CD review: Rhicard's bluegrass offering flawed, but with big heart
Flawed but likeable. That would be my description of the new release “Big Heart Down” by banjo and dobro player Lance Rhicard and friends. It also would be the header of this column, if I could choose it.
By By John Ziegler , January 08, 2009
Stuff We Like: Start your day with an Amazing Grace breakfast
According to mothers everywhere, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. At least, my mother says that. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned it’s never to disobey your mother. So if you’re looking for something fulfilling to start your day, I’d start at Amazing Grace Bakery and Cafe.
By By Kelli Baxter , January 08, 2009
Spice is nice in Brewhouse's Wildfire Lager
It feels risky ordering a beer that comes with a preface from your server or bartender: “Have you tried it before?” This has happened every time I have ordered a Wildfire Lager from Fitger’s Brewhouse.
By Christa Lawler , January 01, 2009
CD REVIEW: Marriage of melody and guitar will resonate with blues fans
He calls his style “Zen Blues.” With his stompin’ left foot, his stinging slide and his National Steel resonator guitar, Jeff Ray creates a style that is equal parts Delta blues, straight-up Americana singer-
songwriter and brilliant instrumentalist.
By John Ziegler , January 01, 2009
CD Reviews: Bunny Clogs, St. Dominic's Trio, the Belfast Cowboys and Sebastien Grainger
Albums enjoyed this week: "Switch" by St. Dominic's Trio, the Belfast Cowboys' self-titled debut, Sebastien Grainger's "Sebastien Grainger & The Mountains" and Bunny Clogs' "More! More! More!"
By
Matthew R. Perrine
, December 31, 2008
The best albums of 2008, Pts. 1 & 2
Locally, it was another banner year, and the national and international scenes fared just as well. See if your favorite records "made the cut."
By Matthew R. Perrine , December 27, 2008
Centerville All Stars throwback disc treads through familiar territory
It sounds like something that was recorded in the later 1970s and stored on a shelf in a hermetically sealed container. Everything on “Party with the Band” by the Centerville All Stars, from the CD title to the lyrics to the guitar tones, sounds like a group enamored with a bygone era when it was at its peak.
By John Ziegler , December 25, 2008
Concert review: Weather, illness don’t dull Arrowhead Chorale experience
Arrowhead Chorale, and its director, Stanley Wold, brought survival of the fittest to the Duluth holiday musical season Thursday night. More than 25 selections featured chorale members as narrators, soloists and instrumentalists with depth and versatility. While last Sunday’s blizzard had already reduced rehearsals and created schedule conflicts, last-minute illness claimed one more soprano, additionally altering the sense and sound of this vibrant choral ensemble. As a result, there were moments of hesitation and a readjustment of blend that had to be made on the spot.
By Samuel Black , December 19, 2008
