Happy 100th Birthday Bill Monroe

In honor of the 100th birthday of the Father of Bluegrass, Bill Monroe, we thought we'd share this tribute album that we released back in 1996. Produced by bassist extraordinaire Todd Phillips, it features a who's who of bluegrass and acoustic music performing in unique collaborations, all songs by Bill Monroe.

It features dozens of the most prominent and influential bluegrass musicians of our time, including Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, David Grisman, Del McCoury, John Hartford, Chris Thile, and Peter Rowan.

Please share and enjoy, in the memory of the musical innovator, cultivator, and father figure of bluegrass music.

Various Artists - True Life Blues - The Songs of Bill Monroe

Personnel:

1. Molly and Tenbrooks - Alan O'Bryant, Craig Smith, Stuart Duncan, Mike Compton, David Grier, Todd Phillips
2. True Life Blues - Laurie Lewis, Kathy Kallick, Mike Marshall, Tony Trischka, Todd Phillips
3. I'm on My Way to the Old Home - Del McCoury, Ronnie McCoury, Vassar Clements, Craig Smith, Todd Phillips
4. Highway of Sorrow - Tim O'Brien, Scott Nygaard, Stuart Duncan, Todd Phillips
5. Old Ebenezer Scrooge - David Grier, Todd Phillips
6. Memories of You - Alan O'Bryant, Pat Enright, Stuart Duncan, Mike Compton, Todd Phillips
7. Rawhide - Ronnie McCoury, David Grier, Stuart Duncan, Craig Smith, Todd Phillips
8. Can't You Hear Me Callin' - Del McCoury, Ronnie McCoury, Vassar Clements, Jerry Douglas, Craig Smith, Todd Phillips
9. Letter from My Darling - Peter Rowan, Greg Garing, Bobby Hicks, Todd Phillips
10. Sitting Alone in the Moonlight - Tim O'Brien, Mollie O'Brien, Ronnie McCoury, Richard Greene, Todd Phillips
11. Big Mon - Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas
12. Get Down on Your Knees and Pray - Alan O'Bryant, Del McCoury, Ronnie McCoury, Roland White
13. Used to Be - Kathy Kallick, Laurie Lewis, Jim Nunally, John Reischman, Tony Trischka, Todd Phillips
14. Scotland - Vassar Clements, Richard Greene, Chris Thile, Scott Nygaard, Todd Phillips
15. Travelin' This Lonesome Road - Peter Rowan, David Grisman, Herb Pedersen, Vassar Clements, Todd Phillips
16. Heavy Traffic Ahead - Pat Enright, Vassar Clements, Jerry Douglas, Ronnie McCoury, Todd Phillips
17. Little Cabin Home on the Hill - John Hartford, Ronnie McCoury, Mike Compton, Todd Phillips

This Week in Sugar Hill History - Doc Watson at Gerdes Folk City (2001)

On September 11, 2001, Sugar Hill Records released the classic "Doc Watson at Gerdes Folk City" - a definitive collection of historic live Doc Watson recordings from 1962-1963.

This album documents Doc Watson's first solo public appearance; it finds him in front of an appreciative West Village crowd at the height of the early-'60s folk music craze, playing a borrowed acoustic guitar (at the time the only guitar he owned was the electric Les Paul with which he had been making a living as a member of a North Carolina rockabilly band) and performing a varied set of tunes that range from traditional ballads like "Little Sadie" and "The Roving Gambler" to traditional blues and Merle Travis-style guitar showcases. He's joined at various times by local folk luminaries John Herald, Ralph Rinzler, and Bob Yellin, but what is consistently striking is his mastery of the stage and the warmth and gentle virtuosity of his playing -- attributes that would later come to define his art, but which are remarkable in an artist performing solo for the first time. ~Rick Anderson, All Music Guide

Buy it on AmazonMP3: http://amzn.to/oJ7mbL

Listen to the Full Record:

This Week in Sugar Hill History - James McMurtry "Walk Between the Raindrops"

13 Years ago (way back in 1998), Sugar Hill released the roots, country album "Walk Between the Raindrops" by James McMurtry.

