Now Available – Episode #12 of A Bluegrass and Old Time Music Radio Show

A new episode (12th) of my one-hour “Bluegrass and Old Time Music Radio Show” in now available. The show is broadcast four times every Saturday: 7-8 am, 9-10 am, 11 am to noon and 1-2 pm Eastern Time. Remember, if you’re busy and can’t listen to the show, it is also available for download as an mp3 file and as a podcast.

Episode #12 features a preview of a new CD album entitled, “The Train Don’t Run Here Anymore” by James Christian and the Oriskany Strings. Using individual band member tracks taken during the recording session, I analyze one song so listeners can appreciate the contribution of each member to the entire sound of the band. Here’s more information about this new CD:

The Oriskany Strings just released a new CD on the Catawba Records label, featuring the songs of James (Junior) Christian, a well-known musician and songwriter from New Castle, Virgina. The CD is called The Train Don’t Run Here Anymore, after the title song written by Christian. A portion of the proceeds from sales of the CD will be donated to the Craig County Rescue Squad located in New Castle, Virgina where band members Rita, Dick, Carol and Jack are volunteer medical technicians.

The songs written by Christian reveal a man of faith with a big heart and a deep love of nature. Many of them express a longing for simpler days and rural life and have themes that will resonate with residents of this area of Virginia or with anyone who loves country living. The varied collection features gospel songs, love songs, and even “history” songs. The nostalgic title song, “The Train Don’t Run Here Anymore,” is about the old steam train that used to run from Eagle Rock to New Castle, hauling iron ore, mail and passengers, and about the lifestyle that disappeared with the train and the mining company that supported it. The CD cover has a photo of the old steam train and the insert has old photos of the New Castle, Eagle Rock and Oriskany train stations.

“Junior is best-known for being the lead singer and guitar/banjo player with the Craig County Boys for over 30 years, but not so many people know that he is also an excellent songwriter,” said Carol Lewis of the Oriskany Strings. “He is a real poet! He plays with our band when his schedule permits, since our lead singer Gene Guilliams had several strokes and is not able to play guitar anymore. On this new release we wanted to feature some of the many songs Junior has written, and also show off his great country voice and guitar playing, with the Oriskany Strings backing him up with our harmonies and instruments. Even though most of the songs on the CD aren’t really old ones, Junior’s music does have an old-time sound. It’s a different type of project for us, and we’re very pleased with how it turned out.”

The CD also has three songs by other songwriters, old favorites that fit in well with Junior’s songs, according to Lewis. “We hope The Train Don’t Run Here Anymore will appeal to our audience and also to the many fans who like the Craig County Boys’ music,” she said. “Although this CD is not a traditional bluegrass sound, it’s sweet-sounding music with a definite old-fashioned flavor.”

The Train Don’t Run Here Anymore will be available for purchase for $15 at a number of local stores, at Oriskany Strings performances, and on the internet at www.cdbaby.com/oriskanystrings4.