Album Review: Punch Brothers - The Phosphorescent Blues

The Punch Brothers have always been a leading force in progressive bluegrass and in their latest album, The Phosphorescent Blues, they are expanding the boundaries - perhaps too far. No one can ever question the musicianship of Chris Thile (mandolin),  Gabe Witcher (violn), Noam Pikelny (banjo), Chris Eldridge (guitar), Paul Kower (bass) and with the album having been produced by T Bone Burnette, the musicianship is tight. However, for my tastes, the songs are too pop-ish and theme, if there is one, too disjointed. It's not until Boll Weevil, when the group returns to their bluegrass roots, is there a song I enjoy. Fans of the Punch Brothers will no doubt add this one to their collection, but I'm waiting for a more bluegrass feel. Cheer.

Garden & Gun Magazine's Back Porch Sessions

JJ Grey courtesy of
Garden & Gun Magazine

Today we received our weekly email from Garden & Gun Magazine and noticed a link to their Back Porch Sessions.  The current session is a solo acoustic set from JJ Grey sans Mofro, which includes Hide & Seek as well as some new tunes.Previous sessions include The Punch Brothers featuring Chris Thile and The Avett Brothers. Pretty cool.

Noam Pikelny (Punch Brothers) & Friends Tour

Next week we are pumped to see members of some of our favorite bands performing under the just started Noam & Friends Tour.  The tour is in support of Pikelny's latest CD, Beat The Devil and Carry A Rail - Noam Pikelny, which features Tim O'Brien, Jerry Douglas, Stuart Duncan, Chris Eldridge, & Mark Schatz. However the tour consists of Pikelny and fellow The Punch Brothers band mates Gabe Witcher and Chris Eldridge, Jesse Cobb from  The Infamous Stringdusters, and Aoife O’Donovan, of Crooked Still.  On Sunday December 11th, I plan on being at IOTA Club, in Arlington Virginia, to see these talented musicians. Here's the tour information to see if/when they are performing at your local music venue.

Noam Pikelny & Friends - The Station Inn Nashville, TN: Wednesday, December 07, 2011
Noam Pikelny & Friends - Barking Legs Theater Chattanooga, TN: Thursday, December 08, 2011
Noam Pikelny & Friends - Smith's Olde Bar Atlanta, GA: Friday, December 09, 2011
Noam Pikelny & Friends - The Evening Muse Charlotte, NC: Monday, December 10, 2011
Noam Pikelny & Friends - IOTA Club Arlington, VA: Sunday, December 11, 2011
Noam Pikelny & Friends - One Longfellow Square Portland, ME: Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Noam Pikelny & Friends - Brighton Music Hall Allston, MA: Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Noam Pikelny & Friends - Rockwood Music Hall New York, NY: Thursday, December 15, 2011
Noam Pikelny & Friends - Schubas Chicago, IL: Saturday, December 17, 2011 @ 8:00 PM