Singer/songwriter James McMurtry, son of novelist Larry McMurtry (Lonesome Dove), seems to have inherited his father's knack for weaving a story with memorable characters, the aural equivalent of a page-tuner. McMurtry's tales of lovers, losers, wanderers and rebels trying to make their way through America's heartland are as rich with detail as anything by Faulkner or Capote. "Soda and Salt" is a darkly amusing tale of a rebel-without-a-cause--at the grade school level. The snaking, sardonic mid-tempo rocker "Racing to the Red Light" is a slice-of-life about a guy desperate to escape Nowheresville, USA, where most others seem content--or have just given up. Stylistically and vocally, McMurtry recalls Loudon Wainwright III (earthy but with a dry, wry wit), Lou Reed (if Reed had grown up in the Midwest) and John Mellencamp (catchy rock and roll with a keen awareness of the American working class and an affinity for folk and country). His tunes have subtle melodies and touches (like the Irish folk-tinge in "Every Little Bit Counts")--they don't hit you over the head, but instead get under your skin, like you're getting to know the people he's singing about. McMurtry's songs stay with you long after the player reads "0:00."

Buy the album here

This Week in Sugar Hill History - Walk Between the Raindrops by Sugar Hill Records

Elements of a Bluegrass song

After looking back each week at a different Sugar Hill album. The high council of bluegrass has been able to construct a graph depicting the four main elements of a bluegrass song. This graph is a toll that should be used to help determine if an artist, suspected of being bluegrass, qualifies or not. At least one song on each album should include a part of the elements of a bluegrass song. Lonesome could include missing a loved one such as Momma, or their dear girl. Death could be figurative, although a more accurate designation would be a person killed by the singer like in "Banks of the Ohio". Trains are trains and there is no leniency on that issue. G runs are a must, but as any bluegrass musician knows G runs come in all shapes and sizes which is why they comprise such a large percentage. As long as they are included, the song and artist are permitted to be labeled Bluegrass pending they fit the qualifications for elements of a bluegrass wardrobe, instrument, and lifestyle. Below is a short selection of Sugar Hill songs that we feel represent some of these elements. 

Elements of a Bluegrass Song by Sugar Hill Records

This Week In Sugar Hill History: "Church Street Blues" by Tony Rice

18 years ago Sugar Hill released the incredible album “Church Street Blues” by Tony Rice.

The album concept is simple, Tony, shows his virtuosity by stripping all his music down to his 2 musical sources, guitar and voice or guitar and guitar. No fluff, no extra production, nothing but the man and his instrument. He plays all traditional songs with a few Bluegrass instrumentals thrown in. Though simple in its design, the simplicity really lets the listener fully appreciate the capabilities Tony has to offer. He continues his musical flexing by playing a nice wide variety from the Americana catalog. Sweet songs like “Streets of London”, to instrumentals like “Jerusalem Ridge”, or a ballad like “Wreck of The Edmund Fitzgerald”. All the songs have a strain of connectivity as they the instrumentation is similar, but are different from one another keeping you very interested in what comes next. Now an album of just guitar and vocal is no new concept, it’s something you can find in almost any small restaurant or coffee shop on a Friday night with some weekend warrior playing a nice spread of Jim Croce and Dave Matthews songs. What makes this album different is the how though it’s just these two simple musical sources, they are played so well it seems n lacking in nothing. The Guitar is precise with an energy only the best of flat top players can get, all while accompanying Tony’s rich baritone vocals. It is an inspirational album to any musician, bluegrass or not.

Buy HERE

"Sunburns, Mud People, and Bluegrass? Sugar Hill's Guide to Late Summer Festivals

       If the Summer Season isn't stressful enough with the kids at home, the NFL lockout, and (gasp) no "Dancing with the Stars", music fans must decide on how to spend their ever dwindling supply of disposable income. For us music fans, that means deciding upon which albums to purchase, local concerts to attend, and finally which musical pilgrimages to plan.

     Over the last 10 years, the Summer Festival has made huge resurgence in popularity. In a era of uncertainty in the music business, live music and specifically the summer festivals has become a beacon of light at the end of ambiguous tunnel.  But with so many options, how can music fans decide upon the right festival that fits their insatiable hunger for old familiar acts and exciting new talent? Even though the Summer is half over , we here at Sugar Hill have put together a list of festivals happening in late Summer/Early Fall that are a must see for anyone looking to make the most out of their hard earned dollars....

Floyd Fest X
July 28th - July 30th
Floyd, VA
Tickets: Here

FloydFest is a world music and arts festival held annually near Floyd, Virginia, situated in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It began in 2002 and has received excellent reviews ever since, earning a name for itself in 2005 when it played host to well-known folk singer Ani DiFranco. It lasts for four days with on-site camping and has over seven stages featuring Rock, Bluegrass, Reggae,Cajun, Zydeco, African, World, and Appalachian performers and showcases local Arts and Crafts, in addition to scheduling music and dance workshops and other small events, such as morning yoga lessons, story telling, and poetry readings. This year posts it's best lineup yet with some of the best roots-based acts in American.

