Tour dates launched and Bluegrass is growin~

Well, we are officially getting cranked up into tour season with some very fun groups this year. I have the hot and heavy of course for the New Video of The Carolina Chocolate Drops and their debut of "Country Girl" to get a taste of this soul trio from the south check them out at : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVIaiADsyYo  Because let me tell you, you're going to see a lot more of them. They've been touring around for the last 8 years that I'm aware of and have built a cult following of people dedicated on making them mainstream, but still they come back and write these interesting, fun, soulful, and historically rooted songs. Kudos to CCD, keep it coming

On the front of Break-ups, shake-ups, and Make-ups was the big time split up of Steeldrivers. Just about the whole barn burned in this one. Chris Stapleton jumped ship and quickly found himself in another fun and amazing group: The Jompson Brothers. The collaboration comes off as Southern Rock and Country, similiar to the Allman Brothers, but with a ballsy writing of the Doors. Sexy songs like "Ride My Rocket" and gigs meant to help people hurt by Kentucky tornados, Stapleton's new gig shows to be both caring and low key but full of staying power. His voice alone will allow for long term play through his lifetime, as long as he takes care of it. Mike Henderson shortly left the Steeldrivers to join the Mike Henderson Band, truly i'm so glad he branched off from them to create his own vision of what his voice in music should be. What I see for the Steeldrivers is the manager wanting to create a new look one that has emulation towards the AKUS band, and to be honest: There is on one AKUS....and it should never be the Steeldrivers. To be perfectly honest I feel like a petulant child that had thier toy broken by another big kid on my block and handed it back. With both Chris and Mike gone, Steeldrivers had better have one hell of a new CD coming, because they have a lot to make up to with their fans.

Next in that catagory of Breaking up was a total shock and midseason last year : Old Crow Medicine Show split and added the Critter & Ketch reunion tour leg.(This would be the Make-up) Those that were used to the old line-up even had recinded tickets due to the meltdown that occured after the lights went down in Georgia. I have no idea what happened to Willie Watson, as he is twisting in the wind or taking time off. Whatever the reason I wish him the ultimate best as he is an amazing guitarist and when he does come back with a blast, I'll be standing in line to watch. As far as the OCMS goes, fans of them will be happy with the replacement of Critter Fuqua. Back in September there had been rumor that there would be a shake-up on a interview given by Secor to a bluegrass magazine. Who knew it would be this? Time will tell if it was the right path for this budding group.

Dollywood is going to be a blast this year if you're attending the BBQ at Pidgeon Forge! Breaking Grass is set to perform! This 5 man team, ranging from 16-well ahem! will be kicking butt and taking NAMES. Cody Ferrar's wonderfully written songs and older than he sounds at 25 is going to set this stage on fire from June 1-3. What can be better I ask of you? 5 sexy men in bluejeans grassin out with BBQ to boot on the base of Country's most talented woman Dolly Pardon! mmm mm mmm! For the men out there Dolly is providing the boobs, and the men the bootay! ;D Personally hoping to hear the Ghost Song...because it should be in a CSI ending. However I'm guessing April Rain will be the breakout song.

Audie Blaylock and Redline made a break for it this year hitting the charts hard this year with their new CD I'm Going back to Old Kentucky hit Number 1 with Cry Cry Darlin. While a well known tune sometimes it is the stuff that keeps the bluegrass roots grounded that reminds us what it is that makes us remember why we love the music to begin with. You can have a good time and it doesn't have to be hologramed, futuristic, sound changed bugouis rythym and blues material. No, this is the good salt of the earth, where we started out songs that still have a core within us.

Noticibly missed this year is of course going to be Earl Scruggs. Nothing could have gotten me prepared for his death, regardless of his age. Sometimes there are those that are there in your life that are so meaningful with out even being present that affect you. I grew up to Flatt and Scruggs. I knew the history of their breakup. I watched with amazement as Steve Martin attempted to keep up with Earl on the Late Show with David Letterman.  He spanned such a music generation that he has a place with us in our hearts forever. He goes on to be with those like John and June, Hazel, Minnie, Grandpa Jones and others that I still can't believe are gone. You know it reminds me of the song the Circle Be Unbroken. All I know is they teach us and we can only hope that we can carry on the tradition as the rest of them.

To the 2012 year I cannot WAIT to see what is goin to happen when the sun goes down and bows get rosen'd up!