The latest puzzle piece of the bluegrass and Americana string music revival is in bloom: Pickin’ On Nirvana: The Bluegrass Tribute Featuring Iron Horse springs into stores with a physical vinyl release for Record Store Day on Saturday, April 22.

It’s been covered by the Dave Matthews Band, The Guess Who and sampled by Eminem. But that’s merely the short list. Originally released as a single, “Time of the Season” has enjoyed a lengthy and unprecedented run, yet, ironically, the smooth, sexy ballad was originally passed over.

Joshua James doesn’t just bare his feelings in his new album “My Spirit Sister”, he weaves an eggshell-fragile sonic tapestry of catharsis and craftsmanship. This is an album brimming with plaintive and personal truths that often seem too difficult and painful to comfortably share. Joshua James reedy signature vocals, angular and uncertain, invite the listener's attention like a sensitive and very embarrassing scar, sneaking into the psyche by the back door.

Over the weekend on Friday night, two members of Greensky Bluegrass, Paul Hoffman and Anders Beck, teamed up with Billy Strings and Samson Grisman for night three of a four show run through Colorado as the Phoffman/Beck Quartet played to a sold-out show in Frisco, Colorado at the Barkley Ballroom.

Jazz seems to be an art for only those who really understand and/or concentrate on music. The Greyboy Allstars have been playing their funked up, improvised, powerful versions of jazz jams for almost as long as the Fox Theatre has been in existence. For two nights, they were celebrating together as part of the Fox Theatre’s 25^th anniversary month. And for this celebration, they picked one of the classiest and most talented foursomes to party with.

On Saturday, March 18, the improvisational-jam based and progressive aggressive styling of Umphrey’s McGee returned to the Wiltern Theater in Los Angeles for the third time in as many years.

Ryan Montbleau’s latest album, I Was Just Leaving, is a stripped-down journey into the nature of loneliness. Directly off the heels of the astronomical success of his cover of Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car,” which has clocked in over 15 million plays on Spotify as of the writing of this review, I Was Just Leaving operates in the same vein of profound simplicity. This solo offering marks a departure from some of Montbleau’s funkier work, providing listeners with a clear lens through which to experience his inspired songwriting.

Keepin it casual, Greensky Bluegrass rocked a two set Spring Tour Wednesday evening in Urbana IL.  Home of the fighting Illini, there was a full-on hug war happening.  From the floor to the balcony the bee boppin Greensky opened with Feeling Alright and began a birthday show toast-worthy fo sho. Take Cover has gotten so dang funky.  There were birthday shots and shouts-out for Guido as Anders Beck hosted his own witty Casual Wednesday banter with the crowd...

Last Sunday, March 12, the Chicago-based progressive aggressive improvisational six piece known as Umphrey’s McGee crammed themselves, their full arsenal of gear and a fraction of their typical lighting array onto The Grate Room stage at Terrapin Crossroads in San Rafael, CA.

March in Boulder, Colorado is not only a celebration of the most beautiful season, but this March is a special one because it is the 25^th Anniversary of a legendary venue, the Fox Theatre. The performances thus far have been exceptional to say the least. I have heard from the founders, the bartenders, and fans alike, and the run of shows this month have been legendary. Rose Hill Drive is celebrating a comeback of sorts at this venue as well.