Bands to see:  Yonder Mountain String Band, Yard Dog Road Show, Old Crow Medicine Show, Grace Potter, Sam Bush, David Grisman, Donna the Buffalo, Trampled By Turtles, Carolina Chocolate Drops

RockyGrass
July 29-31
Lyons, CO
Info:  Here

RockyGrass is held at the Planet Bluegrass Ranch in Lyons, Colorado - located along the wooded banks of the beautiful St. Vrain River. The historic quarry town of Lyons is just 15 miles north of Boulder in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The town is known for its antique stores, restaurants, artists, and musicians.
Numerous camping options nearby include: on-site at the festival grounds, under the cliffs at Meadow Park (a quick five-minute walk from the festival), or at the Olson Campground (a 10-minute walk or via the free shuttle buses).

Non-musical activities in and around Lyons include single-track mountain biking at Hall Ranch, river sports in the Meadow Park whitewater course, touring through Rocky Mountain National Park (40 minutes up the hill from Lyons), and hiking in the nearby National Forest lands.This year's lineup includes some old favorites and some exciting new talent that any fan of Sugar Hill artists would be silly to miss.

Bands to see:  David Grisman, Del McCoury, Sarah Jarosz, Hot Rize, Milk Drive, Sam Bush

Shine Fest 2011
August 19th-21st
Fontana Dam, NC
Tickets: Here

A new festival, the Shine Fest hosted by Troy & Son's boasts a picturesque setting in and around the Fontana Village Resort in Fontana Dam, NC. This festival may be just getting it's legs, but it is most certainly off to the right start with this beautiful mountain setting. Festival goers can either choose to camp out in this mountain paradise or can book a stay at the luxurious Fontana Village boasting both a lodge and cabins.  This is a must-see for anyone wanting the experience the Appalachians and who also love amazing "Roots" music.

Bands to see: Matt Stillwell, Blackberry Smoke, Black Lillies, Jim Lauderdale

Music on the Mountaintop
August 26-27
Boone, NC
Tickets: Here

In 2008, the first ever large scale festival in Boone took the High Country by surprise. What started as a class project at Appalachian State University grew into one of the largest musical events the town had seen in nearly a decade. Nearly 2,500 attendees enjoyed a full day of top notch musical talent from the local and national scene as well as interactive educational exhibits promoting environmental stewardship provided by more than 15 non-profits from across the state of North Carolina.

Since then, MOTM has grown exponentially. The Festival has seen its 2,500 event grow to 5,000 in 2010. Over the last three years they have showcased amazing talent such as Sam Bush (X3), Keller Williams (X2), Railroad Earth, The Steep Canyon Rangers, Toubab Krewe, Acoustic Syndicate (X3), and many more.
Most importantly, they have given over $11,000 back to local non-profit organizations, AIRE (Appalachian Institute of Renewable Energy) and Appalachian Voices. This year proves to be a continuation of the amazing lineup's they have had in the past.

Bands to see:  Sam Bush, Infamous Stringdusters, Acoustic Syndicate, Frontier Ruckus, Greensky Bluegrass

Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion
September 16th-18th
Downtown Bristol, VA/TN
Tickets: Here

Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion a non-profit organization which hosts an annual 3-day Americana music festival in the twin cities of Bristol, Virginia and Bristol, Tennessee.

Celebrating Bristol's heritage as the "Birthplace of Country Music" (a designation recognizing the early Jimmy Rogers and Carter Family recordings made there in the 1920s collectively known as the Bristol Sessions, Rhythm & Roots has hosted musicians such as Ralph Stanley, Sam Bush, Doc Watson, The Avett Brothers, John Cowan, Langhorne Slim, and Del McCoury. Since the first festival in 2001, Rhythm and Roots has grown to include 4 main stages (3 of which are outdoors), a dance tent, and 12 smaller stages inside the various shops, restaurants, and bars in the 4-block festival area.

Bands to see:  Railroad Earth, Marty Stuart & The Fabulous Superlatives, Tony Rice Unit, Justin Townes Earle, Jim Lauderdale, The Cave Singers, The SteelDrivers, The Everbodyfields

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival
Sept. 30th -Oct 2nd
San Francisco, CA
Info:  Here

The Mother of all Free Festivals. Possibly the mother of all Roots festivals period. Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, previously Strictly Bluegrass, or HSB for short, is an annual free music festival held the first weekend of October in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. From its outset, the festival has been subsidized by San Francisco venture capitalist Warren Hellman. The first festival was held in 2001, originally only inviting bluegrass musicians. By 2004 artists from other genres were invited and the "Hardly" was added to reflect the expanded scope. It doesn't get much better than this. The array of artists who play this festival is staggering.

