Raines, Missy – Highlander

Compass, CD,  2024

Missy Raines is a trailblazer in bluegrass. She is the most awarded bass player in the history of the International Bluegrass Music Association. On her new release HIGHLANDER, Raines 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 Alison Brown, she 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 Raines’ deep bluegrass roots even as she cultivates them.

Stand out tracks include “Who Needs a Mine,” a Raines 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 Raines.

“Raines’ stature as a true pioneer of her instrument and as a woman in the genre has given her a place to stand for generations to come, but Highlander proves she’s not interested in staying still. .” —No Depression

“Every song on the album shines with the radiant light of Raines’ devotion to and passion for capturing the intricacies and beauty of the bluegrass music that has shaped her and that she loves.” –Folk Alley

“Missy Raines must now be regarded as one of America’s leading bluegrass singer-songwriters.” —Country Music People Magazine UK