Bluegrass Brilliance: Pickin’, Grinnin’, and New Horizons
One of the standout banjo players at Chattanooga’s 2025 IBMA World of Bluegrass was Gena Britt, a founding member of the powerhouse band Sister Sadie. With a stellar solo reputation spanning over 30 years, this acclaimed picker—nominated again for IBMA Banjo Player of the Year—has teamed up with Mountain Home Music Company for her first solo album in nearly six years. Streets, Rivers, Dreams & Heartaches delivers her signature virtuosic banjo work and soulful vocals, but it also showcases an artist evolving, blending traditional bluegrass with fresh creative edges.
“I am so grateful to Mountain Home for believing in me and allowing me to create this music that I’m so very proud of,” Britt shares enthusiastically. “The musicians and singers I assembled for this project sound so good together! We first played in an all-star configuration at the Station Inn, and it was so much fun that I wanted to continue that in the studio. These guys and gals truly poured their hearts and souls into these songs, and I cannot wait for the world to hear them!”
The album features award-winning fiddler Jason Carter and his former Travelin’ McCourys/Del McCoury Band mate Alan Bartram (acoustic bass, harmony vocals), alongside singer-guitarist John Meador (Vince Gill Band) and rising mandolin star Jonathan Dillon. Additional contributions come from East Nash Grass’s Jeff Partin (resonator guitar), Dillon’s Red Camel Collective bandmate and award-winning singer Heather Berry Mabe, Balsam Range’s Caleb Smith, The Isaacs’ Ben Isaacs, and old-time banjoist Tina Steffey.
This collection paints a vivid portrait of an artist rooted in authentic bluegrass she’s mastered and shaped for decades, yet bold enough to push boundaries. Streets, Rivers, Dreams & Heartaches proves Gena Britt is hitting her musical prime—pre-save it now ahead of its November 7 release. Get it here: https://clg.lnk.to/gb-SRDH
Speaking of IBMA triumphs, my friends in The Kody Norris Show are riding high after winning the 2025 Video of the Year for “The Auctioneer.” Hot on its heels, they’ve released their latest music video for the single “Silver Eagle” from their new album Highfalutin Hillbilly. Bursting with personality and charm, the clip follows Kody and his sweetheart Mary Rachel on the road—until she eyes greener pastures (all in good fun, of course). It even boasts a surprise guest appearance by Grand Ole Opry member and country legend T. Graham Brown. For more bluegrass flair and tour info, head to thekodynorrisshow.com.