Bands to see:  Gillian Welch, Ryan Bingham, Robert Plant, The Jayhawks, Abigail Washburn, Robert Earl Keen, The Flatlanders, Chris Isaak, Frank Fairfield, Earl Scruggs, Patty Griffin, Old Crow Medicine Show

Hopefully this lists gives you a good place to start with regards to where to spend those hard earned dollars and get a last minute summer tan/sunburn before the fall comes into full swing.

This Week In Sugar Hill History: Ice Caps: Peaks of Telluride

11 years ago Sugar Hill released the high energy, live recordings of Sam Bush at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival throughout the 90s.

"Recorded at Telluride Bluegrass Festival, Telludire, Colorado between June 1992 & June 1999.
If bluegrass is folk music on steroids, then ICE CAPS: PEAKS OF TELLURIDE is bluegrass on rocket fuel and kickapoo joy juice. Nashville mandolin ace Sam Bush is joined by other legendary pickers on this set of performances culled from 25 years of concerts at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival.

Bob Dylan's "Girl From the North Country," a bluegrass favorite, is offered as a joyous, strumabilly romp. Bush tosses off the vocals in his fine, reedy tenor, then engages dobro master Jerry Douglas in a thrilling exchange of solos. Bush shows off his award winning fiddle chops, leading banjoist Bela Fleck, Douglas, and others on an incendiary stomp through "Big Mon," the Bill Monroe standard. This is fun music, and the crowd hollers itself hoarse with approval on Bush's hit "Same Ol' River," John Hiatt's "Memphis in the Meantime," and even a surprisingly apt reading of Kool And The Gang's "Celebrate." Bluegrass purists may look askance, but the virtuosity and huge good time captured here make this collection ideal for all lovers of rocking acoustic music."

Personnel: Sam Bush (vocals, electric guitar, acoustic & electric mandolins, fiddle); Jon Randall (vocals, guitar); Jeffro Beck (vocals, electric mandolin); John Cowan (vocals, bass); Dan Sadowski, Pastor Mustard (spoken vocals); Darrell Scott (guitar); Bela Fleck (banjo); Jerry Douglas (lap steel guitar, dobro); John Magnie (accordion); Larry Atamunik (drums).

Buy Here

Listen below for a limited time.

Re-Rooting and Recruiting

We are excited to be launching our Sugar Hill Roots, “Re-Rooting and Recruiting Campaign!” Supporting our artists on tour is tough, and we need your help in getting the message out about all of our talented musicians’ shows. We are looking for volunteers who are active on social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, music blogs, and anywhere else on the internet. Above all else, we are looking for people who are dedicated to helping our talented musicians.

To kick start the Re-Rooting and Recruiting Campaign, we will be rewarding everyone who helps our community grow. For a limited time, if you successfully recruit two friends to join Sugar Hill Roots, we will send you a download link for your choice of one of our records from 2010-2011 (list below). Recruit five friends and we'll send you your choice of any CD from our catalog.

The person who brings in the most new members by the end of August 2011 will win a superb prize pack of assorted goodies from the Sugar Hill vault.

The way to recruit, and to get credit for your recruits, is to get your personalized URL. If you are already a member, this will be coming to you very soon in an email.

Not a member? Click Here to sign up now and get your personalized invite URL!

Already a member? Get your personalized code and check your recruiting progress at http://www.sugarhillroots.com/checkreg.html


Records Available for Free Download:

Kasey Chambers – Little Bird
Jim Lauderdale – Reason and Rhyme
Nick 13 – Nick 13
Sarah Jarosz – Follow Me Down
Tara Nevins – Wood and Stone
Brian Wright – House on Fire
Joey + Rory – Album Number Two
Marty Stuart – Ghost Train
Various Artists – Twistable Turnable Man
The Infamous Stringdusters – Things That Fly
Black Prairie – Feast of the Hunters’ Moon

CAAS Convention this week

It's been ten years since Mr. Guitar sadly past away. Chet Atkins was truly one of the greatest figures in country music, he was a producer and player extraordinaire with a kind heart and love of music. With calm yet intricate arrangements, many people today hold him as one of the greatest guitarists. Each year in Nashville the best finger-pickers from around the world get together to honor Chet and play great music. This is their 26th year to hold the convention and hope everyone in attendance has a wonderful time.

Spotify Launches in America

The popular European music player, Spotify, launched in the U.S. today. They sent out a limited number of invitations to those in their email signup, and will slowly expand through invite only for the time being. Although those willing to pay a small fee can access the player right now. So, just like Google+ most of us will have to wait in yet another online invite line.

