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Upated: January 1, 2007
CD REVIEWS
MURIEL ANDERSON - Harp Guitar Christmas
MURIEL ANDERSON - Wildcat
RILEY BAUGUS - Long Steel Rail
BAWN in the MASH - Welcome to the Atomic City
LEON BIBB & ERIC BIBB - Praising Peace: A Tribute to Paul Robeson
DALE ANN BRADLEY - Catch Tomorrow
BRESSLER BROTHERS - 40 Years of Memories and Grass
BRESSLER BROTHERS - Taste of Life
SAM BUSH - Laps In Seven
CADILLAC SKY - Blind Man Walking
CASEY & CHRIS and the TWO STRINGERS - Get Along Girl
JON CHRISTOPHER DAVIS - self-titled
THE CIRCUIT RIDERS - Let the Ride Begin
MICHAEL CLEVELAND - "Let 'Er Go Boys!"
THE CLIFFHANGERS - On The Edge: Traditional Old-Time Fiddle Tunes
JACK COOKE - Sittin' On Top of the World
THE JOHN COWAN BAND - New Tattoo
CROSS-EYED ROSIE - Adjusted
J.D. CROWE & THE NEW SOUTH - Lefty's Old Guitar
DAVID DAVIS AND THE WARRIOR RIVER BOYS - Troubled Times
DUHKS - Migrations
EMMONS SISTERS - Possibilities
EMMONS SISTERS - Turning Point
DAVE EVANS - Pretty Green Hills
RAYMOND FAIRCHILD - Smoky Mountain Christmas
FROM THE HEARTLAND - Lift Me A Little Higher
JOHN FLYNN - Two Wolves
FRITTS FAMILY - One More Mountain
THE GRASS SERIES (15 CDs)
THE GRASS SERIES (15 CDs)
CLARENCE GREENE and TONYA LOWMAN featuring Jeff Sommerow - Don't Forget Me
MICHAEL JOHNATHON - Evening Song
MARK JOHNSON & EMORY LESTER - Acoustic Rising
KACEY JONES - sings mickey newbury
JIM LAUDERDALE - Bluegrass
LAURIE LEWIS & The Right Hands - The Golden West
DEBRA LYN - I Can't Remember to Forget You
MIKE MARSHALL & HAMILTON DE HOLANDA - New Words Novas Palavras
GEORGE McCLURE - Playboy Swing
THE DEL McCOURY BAND - The Promised Land
McCOY GRASS - The Best Is Yet To Come
MONTANA MANDOLIN SOCIETY - Dance of the Sandhill
THE MORGANTOWN ROUNDERS - self-titled
MOUNTAIN MUSIC MACHINE - The Human Condition ...
THE OLD TIME BLUEGRASS SINGERS - Threads
THE OVERALL BROTHERS - self-titled
ELLIS PAUL - Essentials
JAMES REAMS & WALTER HENSLEY and the BARONS OF BLUEGRASS ...
DON RENO & RED SMILEY with BILL HARRELL & THE TENNESSEE CUT-UPS - Together Again
DON RIGSBY & Midnight Call - Hillbilly Heartache
ROADSIDE CAFÉ - Grand Opening
IVAN ROSENBERG - Clawhammer and Dobro
DARRELL SCOTT - The Invisible Man
SILVERBIRCH - Out On A Limb
RICKY SKAGGS & KENTUCKY THUNDER - Instrumentals
KENNY & AMANDA SMITH BAND - Tell Someone
VALERIE SMITH & LIBERTY PIKE - Wash Away Your Troubles
JOHN STARLING & CAROLINA STAR - Slidin' Home
STAY TUNED - Self-titled
LARRY STEPHENSON - Life Stories
JIMMY STURR - The Greatest Hits of Polka!
TANGLEWEED - Where You Been So Long?
