(Self-released, CD)

I have yet to find an acceptable term for old-timey music played by a jam band. On their second CD, Madtom, talented local group PossumHaw prove themselves capable of putting together authentic-sounding old-time string-band music, juxtaposed with jam-rock sensibilities. Perhaps we should call it “jam-timey”?

The group was one of only a few Vermont bands selected to play this year’s prestigious Champlain Valley Folk Festival, and they are part of Vermont’s new wave of exciting young acoustic musicians.... Read more

(Self-produced, CD)

Most Vermonters who’ve seen local musician Rob Meehan perform live probably know him as the longtime bass player for singer-songwriter Patrick Fitzsimmons. But on his first solo release, entitled Here, Meehan shows he can do more than just play a mean bass; he can also play guitar and harmonica, sing, and write interesting songs. Though one song on Here was co-written by central Vermont honky-tonker Mark Legrand, the other nine are Meehan originals. Their primary motif: lyrics about love and relationships backed by catchy rhythmic grooves.... Read more

(Self-released, CD)

Linda Warnaar, a talented musician and songwriter from Barnet, Vermont, has composed and performed a wide variety of music in the North Country for nearly 20 years. A master of many styles, she demonstrates her musical agility on her latest CD, Spin. The disc contains a marvelously eclectic mix of originals, and features production and instrumental assistance from percussionist/bassist Micah Carbonneau.... Read more

(Vital Records, CD)

On their fourth album, Makes You Strong, Bluegrass Gospel Project solidifies their legacy as one of the greatest acoustic bands ever to spring from northern Vermont. It's no small wonder, as each of the band's six members is a seasoned player.

Ace mandolinist and tenor vocalist Taylor Armerding covers the high end with style. His gospel originals sound authentic enough to be Stanley Brothers numbers from 50 years ago.... Read more