Grey Fox Music Festival This Weekend

Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival is happening this weekend up in Oak Hill NY, with a killer lineup as usual. Sugar Hill sent Sam Bush and the Stringdusters to play along with great company like Thile & Daves, Del McCoury, Crooked Still, J.D. Crowe and many others. For those in attendance, let us know how it went. Those of us left behind will just keep listening to all the artists' CDs and hope to go next year.

Sugar Hill to release "Little Bird" by Kasey Chambers July 12th

 

Sugar Hill is proud to announce the U.S. release of the new Kasey Chambers album "Little Bird", out July 12th. We released a wonderful album from Kasey and Shane Nicholson in 2008 and we can't wait for you to hear this amazing piece of music. More info soon! Click here to see a video for the song: "Little Bird" Or click here to learn more about the album.

This Week in Sugar Hill History - Red Knuckles and The Trailblazers

22 years ago Sugar Hill released the wonderful Western Swing album “Shades of The Past” by Red Knuckles and The Trailblazers, a comedic alter ego of the group Hot Rize.

Musicians have always had an attraction to creating an alter ego that allows them to break loose from the image that has branded them to a certain style of music. Yet many times this proves unsuccessful. Remember Chris Gaines? Well sometime between Ziggy Stardust and Hannah Montana, right after Prince’s Camille the classic bluegrass group Hot Rize created Red Knuckle and The Trailblazers, a funny western swing quartet that played as good as the rest of them. Like most alter egos they utilized a distinct wardrobe change with western shirts, cowboy hats, and dark sunglasses. But alter ego aside, Red Knuckles and The Trailblazers can really play. Wonderful steel guitar licks and electric solos the boys of Hot Rize are truly able to sound like a completely new band. A good selection for any western swing fan, they provide great musicality with a fun, free willed spirit and a few laughs along the way. Listen below for a limited time.

Buy mp3 album here.

Red Knuckles and The Trailblazers - Shades of the Past

Kasey Chambers "Little Bird" now available

We're excited to announce that Kasey Chambers' award-winning record "Little Bird" is now available everywhere!  This is a brilliantly diverse record of Americana album has already gairned rave reviews from critics in Australia in America alike.

• Preview a couple of songs here
• Buy CD from Amazon
• Download from iTunes
• Download from AmazonMP3

If you're not in the U.S., you can find the MP3 album in the iTunes store for your region.

This Week In Sugar Hill History - Riding the Midnight Train

25 years ago Sugar Hill Released the Grammy award winning Doc Watson album “Ride the Midnight Train”.

The last album Merle Watson ever played on before his tragic death, this piece is a gem in the Sugar Hill catalog. The true bluegrass sound is a template for how it should be done. With Doc’s clean and creative picking and sweet gravel vocals accompanied by the always superb Mark O’Conner, Sam Bush, and Bela Fleck this album is hard to beat. It won the Grammy for Best Traditional Folk album and holds a dear place in the bluegrass library.

Doc Watson (vocals, guitar); Merle Watson (guitar, banjo); Alan O'Bryant (guitar, background vocals); Bela Fleck (banjo); Sam Bush (mandolin); Mark O'Connor (fiddle); T. Michael Coleman (bass, background vocals).

Buy the Mp3 album HERE

Happy 4th of July Weekend!

Well you just can't get more American than apple pie and Dolly Parton. Her most patriotic album to date "For God and Country" was a celebration of Dolly's America. With eighteen tracks, Dolly expressed her love for God and country in every way possible. In track 10 she said it best.

"As American as apple pie, Mom and homemade jam
As proud as punch and peacocks, you know I am, I am
An All-American girl what knows good music and good times,
Red, white, and bluegrass, I'm not color blind".


Watch the official music video for the song "Color Me America" below.

New Marty Stuart Documentary

The new documentary “Marty Stuart in Philadelphia Mississippi” was released on Hulu.com yesterday. This thirty minute video chronicles the rich life of this Country music icon as it focuses on the influence that his family and growing up in Philadelphia, Mississippi had on his music and his new album. The documentary features early home recordings of Marty as well as new releases from his album “Ghost Train-The Studio B Sessions”, accompanied with footage and photos of Marty’s life and career. The touching look into his personal story reminds one of the influences his porch picking roots has on his music. A fun story of success from the simplest of beginnings, “Marty Stuart in Philadelphia Mississippi” is a must see for any true country music fan.

This Week in Sugar Hill History: Common Ground

Twelve years ago, Sugar Hill Records released the rich, progressive Bluegrass album, “Common Ground” by the group Blueridge.