THE TALLBOYS - Yeah Buddy
TODD TAYLOR - 3-FIVE-N
ANDY THORN - Bolin Creek
TIME FOR THREE - We Just Burned This For You
TOWN MOUNTAIN - Original Bluegrass and Roots Country
VARIOUS ARTISTS - Celebration of Life: Musicians Against Childhood Cancer
VARIOUS ARTISTS - Feel Like My Time Ain't Long: An A Cappella Gospel Collection
VARIOUS ARTISTS - Harlan County USA: Songs of the Coal Miner's Struggle
VARIOUS ARTISTS - North To Ontario
VARIOUS ARTISTS - Viva! Terlingua! Nuevo! Songs of Luckenbach Texas
THE WILDERS - Throw Down
WINDY CREEK - Take Me Back to the Mountains
TIME FOR THREE -
We Just Burned This For You
astralsvc@astralartists.org OR ranaan@hotmail.com
www.astralartisticservices.org OR www.timeforthree.com
Phone: 215-735-6999
www.tf3.com OR www.myspace.com/timeforthree
Playing Time - 41:17
Recorded live in concert at Bowling Green University (Ohio) on
January 13, 2006, this adventurous "multi-genre power trio" has a
unique affinity for (and the skill to effortlessly present) both
old-time fiddling and classical music. It's often said that artists
from one genre can't capture the heart and soul of the other. Many
bluegrass musicians play by ear, without classical training, and
their music is passed down from generation to generation with a
certain degree of rusticity in a folkloric fashion. Proficient
sight-reading classical musicians focus on technique, tone and
timing, often to make them better orchestra musicians. Time for Three
is a bold and courageous trio of young musicians with two violins and
upright bass. Zachary DePue, Nicolas Kendall, and Ranaan Meyer met
and formed the trio while enrolled at the Curtis Institute of Music.
Their self-titled debut album was released in late-2002. They perform
regularly, at a variety of venues and festivals, and with many
symphony orchestras. Their chutzpah is both a mix of strong
self-assurance with a little impudence on the side. Thus, this
pluckish trio is proving to be wildly entertaining.
With considerable shows under their belts, their repertoire shows
that these lyrical players can continue to evoke great emotional
electricity. It's interesting to compare this 2006 live concert with
many of the same old-time fiddling, bluegrass, Gypsy and classical
pieces released just over three years before. I don't sense any
boredom in their playing of the selections. If anything, their
youthful exuberance many push a few of them ("Csardas" or "Ragtime
Annie" or "Orange Blossom Special") into high-stepping tempos that
certainly have plenty of get-up-and-go but may actually lose some of
their emotion and passion as a result of their speed.
Opening with "Shenandoah," their considerable pluck and fine bow work
transition into a Ranaan Meyer's original, "Foxdown." Father of
Bluegrass Bill Monroe's "Jerusalem Ridge" about an area he hunted for
fox near Rosine, Ky. is given a snappy arrangement with such tempo
that the Celtic sounds that Monroe wanted to reflect with the minor
key have been sacrificed for improvisational jazz-like sensibilities.
As with their earlier album, Meyer's bass and some train sound
effects provide the prelude for an "Orange Blossom Special" that is
then propelled into a locomotive mood. Time for Three's live 2006
show only offered Jay Ungar's "Ashoken Farewell" (used as the theme
for the PBS Civil War series), instead of incorporating it into a
medley with "Amazing Grace" as they'd done before. Smooth handling of
their violin bows allow the virtuoso musicians to intimately convey
Ranaan Meyer's original "Thunderstomp," a highlight of this concert.
"The Bach Double" features just DePue and Kendall in a warm, weaving
conversation, while Brahm's "Hungarian Dance No. 5" moves at a fast
clip. They used to have a longer arrangement that segued from solo
bass to the selection's rhythmic intensity.
The eclectic trio Time for Three demonstrates power, virtuosity,
cohesion, and kinship. They would clearly be role models to other
younger musicians taking up strings. They have some standard
crowd-pleasers that are presented live. I encourage them to continue
writing their own music, looking for new material to arrange, and
pushing the envelope into uncharted territory.
