Last Friday, February 9, 2024, 14-time IBMA Award-winning bassist, vocalist, songwriter, and ArtistWorks bluegrass bass instructor, Missy Raines, released her fifth solo album as a bandleader entitled, Highlander.

Released via iconic record label Compass Records—known for their 20-year commitment to promoting and preserving roots, bluegrass, Celtic, Americana, and alternative music—Highlander features ten gorgeously thoughtful tracks, each showcasing Missy’s extensive knowledge of and deep passion for bluegrass music, making Highlander a bluegrass album for the ages.

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Missy gives a tip of the hat to the region of West Virginia where she grew up and developed her deep passion for bluegrass music. Working again with producer and fellow ArtistWorks instructor, Alison Brown, Missy and her touring band Allegheny are joined by a thoughtfully curated list of guests including Kathy Mattea, Laurie Lewis, Dudley Connell, Michael Cleveland, and Danny Paisley to create an album that at once honors Missy’s deep bluegrass roots even as she cultivates them.

“Making this record and having this band has been sort of a homecoming,” Missy explains. “I’m at a point in my life where I’ve been able to look back at what I’ve gone through, what I’ve done, and the path I ultimately wanted to take.”

Stand-out tracks on Highlander include “Who Needs a Mine,” a Missy original that reflects on the impact of the opioid crisis in West Virginia featuring fellow West Virginian Kathy Mattea, “I Would Be a Blackbird” featuring fellow female bluegrass pioneer Laurie Lewis, and the album’s first single “These Ole Blues” with bluegrass icon Danny Paisley sharing vocal duties with Missy.

“I love so many different kinds of music,” explains Missy. “But, I cannot describe how bluegrass affects me, and why it affects me so deeply.”

Head to Missy’s website here to learn more and purchase the album.

LEARN MORE:

Have you always wanted to learn how to play the upright bass? Through our comprehensive online upright bass lessons and Video Exchange Learning platform here at ArtistWorks, you can learn from internationally renowned musicians, like Missy Raines, and get personal feedback on your playing.

Missy's bluegrass bass course starts with the basics and teaches everything from beginner upright bass methods to advanced performance techniques, classic bluegrass tunes, music theory, and beyond. So, whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or advanced player, all levels are welcome and all students will grow and improve their skills as bassists and musicians.

Sample some free music lessons here and see what makes ArtistWorks courses some of the best online music lessons around!

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