"Back in the 1970s and '80s, "progressive" bluegrass more often than not meant three things: an electric bass, lots of melodic Trischka/Keith-style banjo, and cover versions of rock & roll songs like "Lay Down Sally" or, in one embarrassing case, "Why Must I Be a Teenager in Love?." In the late 90s there was a new breed of progressive bluegrass players on the scene, of which Blueridge is a good example. The group's sound is deeply rooted in traditional bluegrass, with rich four-part harmonies and a relatively straight-ahead playing style. But with Common Ground, the group presents a program consisting entirely of newly written songs -- no "Uncle Pen," no "Flint Hill Special." That's unusual even for most newgrass bands. And the songs themselves often depart considerably from the three-chord orthodoxy of traditional bluegrass, as on the fairly sophisticated "Talk It Out" and the complicated arrangement of "Appalachian Queen," a train song that incorporates elements of "Foggy Mountain Breakdown" but demonstrates an innovative approach to solo placement. The singing is consistently excellent, as are the songs. Highly recommended". ~ Rick Anderson

Wayne Winkle (vocals, guitar); Terry Baucom (vocals, banjo); Alan Bibey (vocals, mandolin); Randy Graham (vocals, bass).


Buy mp3 album Here

Jim Lauderdale - Reason and Rhyme - Now Available

Can there be too much of a good thing? If the question’s about collaboration between American roots music hero Jim Lauderdale and legendary lyricist Robert Hunter, the answer’s an emphatic “no!” Marking the former’s debut on the respected Sugar Hill records label, Reason And Rhyme makes a compelling case for the continued vitality of the Lauderdale—Hunter partnership—and for Lauderdale’s unique and deeply satisfying approach to bluegrass.

Download album on Amazon or on iTunes

This Week In Sugar Hill History - "like A Hurricane"

13 years ago this week Sugar Hill released the Chris Hillman record, “Like a Hurricane”.

“This is a solid album of new and old songs by one of the founding fathers of country rock. Chris Hillman has a wonderful voice, great pop instincts, and a finely developed talent for splicing together country, bluegrass, and four-chord rock & roll. A highlight is a cover of the Searchers' "When You Walk in the Room" -- two minutes of pure jingle-jangle pop perfection. Although "Like a Hurricane" (the title track is a Hillman original, not the Neil Young song) seldom reaches the heights of "Bakersfield Bound," Hillman and Herb Pedersen's outstanding 1996 tribute to hard California country, this former Byrd and Flying Burrito Brother can still teach the young country crowd a thing or two”. ~ Joel Roberts

Chris Hillman (vocals, acoustic guitar, mandolin); Jim Monahan (acoustic guitar, 12-string guitar, mandolin); John Jorgenson (electric guitar, 12-string guitar, percussion); Michael Monarch (electric guitar, bottleneck guitar); Steve Hill (electric guitar); David Lindley (slide guitar); Jay Dee Maness (steel guitar); Jerry Douglas (dobro); Skip Edwards (accordion); Jimmy Greenspoon (keyboards); Steve Duncan (drums); Hal Blaine (percussion).

Buy here

Chris Hillman - Like a hurrican by Sugar Hill Records

Jim Lauderdale Pre-Order

Jim Lauderdale's brand new record "Reason And Rhyme" is now available for pre-order at JimLauderdale.com and in Jim's Facebook store!

The record comes out everywhere on June 21st, but by placing your pre-order, you can get an instant download of two songs from the record, along with two EXCLUSIVE MP3s of memorable performances by Jim at Nashville's Music City Roots. By placing your order early, you also have your choice of several bundles that include:

• Album downloads - available as high-quality MP3, FLAC, or Apple Lossless

• "Reason And Rhyme" CDs personally signed by Jim

• Limited-edition Jim Lauderdale "Reason And Rhyme" T-Shirts - 100% Combed Ringspun Cotton. Super-soft, lightweight, slim-fit tees.

This Week in Sugar Hill History: Back to Red River (1993)

18 years ago this week Sugar Hill Records released the album “Back to Red River”, by the group Front Range.

“Front Range was one of the best progressive bluegrass bands on the scene in part because it probably didn't consider itself a progressive bluegrass band. There are no Bob Dylan or Eric Clapton covers, no drums or electric basses, no extended Phish-style jams -- just exceptional songs (many of them penned by guitarist and bandleader Bob Amos) played and sung with a smooth intensity that manages simultaneously to sound up-to-the-minute and deeply rooted in the high lonesome verities. Because the band hails from western Colorado (hence its name), you'll hear a few more cowboy songs on their albums than on the typical bluegrass release, but that ends up working in their favor as well. Their unique take on "Red River Valley" starts this album off with a gentle bang, and Amos' original songs are top-notch as always. But Back to red River hits its peaks on the two traditional numbers: a gorgeous a capella arrangement of the gospel standard "Over in the Gloryland" and a high-octane romp through the classic "Sunny Side of Life". The band's instrumental chops are worth noting: banjo picker Ron Lynam is in particularly fine form on this outing, alternating gracefully between traditional Scruggs-style picking and cascading melodic licks, and Amos rips off a few impressive guitar leads as well. Highly recommended overall”. - Rick Anderson

Bob Amos (guitar, vocals), Mike Lantz (mandolin, vocals), Ron Lynam (banjo, vocals, guitar), Bob Dick (acoustic bass, vocals).