A faculty member at their alma mater, award-winning composer Jennifer
Higdon, has been commissioned to create a contemporary work for the
trio, scheduled to premier in early 2008. And, as they move quickly
to even greater acclaim, I hope Time For Three won't be afraid to
slow down just a tad to tap the emotional depth and personalities of
some of the more familiar or less challenging melodies that they've
played for years. (Joe Ross)
ANDY THORN -
Bolin Creek
Thornpipe Productions, No number
http://www.myspace.com/andythornbluegrass
EMAIL Athorn82@yahoo.com
Playing Time - 50:49
SONGS - Bolin Creek, I Wonder How The Old Folks Are At Home, The Only
Survivor, Garris, All That I Can Take, Old Cold Waltz, Leavin' Town,
Winter's Mourning, Up Above, The Snake, Sundog, Shape I'm In, Star of
Munster, Tumbleweed
Tony Trischka advises us to "keep our eyes and ears on" young
twenty-something progressive banjo-player Andy Thorn from Durham, NC.
Thorn's debut album, recorded in his living room over the course of a
4-day period in late-2005, gives us a taste of his proficient
playing, enthusiastic singing, and competent songwriting. Back in the
old days, recording an album at this point in a musician's career
would be cost-prohibitive, but the availability of inexpensive home
recording equipment has now changed that. Besides convening some hot
pickers, the 2003 Rockygrass banjo champion (and band contest winner)
has also brought his performing experience with the Broke Mountain
Bluegrass Band, Big Fat Gap, UNC Jazz Band and Larry Keel to the
table. With minimal overdubbing on "Bolin Creek," Thorn organized
quite a bunch with considerable pedigree of their own -- Larry Keel
(guitar), Jenny Keel (bass), John Garris (fiddle), Mark Schimick
(mandolin), Jon Stickley (guitar) and Travis Book (bass). These
pickers are making their names with such up-and-coming groups as
Natural Bridge, Steep Canyon Rangers, Biscuit Burners, Big Fat Gap
and The Stringdusters.
Besides Andy singing lead on his own "All That I Can Take" and
"Tumbleweed," various other lead vocalists are called upon - Larry
Keel, Lauren Craig, Rick Hauchman, Mark Schimick, and Miles Andrews.
If there's a shortcoming on this album, it's that the vocals just
aren't up to the same standard as some of the instrumental prowess
demonstrated on original tunes like the title cut, "Garris,"
"Winter's Mourning," "Sundog," or J.D. Crowe's "Leavin Town." Check
out the triplets that Andy plays on the Irish reel, "Star of
Munster." There's a wide representation of banjodom here, and Andy's
nimble-fingered techniques are very sound with hammer-ons, pull-offs,
slides, bends, and rolls providing plenty of pluck. There's also some
very impassioned guitar, mandolin, fiddle and bass work on the album.
In the right hands, some of the original vocal numbers (e.g. "Up
Above" or "Old Cold Waltz") would be better served with fresh voices
covering them. Stickley's snare drum and whistle also appear in
"Tumbleweed," that has a refreshing melody but suffers from some
lyrical banality. Johnny Rivers' "The Snake" was done by Bill Emerson
and Cliff Waldron back in the 1960s who may have been looking for the
same kind of cross-genre success they achieved with their cover of
Manfred Mann's "Fox on the Run." Andy and company just don't quite
cut it the way Emerson and Waldron did. Still, there's plenty of
overall good-time energy and spirit on "Bolin Creek." I can tell they
had loads of fun making this CD, and Andy has also made a very
commanding statement about his potential. Like the quilt-draped
furniture and walls in his living room, Andy Thorn shows a fondness
for a patchwork of sounds that have a strong jamgrass footing. (Joe
Ross)
VARIOUS ARTISTS -
Celebration of Life: Musicians Against Childhood Cancer
Skaggs Family Records 6989090012
PO Box 2478, Hendersonville, TN. 37077
www.bluegrassclassic.com OR www.skaggsfamilyrecords.com
Playing Time - 71:47 (CD#1); 68:37 (CD#2)
It's easy to see how this 2-CD album has become one of bluegrass
music's top ten releases in 2006. Drawing material recorded live at
the 2000-2005 Musicians Against Childhood Cancer (MACC) Festival in
Columbus, Ohio, the project was inspired by executive producer and
musician Darrel Adkins. He and his wife Phyllis' beautiful
22-year-old daughter, Mandy, lost her battle to cancer (brain cell
tumor) in 2000. The non-profit MACC was formed, and the festival was
launched to raise funds for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in
Memphis, Tn. where treatment is dispensed for children with terminal
illness. Volunteering to play the July festival, 136 artists are
featured here. Most all of the big names in bluegrass are featured -
Rhonda Vincent, Grascals, Keeny & Amanda Smith Band, Wildfire, Lost &
Found, Larry Stephenson Band, Cherryholmes, Doyle Lawson, Tony Rice,
J.D. Crowe, 3 Fox Drive, Marty Raybon, Blue Highway, Alecia Nugent,
Lonesome River Band, Seldom Scene, and many more. Liner notes clearly
lay out the pickers and singers on each song.
