Claire Lynch - Crowd Favorites

Claire Lynch’s “Crowd Favorites,” an anthology, includes some of Lynch’s most popular songs from her long tenure with Rounder Records and features four new recordings.

The songs on the collection run the gamut stylistically from the traditional bluegrass of the Dennis Lindel-penned “Train Long Gone”, the country sounds of “Your Presence Is My Favorite Gift” and the cajun-infused “Thibodaux.”

Ten of the songs for the project were culled from Lynch’s previous Rounder offerings comprised from “Silver and Gold,” “Moonlighter,” “Love Light,” “Friends for a Lifetime” and “New Day.”

All four of the new songs were cut with Lynch’s backing band, consisting of Jim Hurst (guitar), Missy Raines (bass) and Jason Thomas (mandolin and fiddles).

“The Day That Lester Died” laments the passing of one of the pioneers of bluegrass music, Lester Flatt, and the affect it had on Lynch. It is a very moving tribute.

Claire Lynch Band L-R Claire Lynch, Jason Thomas, Missy Raines and Jim Hurst

The other three new songs on the project are derived from the Front Porch String Band era of Claire Lynch’s career and include “Hills of Alabam’” that relates the sacrifices of life on the road and the yearning for home. “Kennesaw Line,” written by Don Oja-Dunnaway,was inspired by the personal account of a Confederate foot soldier during the Civil War.

Claire Lynch and company’s inspired 8-minute version of “Wabash Cannonball” features the band cutting loose and exploring new and exciting ground instrumentally to great effect on this Roy Acuff signature tune. You won’t ever hear this song the same again.

The revelation throughout “Crowd Favorites” is that Lynch has remained true to her artistic vision throughout her career. The songs reveal a consistency such that they could’ve been recorded during a single session or two, not across a span of more than a decade.

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Blue Moon Rising has posted two brand new songs that will be released on their forthcoming CD (Lonesome Day Records) on the band’s MySpace page. “Where There’s A Road” that is currently set to be the bands first single from the album and the Chris West penned “The Hanging’ Tree.”

You can sample the new songs at www.myspace.com/bluemoonrising.

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The Kruger Brothers

The Shepherd Farm in North Wilkesboro, NC.was transformed this past weekend into the grounds for the fifth annual “Carolina in the Fall’ festival sponsored by The Kruger Brothers.

The farm was a beehive of activity as crews set up tents for the Oct. 19-20 event.

“It is always exciting to see the tents go up, because that means that festival time is quickly approaching,” noted Brenda Shepherd, festival director. The main stage is newly constructed with a tent covering the performance area. Tents were also placed for Petey’s Place Children’s Area, Jammin’ Tent, vendors and food vendors.The Carolina in the Fall Festival will continue with a new format introduced at the 2006 festival. The format included an extremely fluid stage schedule, with The Kruger Brothers performing with a diverse group of talented musician friends throughout the festival.

Based on the response from musicians and attendees, the 2007 schedule will reflect the same “Celebration” format and atmosphere. The basic premise of the very first festival was to expand the congenial atmosphere of the many nights that The Kruger Brothers played music and held impromptu jams in the basement of the Shepherd Home. In keeping with that initial festival goal, the festival schedule will, once again, be more relaxed and fluid this year.

Tut Taylor

The Kruger Brothers will feature friends such as Wayne Henderson, Maynard Holbrook, Clint Howard, Charles Welch, Lodi van Vlodrop, Andy Owens, Steve Kilby, Eric Ellis, Tut Taylor, and The Cockman Family. Spirit Fiddle and The Johnson Family (both favorites of the Shepherds) will also perform. There is no “backstage area” and The Kruger Brothers will enjoy visiting with fans, friends, and family and enjoying the “Celebration” atmosphere during stage breaks.

Friday night, Producer’s Night in Honor of Robert Shepherd, was well-received last year and will continue in 2007 as a concert length performance by The Kruger Brothers. BackPorch Bluegrass, a local group influenced by The Kruger Brothers and favorites of The Shepherd Family will perform on Friday night as well.

On Friday, Oct. 19, the gates open at 5 p.m. and the music starts at 6 p.m.

On Saturday, the gates open at 10:30 a.m.,with the Kruger Brothers Workshop starting at 11:30 a.m. and the festival schedule beginning at 1 p.m.

Tickets for Friday are $15 in advance and $20 at the gate. Tickets for Saturday are $20 in advance and $25 at the gate. Tickets may be purchased by calling 336-667-5344. Additional information is available on the festival website (www.CarolinaInTheFall.com).

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