Buy the album here

Nick 13 debut out now!

Nick 13’s self-titled debut album for Sugar Hill Records is officially available today. This record demonstrates the sound and artistic vision that has already earned him invitations to Stagecoach, Austin City Limits and SXSW. For those unfamiliar with Nick 13, he's got a vintage Americana sound with a west coast influence... with great pedal steel by Lloyd Green and Greg Leisz throughout the record. Download a free track below!

Download album on Amazon or on iTunes

This week in Sugar Hill History: Chambergrass (2002)

9 years ago this week Sugar Hill released the album "Berline+Crary+Hickman: Chambergrass: A Decade of Tunes from the Edges of Bluegrass".

"With Chambergrass: A Decade of Tunes From the Edges of Bluegrass, Sugar Hill Records collects a decade of Berline + Crary + Hickman's instrumentals. These are songs from the edges of bluegrass -- delicate and intricate numbers that explore the textures that can be created with fiddle, banjo, and guitar and an eye toward normally excluded genres like jazz, pop, and rock. Call it progressive bluegrass. Byron Berline, for one, played fiddle as a session musician for the original alternative country Cosmic American, Gram Parsons, and his musical repartee with banjo player John Hickman and guitarist Dan Crary -- as well as the trio's gift for experimentation -- is fully evident in this collection. Whether on reworked traditionals ("Forked Deer"), subtle live outtakes (Berline's autumnal "Fall Creek"), or stunning originals (Berline's frantic "Pistol Pete," Crary's quiet and starry "Night Run"), Berline + Crary + Hickman played wonderfully with chord changes, harmony, Crary's innovative rhythmic guitar, and the counterpoint of fiddle and banjo. Berline + Crary + Hickman were equally lauded and derided by bluegrass fans during their '70s and '80s heyday, a telltale sign that they're something worth listening to". - Charles Spano

Dan Crary (guitar); Skip Conover (dobro); John Hickman (banjo); Byron Berline (mandolin, fiddle, viola)

Buy Here

Nick 13 debut - pre-order now

We are excited to announce that you can pre-order Nick 13's brand new solo record right now over at www.nick13.com. Nick 13 blends classic honky-tonk, California country, rockabilly and Americana. The record, out on June 7th, is available in some sweet limited edition vinyl.

Sarah Jarosz Full Album Stream on NPR First Listen

We are excited to announce that NPR Music is offering a full stream of Sarah Jarosz's May 17th release Follow Me Down on their website for the next couple of weeks!

Click here to listen to Follow Me Down in its entirety. Make sure to add a comment at the bottom of the page, and share the link with your friends on Facebook and Twitter!

Tara Nevins Releases "Wood and Stone"

Tara Nevins is a versatile, experienced, and creative force in the roots music community. Having spent twenty-one years at the helm of Donna The Buffalo, she has continually refined her songwriting and performing style to embrace a mixture of influences, from old-time and bluegrass to zydeco, blues, and rock and roll. Wood And Stone, her first solo release in twelve years, showcases her ever-evolving repertoire as she journeys both back to her own “roots” and headlong into new territory.

Buy the album:

Itunes: http://www.itunes.com/taranevins
Amazon: http://amzn.to/lcEglg

Sarah Jarosz Album Bundle Pre-orders

You can now place your order for the new Sarah Jarosz album Follow Me Down - and choose from several bundles depending on your interests -- you can get album downloads, signed cds, vinyl, t-shirts, and a special deluxe bundle containing all the above plus a lyric sheet of a song from the album, handwritten by Sarah. All orders will include an instant download of two tracks from the record - "Annabelle Lee" and "Come Around"... orders will be delivered on or around May 17th.  Order here: www.sarahjarosz.com

Tara Nevins - Snowbird - Free MP3, instant download

To give you all a taste of her upcoming record Wood And Stone, Tara Nevins is giving away a fantastic old-timey track from the record, titled "Snowbird". You don't even need to enter an email address, just download and share!



