I suppose by this point that Lou Reid has enough street cred in the bluegrass world to write his own set of rules. This new recording doesn’t really rewrite any rules though. It’s more a matter of Lou recording the music as he hears it.

My Own Set Of Rules is Lou’s 8th album in 17 years, and more than any other, this album most completely reflects Lou’s personal musical tastes.

I believe, as a whole, that this project encompasses more of my personal musical taste than any recording I have put out to date. The songs bring in all the elements of bluegrass that I love; the contemporary, traditional and the gospel.

Lou gives us an accurate description of the CD. The music is rooted in tradition, while maintaining a contemporary sensibility. The songs include both traditional and original songs of love and loss, songs about daddy and mama, and several gospel numbers, including one a cappella and one instrumental.

Fans of Lou Reid should enjoy this CD quite a bit. I know I certainly enjoyed hearing Lou revisit a song I always enjoyed hearing him sing with the Seldom Scene, In Despair. And his singing is excellent on the entire CD. Lou’s wife Christy takes a turn on one song, as does the band’s guitarist, Shannon Slaughter.

You may have already heard the first track from the CD, Amanda Lynn, which was released to radio last month. Below I’ve included a short clip of that song, and the last track, A Tall Cornstalk.

The CD was released late last month and should be available wherever you normally purchase your bluegrass music, or you can buy it direct from Lou Reid & Carolina.

Here are three chances to catch some live bluegrass – and a live interview – via online radio Saturday (8/15).

Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper will be featured in a special Saturday afternoon edition of Blue Plate Special on WDVX. This is a live performance program which typically airs Monday-Friday at noon from either the WDVX studio or the Square Room in Knoxville. This show, however, is a live remote from The Olde Mill Square in Pigeon Forge, TN.

Van Eaton & Friends will also appear, starting at noon. You can catch WDVX over the air at 102.9 FM in and around Knoxville, and online at wdvx.com.

WBRF in Galax, VA will have an interview with Lou Reid & Carolina during the 8:00 p.m. hour of their Blue Ridge Backroads show. Host Judith Burnette will have Lou and the band on hand to discuss their new CD, My Own Set Of Rules.

The station broadcasts at 98.1 in Galax and online at blueridgecountry98.com.

The Grand Ole Opry also has a number of bluegrass acts on the bill for Saturday night. The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band will be on the show, along with The Infamous Stringdusters and Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys.

Look for The Dirt band to highlight material from their upcoming CD, Speed Of Life.

The Saturday Opry runs from 8:00-10:00 p.m., broadcast on WSM AM 650 from Nashville, and online at wsmonline.com.

All times indicated are EDT.

Lou Reid & Carolina have signed with Rural Rhythm Records, who will release their next CD, My Own Set Of Rules, later this summer. Lou produced the new album which was recorded in early 2009.

Reid works as guitarist/vocalist with Seldom Scene and does limited dates with his own group where he plays mandolin and sings. Joining him in Carolina are Trevor Watson on banjo, Shannon Slaughter on guitar and Christy Reid on bass. Ron Stewart also adds fiddle to the new CD.

Lou is pleased with the new project.

"I believe, as a whole, that this project encompasses more of my personal musical taste than any recording I have put out to date. The songs bring in all the elements of bluegrass that I love; the contemporary, traditional and gospel.  We played with each song, working on arrangements and specifically the harmonies. We all shared different ideas – getting each song where it needed to be."

Rural Rhythm will include a single from the upcoming Reid release on their next Fresh Cuts & Key Tracks CDs (#5), shipping to radio before the end of May.

Lou Reid & Carolina have formally announced a band member change.

Kevin Richardson has left the band to pursue a full-time gig with the Larry Stephenson Band. Lou, Christy and Trevor have expressed their best wishes for Kevin as he makes this change.

Kevin had been with the band for the last six years, holding down the guitar gig and contributing to the vocals. It’s always a challenge to find someone new who fits your band’s style and vision, but Lou is excited about Shannon Slaughter, former guitarist and lead singer for the Lonesome River Band, joining the band.

Shannon will be singing some lead as well as harmony, including the bass vocal part on Lou’s trademark quartet numbers. Lou commented on the vocals after rehearsing with Shannon.

[Singing with Shannon is] a delight, Shannon sings with power, passion and his range is incredible, he is one of the best.

This isn’t the first time the two have sung together. Back in 2001 the two jammed together at the Galax Fiddler’s Convention.

I knew then that this guy could cut his gig, he could hold his own with anybody.

In addition to his vocal contributions, Lou is looking forward to taking advantage of Shannon’s excellent song writing skills when the band begins recording another band project later this year.

Carolina banjo player Trevor Watson has known Shannon for years and is excited about his joining the band.

Shannon and I have been friends for over 15 years, and we have played in many jams together. It’s great to finally be in a full time band together on the road, he is a powerful singer and guitar player who compliments our sound perfectly.

Shannon has been in a number of different bands, but he’s looking forward to performing with Lou Reid & Carolina.

Lou is on a very short list of my favorite vocalists and influences from very early on in my career. Trevor is one my absolute favorite banjo players and best friends. Combine that with Christy’s timing on the bass and excellent singjng‚Ķ.I’m just excited to be a part of Carolina and to play this music that I have listened to for the past 16 years! I look forward to traveling the road and I hope I can bring something to their stage show that everyone enjoys.

Check the band’s website for a show near you. And keep an eye out for them later this fall as they are scheduled to perform as part of an hour long episode of PBS’ Song of the Mountains, to be recorded on November 15 in Marion, VA.