Dehlia Low Included in FestivaLink.net Compilation

Alongside Doc Watson, Steve Martin and Steep Canyon Rangers, The Duhks, The Sam Bush Band and more!

New Bluegrass Jam at my new favorite West Asheville bar on Mondays!

The Get Down is the new place to be in West Asheville. It's your neighborhood dive bar, where you feel safe and welcome. Think punk-tinged, way cooler, Cheers. Opened by three wonderful folks, one of whom is former long time bartender at Jack of the Wood, Mikki Fox. 

 The Get Down seems to be catering to a really diverse crowd and clientele. It seems just as likely to see a bluegrass show there as a punk, indie, or metal show. There are pool tables, a jukebox, and vinyl records on the walls. I love it. They are hosting a Monday night bluegrass jam (Master's Fiddle Jam) that starts at 8:30. I went last week and the players were top notch and the sound was exceptional. It's an open jam so bring an instrument, and if you don't play, come out and hear some great music-- for free!  

Been really slacking lately....

Loving this though! Can't find her music online anywhere... let me know if you do!

Lera Lynn (Birds & Wire) Athens, GA

CD Review: Red June "Remember Me Well"

A coming together of three exceptionally talented Asheville-area musicians created the emerging Acoustic/Americana band, Red June. This is their debut release, Remember Me Well....and you will.

With 11 tracks of mostly original music, the CD starts of with a rock-influenced  number by Will Straughn called "Biscuits & Honey." Will's singing is reminiscent of Paul Simon in his younger days and lyrics seem to speak of a personal journey of regret, intentions, reparations, and homecoming. The dobro, fiddle, and mandolin come into the raucous guitar beat adding layers and supporting Straughn's vocals.  Straughn is behind the beautiful dobro playing throughout the album.

Natalya Weinstein on  harmony vocals and fiddle, is one of the most tasteful back up players I've heard. She drones, chops, plays a harmony line, fills unobtrusively, always adding to the song and supporting vocals. She then shines through on her instrumental breaks displaying the true talent that she is on her instrument. My only complaint about the whole album is that I'd like to hear more of that.  Although "Callahan," a bouncy instrumental written by bluegrass great, Jim Shumate,  (also John Miller's Grandfather) offers a chance for a fiddle showcase.

Remember Me Well includes a great version of the Neil Young song, "Comes A Time," as well as several other nice originals from John Miller and Straughn. The stand out track for me is the final song, "Come Patience." You can listen here: Come Patience  This is a sweet song penned and sung by John Miller. I fully agree with Riley Baugus' description of Miller's singing seen here: 

"John Miller's singing reminds me of being in the Blue Ridge Mountains, high on a hill all alone and hearing the sound of the mountains coming from all around and filling your soul with the feeling that everything is just right in that place. His voice is strong and pure and harkens back to a time when there was no need for electronic enhancement and tuning adjustments. In short, John's singing is the real thing and is just incredible."

I had heard this song done years ago with Miller's former band, Lo-Fi Breakdown, but the reworking Red June gave it, really allows this song it's full potential. The fiddle into dobro intro set the stage perfectly for Miller's vocals. Beautiful three part harmonies on the chorus seal it for me. The first listen through of the CD, I hit repeat on this song at least 3 times.

I can't wait for their CD release party at the Grey Eagle, September 25th! You will not regret the purchase of Remember Me Well. Red June has certainly put their best foot forward, and like the apple inspiring the band name, the season is ripe for this record, a perfect transition from Summer to Fall.

You can buy the album pre-release here: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/redjune

CD RELEASE PARTY:   The Grey Eagle  9/25/10  8:30pm  $10  w/Eliza Lynn