Over on her facebook, Tara is giving away some signed copies of the vinyl record - all you have to do is help share the music! Check here for details: http://on.fb.me/e3lYgj

Download a free mp3 from Sarah Jarosz's upcoming release

Ready for some new music from Sarah Jarosz? Wait no longer! Download a free mp3 of "Annabelle Lee" from Sarah's upcoming release "Follow Me Down" - share the widget and make a comment here http://on.fb.me/dVN88r for a chance to win a signed vinyl copy of the album!

Nick 13 to release debut solo album June 7th on Sugar Hill

NICK 13 is a singer/songwriter whose work recalls the vintage American sounds of rockabilly, honky-tonk and classic California country music from the middle of last century – but while this vanishing world echoes in his music, 13 puts a modern twist on it all his own, not content with being retro. The Press Enterprise wrote, "He has the timbre of Chris Isaak, but the tone of a young Lyle Lovett, with some early Elvis and Ricky Nelson mixed in." Sugar Hill is proud to announce his debut album will be released June 7th.

Jim Lauderdale to Release Reason & Rhyme on Sugar Hill Records - June 21st

Can there be too much of a good thing? If the question’s about collaboration between American roots music hero Jim Lauderdale and legendary lyricist Robert Hunter, the answer’s an emphatic “no!” Marking the former’s debut on the respected Sugar Hill records label, Reason And Rhyme makes a compelling case for the continued vitality of the Lauderdale—Hunter partnership—and for Lauderdale’s unique and deeply satisfying approach to bluegrass. On June 21st, Lauderdale will release Reason And Rhyme, his first record ever on Sugar Hill Records.

Brian Wright Releases "House On Fire" to critical acclaim

Rising Americana songwriter Brian Wright released his latest effort "House On Fire" Tuesday March 29th.  The album is already gaining sterling reviews from Roughstock.com and NoDepression. Stream the whole album over at AOL Music or Click here to buy the full record.

Sarah Jarosz's sophomore release "Follow me Down" May 17th

Check out this amazing behind the scenes video of the new Sarah Jarosz album "Follow Me Down" out May 17 on Sugar Hill Records. Pre-sale info and album cover coming soon!!

Sugar Hill Invades SXSW Music Conference with Live Stream of Brian Wright

Check out Brian Wright’s session straight from Austin today...log on to www.MusicFog.com at 2:10pm CT (3:10pm ET / 12:10pm PT) to see his Music Fog Marathon set live from Threadgill's!

New Sugar Hill Records Website

We are excited to welcome you to the brand new Sugar Hill Records Website. Lots more to look at and play with than in the past... this will now be your one stop shop for everything Sugar Hill. We still have some work to do to get things all set up (you'll notice that our catalog is still lacking a lot of info), but we just wanted to get things up and running. Please bear with us during the transition, and keep an eye out as we add new features to make this place state-of-the-art!

Brian Wright "House on Fire" Presale

In the tradition of all the great songwriters on Sugar Hill Records, Waco, Texas-Born Singer-Songwriter (and newest Sugar Hill family member) Brian Wright will be releasing his brand new album “House On Fire” March 29th - and beginning NOW, you can place your order for the record. Brian, who now hangs his hat in Los Angeles, has toured with John Prine, Greg Laswell, Joe Purdy and Blues Traveler. His album is receiving great reviews, with No Depression calling it “The Best Record You Don’t Own”. 

Striking Matches Video

Click above to see this fantastic video for "Striking Matches" and if you like what you here preorder his album "House On Fire". You can order an album download for $7.99 (high quality MP3, Apple Lossless, or FLAC), and get a free, instant download of his exclusive EP "El Mono". Several other pre-sale packages are available, all for really good prices. 

Tara Nevins - Wood And Stone - coming in May

Tara Nevins is a versatile, experienced, and creative force in the roots music community. Having spent twenty-one years at the helm of Donna The Buffalo, she has continually refined her songwriting and performing style to embrace a mixture of influences, from old-time and bluegrass to zydeco, blues, and rock and roll. Wood And Stone, her first solo release in twelve years, showcases her ever-evolving repertoire as she journeys both back to her own “roots” and headlong into new territory.

Brian Wright - fantastic new video

Check out the new video for the song "Striking Matches". Great behind the scenes footage. Check out the new record "House On Fire" out on Sugar Hill Records March 29th. More info @ www.brianwrightmusic.com

Marty Stuart takes home the Grammy

Congrats to Marty Stuart on winning his 5th Grammy Award! His well-deserved win was for "Best Country Instrumental", for the fantastic track "Hummingbyrd" from his 2010 release Ghost Train: The Studio B Sessions. This track is Marty's tribute to guitar legend Clarence White - and Marty plays Clarence's legendary Telecaster on the recording, and in this video: