Three of Pinecastle records new and notable releases. To hear song samples from these new releases, there will be a link at the end of each review. To go to the Artist's website (Where applicable) simply click on the CD Covers. To purchase the CDs, the links will be after each review. If you want to see and hear more of the great artists Pinecastle Records has to offer click on their logo, or check the bottom of this page for more Pinecastle Records reviews done by me in the pages of Rikks Revues.

The reviews here are quick and short, they simply needed to be heard, so here they are for you. 

Charlie Waller and the Country Gentlemen

Since their start in 1957, Charlie Waller has been the backbone of The Country Gentlemen. Before it was part of the norm, The Country Gentlemen were using both popular music artist's songs like Bob Dylan, and mixing in the modern country sound with the bluegrass roots. It may have seemed strange at the time but since the 1950s, bluegrass music has survived where many thought it would be cast aside for the modern country music sound. One very simple reason that bluegrass music survived and is still around today is in part because of the doors that Charlie Waller & The Country Gentlemen opened remain open today.

This time around, approaching 50 years later, Charlie Waller draws on the songs of American Pride, and of the fighting men that fight and die for their country, along with the honest working man. Songs of the American Spirit sees the newest incarnation of the Country Gentlemen drawing from some of America's, and Country and Bluegrass Music's best known songwriters. Of particular interest here are the arrangement of Merle Haggard's "Fighting Side Of Me", Dixie and Tom T Hall's story of "Joe" and Grandpa Jones' "Stay In The Wagon Yard".

There will be fans of bluegrass enjoying the music of the Country Gentlemen for years to come, and my friends the respect for Charlie Waller is well deserved, this is a true slice of Americana!

Play sample clip of "Fighting Side Of Me"

Charlie Waller Passes Away, read Press Release, click here!

Jesse McReynolds
And the Virginia Boys

52 years ago two young music makers Jim and Jesse McReynolds debuted on Capitol Records. The two remained true to their musical roots from that point forward. Jim McReynolds has passed on, however Jesse keeps the memory alive in the music. Jim and Jesse McReynolds have recorded for numerous labels since their humble beginning, but they have never veered from their original sound. On the contrary, Jim and Jesse are one of the many bluegrass acts that have always held their roots close at hand, even without Jim, Jesse McReynolds continues to travel the legendary road. 

Celebrating 40 years on the Grand Old Opry, New Horizons is a stunning musical journey. From the upbeat opening of "There's More Pretty Girls Than One" , New Horizons remains steadfast to the style and sound you would expect. Songs of note included on this 14 song offering are Jesse McReynolds own "America On Bended Knees" which poses the question, With all that's going on, does God see the goodness or the blackness in the heart of the nation. A splendid "Paradise" that is not only a John Prine classic, John Prine also makes an appearance, and the Ira Louvin penned track "New Partner Waltz" is also memorable.

Pinecastle Records is to be commended for keeping the heart and soul of true and honest bluegrass music alive. Jesse McReynolds and the Virginia Boys have released an historic effort with New Horizons. 

Play MP3 Clip of "Paradise"

Darin Aldridge

As a member of the newest incarnation of the legendary Country Gentlemen, Darin Aldridge has already proven himself as a vocalist and musician playing the mandolin and guitar. Darin Aldridge also draws from the same well as the original Country Gentlemen, the process of choosing songs brings songs from various genres into his mix. At 27 years old, Darin Aldridge has already begun to leave his mark in the world of Bluegrass music. This CD is not completely a country music recording, it also has some straight forward country like Skip Ewing's "Coast Of Colorado" where the harmonies of Darin Aldridge and Amanda Smith are spectacular. 

Darin Aldridge has also emerged as a great songwriter with 6 of the 13 songs here co-written by Darin Aldridge. This is roots country and bluegrass meeting contemporary country and Americana. You will not be disappointed with the performance here, this is a grade A disk. There are a number of songs here that stand at attention, one being Bruce Carroll's spiritual "Driving Nails" , Michael Burgess' "Broken Chains" and the original "Stained Glass Tears". Another of the young blood determined to keep Bluegrass music alive, Darin Aldridge has offered up a winner.

Play mp3 clip of Darin Aldridge "Stained Glass Tears"

That is only three of the noteworthy releases from Pinecastle Records.

More Pinecastle Records releases reviewed by Rikks Revues are below, click on the name and be transported to more great bluegrass and roots music from talented Pinecastle Records artists.

Michelle Nixon and Drive - it's my turn

Josh Williams - Lonesome Highway

The Churchmen On The Journey - Home

Jim Hurst and Missy Raines - Synergy

Pinecastle Records