1 of 3
Ricky Skaggs
2 of 3
Cheyenne Mize
3 of 3
Melophobia
From folk to rock and bluegrass to jazz, albums by Kentucky musicians make great stocking stuffers. Here are a few reviews to get you in the musical gift-giving mood:
Cluck Ol’ Hen
Ricky Skaggs and Bruce Hornsby
2013
Kentucky bluegrass master Ricky Skaggs has teamed up with jazz pianist Bruce Hornsby for a series of concerts and a live album, and Skaggs has taken his band Kentucky Thunder along for the ride. And a smooth ride it is. The performances on Cluck Ol’ Hen are polished and full of bluegrass songs with a jazzy edge, and jazz tunes with some bluegrass twang. A good mix.
Among the Grey
Cheyenne Mize
2013
Louisvillian Cheyenne Mize won Singer/Songwriter of the Year at the 2013 Louisville Music Awards based on the strength of her new album Among the Grey. Mize has been working solo and in various bands for a while now, including Maiden Radio. While the music has been more along the folk lines, Among the Grey showcases a tougher, rock-oriented side of her music.
Melophobia
Cage the Elephant
2013
Bowling Green’s own Cage the Elephant has released its third album, Melophobia, which is garnering good reviews. The band’s lively mix of pop and rock is evident, and there was enough buzz about the new album that it was a featured new release in larger retail chains when it came out in October.