The latest effort from noted bluegrass music author Neil Rosenberg, The Music Of Bill Monroe, which Richard Thompson profiled for us late last year, is now shipping from the University of Illinois Press. It was written in conjunction with the late Charles Wolfe.

This is what might be described as a bio-discography, including a complete listing of the many Monroe commercial recordings, along with biographical essays. The book had originally been meant for a Fall 2006 release, but was delayed until just recently. The publisher told us that the distributor began shipping pre-orders and dealer orders on May 29.

Neil mentioned that he will be attending the Bill Monroe Bean Blossom festival which starts next weekend (6/9-16), and will have copies with him available for sale.