There are some entertaining pickup groups featured too. A 7-minute
version of "Freeborn Man" features Dan Tyminski, Tony Rice, Bela
Fleck, Doyle Lawson and Barry Bales. Of similar length, a bluegrass
instrumental version of Gershwin's "Summertime" stars Bryan Sutton,
David Talbot, Ashby Frank, Terry Smith, Aubrey Haynie and Randy
Kohrs. Tony Rice introduces and dedicates his 11-minute solo and
reflective rendition of "Shenandoah," with a declaration that "every
musician is right here exactly where we are supposed to be doing
this."
This album has a ton of first-rate and captivating variety from the
bluegrass community, but I took special note of each and every song
that conveyed sentiments that could be construed as tributes to the
memory and inspiration of Mandy Adkins. Alan Bibey made a point of
dedicating his own "Side by Side" to Mandy. As Kenny & Amanda Smith
sing, "I know this love will last forever, I know where loves lives,
someday we'll always be together, living in Him." Kudos to Jack
Campitelli and Bob Kelley for a fine job of recording, mixing and
mastering the 37-tracks of absorbing music without any significant
audience applause or background noise. Mandy would be very gratified
by the result, and bluegrass music and this festival will just grow
even stronger. Why? In "The Healing Kind" written by himself and Greg
Luck, Ronnie Bowman sings "the pain just grows stronger everyday, I
think of you and I'm on my way, down memory lane with your hand in
mine, Œcuz I'm just not the healing kind." (Joe Ross)
RICKY SKAGGS & KENTUCKY THUNDER -
Instrumentals
Skaggs Family Records 6989010072
PO Box 2478, Hendersonville, TN. 37077
www.skaggsfamilyrecords.com
TEL. 615-952-9250 OR 615-264-8877
Playing Time - 47:32
I assumed that all eleven of these instrumentals were written by
Ricky Skaggs because liner notes didn't provide tune credits. A
little info from the label's publicist indicated that nine are new
compositions by multiple Grammy award-winner Skaggs. Also, the CD
jacket for this band's first-ever all-instrumental project has the
entire seven-piece band on the cover, but a few of the regular
members appear to be missing in the musical mix. Bios for Darrin
Vincent and Paul Brewster are provided, but I don't see them listed
in the credits. We do hear Ricky Skaggs (guitar, clawhammer banjo,
mandolin, percussion), Jim Mills (banjo), Cody Kilby (guitar), Andy
Leftwich (fiddle) and Mark Fain (bass). Guests include Jeff Taylor
(accordion, whistle), Andy Statman (clarinet), and the Nashville
String Machine with orchestration by Jim Gray on one cut.
No one can doubt the astonishing fluency with which these string
practitioners speak. While they have a strong preference for
moderate-tempo'ed offerings, they manage to create an eclectic state
of musical mind with tastes of old-time, Celtic, bluegrass, Dawg,
blues, jazz and classical idioms. Green hues of the Land of the
Shamrock color compositions like "Going to Richmond" and "Goin to the
Ceili." If a fusion of Celtic and Classical sounds are your cup o'
tea, listen to the embellished brogue provided by the Nashville
String Machine on "Crossing the Briney." With the band "playing their
thoughts" in a manner similar to how fiddler Vassar Clements used to,
"Missing Vassar" establishes a hillbilly jazz groove based on a
recurring lick that honors that musical philosopher. With a copious
amount of respect for another mandolinist (David Grisman), Ricky
Skaggs and the boys lay a hot little tune, "Dawg's Breath," on us.
