Nichol Robertson

Even though country music is maligned for the often-homogenous sounds of its top-selling artists, the genre remains home to some of the best instrumentalists in the world. It's always interesting when those players get a chance to stretch out on their own, and it's in that spirit that this Toronto guitar and banjo virtuoso has made his debut solo album. Robertson has been an in-demand sideman for years, and the 14 instrumentals on Stranger Things clearly prove why. Accompanied by other top-notch names on dobro, pedal steel, string bass and drums, Robertson creates a party atmosphere right from the first notes, and the versatility of the group soon becomes head-spinning as they weave their way through a wide range of classic country and bluegrass themes. Sprinklings of Latin lounge ("Yoodoo Juan") and pure twang ("Pentagram Rock") add further intrigue. Any fan of the Sadies needs to hear this record.