This Week In Bluegrass: Dolly Parton, AJ Lee & Blue Summit, Jaelee Roberts & more
Dolly Parton - “Bound to Ride”
If we’re gonna talk about new bluegrass music this week, then we have to start with the Queen of the Smoky Mountains, Miss Dolly Parton. “Bound To Ride” is a tribute to the Stanley Brothers, and Dolly’s first posthumous release. This performance from Dolly is everything. It’s over the top, it’s witty, and her vocal runs throughout are so fun (this was just recorded back in 2022). She interacts with her band “The First Ladies of Bluegrass,” which includes Missy Raines, Sierra Hull, Alison Brown, Molly Tuttle, & Becky Buller, all of whom step up to the plate with their performances. How cool that after everything Dolly’s done for our bluegrass music, somehow she still has more to give.
Aj lee and Blue Summit - Cover to cover
California’s own AJ Lee and Blue Summit released their latest album Cover to Cover. Most of the material on here has been available, and as the album title indicates, it’s all covers. This is one of the hottest bands in bluegrass, covering classics like “Fishin’ in the Dark”, “Drivin’ Nails In My Coffin”, & more.
Downriver Collective - Give It All Away (deluxe)
A bluegrass band still on the rise, DownRiver Collective made noise last year with their album Give It All Away. Ali Vance as the lead vocalist is a powerhouse, and this deluxe album includes a plugged-in version of their song “Devil in Me” plus two more originals. “The Fool” features Ali detailing this intense 3rd person narrative, it’s quite effective.
Jaelee Roberts - “white liar”
“White Liar” is the new single from one bluegrass’ bests vocalists, Jaelee Roberts. Written by Miranda Lambert and Natalie Nicole Hemby, this was first included on Lambert’s 2009 album Revolution. Glad Jaelee brought this one back, she could have picked any of Miranda’s songs from this time period and I bet it would work.
The high street drifters - “white liar”
Shouting out some bluegrass from Australia, The High Street Drifters’ new single “Fine Times” is energetic and in your face. I’m not sure what the weather in Australia is like this time of year, but this pickin’ sure is hot.
Keep up with the best in new bluegrass, country, Americana, and folk every Wednesday from 6 - 8 PM on Real Roots Radio.
