1 The Santa Fe All-Stars
Here’s a recipe for great music: Take some of the most talented and varied artists from around town and have each of them bring their own personal influences together for a slice of country, bluegrass and rock perfection.
I speak, of course, about The Santa Fe All-Stars. How could you possibly go wrong with the likes of Joe West, Sharon Gilchrist, Susan Hyde Holmes and Ben Wright? Obviously you can’t, Santa Fe, because here we are. West is a born country troubadour, with a slight air of rock about him; Gilchrist is a mandolin champion; Ben Wright is just a straight musical genius; and Susan Hyde Holmes is a bassist like no other. More of a fall and winter outfit due to summer touring schedules with their full-time projects, the All-Stars has released a self-titled EP on Frogville Records. “I’m glad it’s only an EP. That way people will want more from us,” Hyde Holmes says.
Since the band is, in reality, a side project for all members, shows are rare and not to be missed. Don’t forget Santa Fe has musicians just as good as anywhere else. Better even.
2 Hundred Year Flood
3 Bill Hearne