The melody inhales and exhales with precision, bounce and pizzazz.
When "Gallatin Rag" begins, as on a few others, we clearly hear the
only minimal shortcoming in this album's music - some distraction
caused by Ricky's pick on his fingerboard. Statman embellishes that
offering with some euphonious clarinet. In Statman's hands, it
becomes clear why the instrument was once affectionately called the
"hot licorice stick" among swing musicians in the 1930s and 40s.
All in all, this album is a tasteful tune set with several
interpretive twists along the way. Performed by exceptional
musicians, the composite is a product that would make Bill Monroe
proud. They don't betray their bluegrass pedigree. Rather, their
adventurous vision provides a treasure trove of unique tunes. I'd
like to see some music notation and/or tablature for them so I can
learn a few favorites. (Joe Ross)
KENNY & AMANDA SMITH BAND -
Tell Someone
Rebel CD-1821
www.kenny-amandasmith.com or www.rebelrecords.com
Playing Time - 39:38
Kenny Smith started his music career playing Southern Gospel music in
churches. His rock solid guitar work with the Lonesome River Band
from 1995-2001 twice led to his winning IBMA's "Guitar Player of the
Year." Smith's solo project, "Studebaker," showcased his fine
songwriting and wife's soulful singing. A couple years have now
passed since Kenny and Amanda turned plenty of heads with their
defining bluegrass album, "Slowly but Surely" (Farm Boy FBR-1001),
that included band members Ronald Inscore, Jason Moore, Steve Huber,
and Ron Stewart. It helped formulate the band's original,
contemporary sound characterized by beautiful vocals, expert picking,
solid arrangements, excellent repertoire, and high recording quality.
It also resulted in the band winning IBMA's 2002 Emerging Artist of
the Year award.
A couple years later in 2004, the versatile Kenny & Amanda Smith Band
debuted on Rebel Records with their 2004 "House Down The Block"
project. Now, in 2006, their first gospel CD, "Tell Someone,"
introduces us to three new young musicians in the band - Jason
Robertson (mandolin), Jason Davis (banjo), Zachary McLamb (bass). All
three are very solid instrumentalists, but one minor complaint is
that I can hear some of McLamb's strings snapping on the fingerboard
of his bass, particularly on the up-tempo numbers. While some of that
would be acceptable in a secular bluegrass set, it can be a bit
distracting in a spiritually-tinged gospel set. Daniel Carwiles
fiddles on seven of the tracks. Most of the band's vocal arrangements
are sparse with only Kenny's tenor harmony below Amanda's lead vocal,
but six tracks add a third harmony line courtesy of Rhonda Vincent (1
cut) or Wayne Winkle (5 cuts). The opening cut, "Shoutin' Time,"
illustrates the similarity between Amanda's and Rhonda's voices as
they trade lead vocals on the first and second verses. Laying vocal
harmonies in below Amanda's high lead gives the band a personalized
sound.
The album features standards that Kenny and Amanda sang while growing
up in church while also showcasing strong and effective compositions
from more contemporary songwriters such as Craig Market's "Mary Had A
Little Boy," Clay Hess' "I Know Why," and Richard Gulley's "Till I
Get Home." The intent of making this CD was clearly for Kenny and
Amanda to reach out and touch people by sharing messages of their
Christian faith. Their poignant closer, "Tell Someone How Precious He
Is," embodies the overriding theme of their ministry through music.
