From the outside this house nestled in a neighborhood on the outskirts of Lancaster doesn’t seem large enough to hold a concert event. But upon entering the front door of Jason and Susanne Mundok, you are greeted by a living room crowded with people socializing over food and drink while they wait for the music to begin. And it isn’t long before the host of the evening makes his way to the new arrivals and greets them with a smile and “Thanks for coming!”

Indiana born and raised, Jason Wilber is mostly known as a guitar player. Since getting the gig (some might say, dream gig) playing for legendary singer/songwriter John Prine fourteen years ago, Wilber has served in the same role for a virtual “Who’s Who” of Americana singer/songwriters. Iris DeMent, Greg Brown and Todd Snider are just a few of the artists that Jason has backed up over the past decade or so.

This is the first full-length release from the Mark DeRose Band, following their self-titled EP. Although I’m not usually big on live records, the EP left me wanting to hear more from this group and they do not disappoint.

Although he is just 19 years old, on his first CD—“Bottom”—Ryan Wickersham already seems to have the ability and taste of an artist much older. He shows ability because the songwriting and performances on this album are not only of a high caliber, but also demonstrate the chops of someone with much more experience. Not only musical experience, either.

On their debut CD Vinegar Creek Constituency does not misstep. The group’s vocals are great, built around the lead vocals of guitarist Leonardo DiSanto, and their instrumental work is tight and supportive. Because their instrumentation is that of a traditional bluegrass group, the temptation is to put them in that box (Winning the first Delfest bluegrass band competition doesn’t hurt!), but that doesn’t begin to cover what they do.

So, I pop in this four-song EP by Mark DeRose and band, a follow-up to his excellent full-length CD “tales from the Sandcastle Kingdom.” I’m listening to the first song—“Breathing Life”—and I’m thinking to myself, “Good tune,” but then about 50 seconds in the chorus hits and, WOW! Suddenly the record lifts into another gear and the rest of the CD lives up to that first chorus. The only problem I can find with it is that when it was over, I wanted more.

Although I’ve heard about the band, listening to this CD is my first actual exposure to Slimfit. And if it’s true that first impressions are lasting ones, well then, my first impression is that they are a fun-loving band who takes the music they make seriously, but not themselves. There is joy in this record: the joy of friendship, the joy of making music and the joy of creativity.

An excellent debut from singer/songwriter Scott McKenna. Opening with a lovely instrumental number titled “Just the Beginning” and closing with the ballad “So Far,” McKenna delivers with solid songs and expressive singing throughout. With the exception of the Celtic-flavored “Lies” (which should get you up and dancing), this CD fits right into the folk/pop category along with Dave Matthews Band, Duncan Sheik and early John Mayer.