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R.K. Watkins
Jim Lauderdale & The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys
The Long and Lones-ome Letting Go
Bluegrass became part of Lauderdale’s oeuvre decades ago through his collaborations with Ralph Stanley and Roland White. East Tennessee’s Grammy-nominated Po’ Ramblin’ Boys, admired for their fresh, energetic, and tradition-based sound, prove to be perfect partners. While Lauderdale co-wrote all 12 songs, Ramblin’ Boys guitarist Josh Rinkel co-wrote six, all outstanding. The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys…
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R.K. Watkins
Jessi Colter
Edge of Forever
After husband Waylon Jennings’ death 22 years ago, Jessi Colter resumed her recording and performing career with several albums that explored styles within and beyond the “outlaw” sound she shared with him. This time, however, producer Margo Price, an acclaimed contemporary singer/songwriter in her own right, and members of her rock-solid band steer Colter in…
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R.K. Watkins
Gibson Firebirds
Say the words “custom color” to a collector or enthusiast and most will think of “Fender.” But Gibson had its own multicolored baby – the Firebird. Born in 1963 and put to rest in ’69, the Firebird was Gibson’s third full-line attempt at the solidbody market. While it did not do as well as the…
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R.K. Watkins
Custom-Color Stratocasters
The Stratocaster was born in 1954. A solidbody with three pickups, contoured back and top, vibrato, and bolt-on neck, it was different. And it changed the way people looked at, thought of, heard, and played guitar. With the exception of opera and classical music, it has played a considerable role in modern music. Over the…
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R.K. Watkins
Kendrick 2210
Big things come in small packages
The shipping box reads “Delicate Instrument,” but don’t let that fool you. The Kendrick 2210 is delicate in same way that a surgical scalpel or nitro glycerine are. With explosive power and tone to carve up amps twice its size, this amp is at home in a recording studio or small- to middle-size club. Last…
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R.K. Watkins
Kendrick 2210
Big things come in small packages
The shipping box reads “Delicate Instrument,” but don’t let that fool you. The Kendrick 2210 is delicate in same way that a surgical scalpel or nitro glycerine are. With explosive power and tone to carve up amps twice its size, this amp is at home in a recording studio or small- to middle-size club. Last…
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R.K. Watkins
Tinsley Ellis
A True Keg-Party Jammer
It may be the southernmost point in the country, but growing up in southern Florida is neither exciting or exotic for most people (sorry Miami Vice). While things can be downright mundane, it does give you time to invent your own entertainment. Growing up and coming of age in the early ’70s, Tinsley Ellis’ youth…