While they had been planning to record a gospel album for over a
decade, the impetus for the album was provided when Kenny's father
died in a tractor accident in March, 2006. With their calm assurance
and devout belief, they are ready to face tomorrow and the continued
opportunities and challenges that life will bring. (Joe Ross)
JACK COOKE -
Sittin' On Top of the World
Pinecastle PRC-1157
PO Box 753, Columbus, NC 28722
EMAIL info@pinecastle.com
www.pinecastle.com
Playing Time - 38:09
SONGS - 1 Gotta Travel On 2 I'm Walking The Dog 3 That's How The
Cookie Crumbles 4 Let's All Go Down To The River 5 North To Alaska 6
Dark Hollow 7 Long Black Veil 8 My Little Georgia Rose 9 On and On 10
Sittin' On Top Of The World 11 Seven Year Blues 12 There's A Higher
Power 13 Sugar Coated Love 14 Let Me Rest At The End Of My Journey
(Bonus Track) 15 I've Always Been A Rambler (Bonus Track)
On December 6, 2006, Jack Cooke turned 70 years old, and "Sittin' on
Top of the World" is a celebration of sorts. This country boy from
Wise County, Va. was born into a large family that played music and
sang in church. After he and his brothers won a band contest
sponsored by the Stanley Brothers, Jack went to work as the bass
player with Carter and Ralph from 1955-57 (picking up a bass for $15
or $20 from Mike Seeger). After over four years playing guitar or
bass with Bill Monroe, Jack Cooke formed his own band (Virginia
Mountain Boys) in Baltimore. There, up above Johnny's used car lot,
he recorded some albums (on the Wango label) with the Stanley
Brothers, calling themselves John's Gospel Quartet. This current
album being reviewed ends with two bonus tracks of archived material
recorded in 1963 (with Bill Sage, Roy Hoskins, Bobby Diamond). "Let
Me Rest at the End of My Journey" and "I've Always Been a Rambler"
illustrate what his band and voice sounded like over 40 years ago. In
late-1969, Jack went back to work with Ralph Stanley and has been
with him ever since. With good range and an ear for harmony, Jack can
sing all parts.
On his first day of the job, Ralph Stanley asked Jack to handle the
record sales. It's something he's successfully done without any
pretenses or insincerity for years. He comes across as a man with
empathy, kindness and understanding. His roots run deep to old-time
mountain and bluegrass music. He doesn't believe in any fancy stuff
or in taking the music "uptown." Jack once said, "A lot of people is
ashamed to tell how they was raised and everything, I believe. But a
man ought to tell it like it is. Got to keep it country. Keep it
mountainous."
What's so nice about this project is that it casts Jack Cooke into
the spotlight. He's no longer just a sideman, a guy who was once a
Blue Grass Boy with Bill Monroe or the long-time cornerstone in Ralph
Stanley's band. Vernon Crawford "Jack" Cooke is now a solo artist who
sings on all tracks and plays rhythm guitar on a couple too.
Appropriately, his album opens with "Gotta Travel On," a song he once
cut with Bill Monroe years before (12/1/58 in Nashville to be exact).
And, second up is one of his signature songs that showcases his
piercing tenor vocals, Webb Pierce's "I'm Walking the Dog." Jack may
have been the first singer to adapt the song to bluegrass, and he is
joined by Del McCoury's harmony vocals. Going way back, Del had been
a Virginia Mountain Boy before he went to work for Monroe. This
"Sittin' on Top of the World" album was produced by Jim Lauderdale
who wrote "That's How the Cookie Crumbles" and who appears in the mix
of three other cuts. Besides Del and Jim, other friends assisting
include Ralph Stanley, Ralph Stanley II, James Shelton, Todd Meade,
Steve Sparkman, Ronnie McCoury, Robbie McCoury, Jason Carter, Mike
Bub, David Grisman, and Hubert & Jeanette Cooke.
Not so long ago, Jack Cooke was a young musician living in an
exciting time and learning from the impressionable Monroe and
Stanley. Now, he's the mentor, and his relaxed and enthusiastic
singing of bluegrass, country and gospel numbers will influence
others. In a sense, he's passing on his genuine, honest music
tradition to the next generation and showing Œem how it was done.
Over the decades, Jack's been approached many times to do his own
album. I wish it would've happened sooner rather than later, but I
reckon that finally getting it done makes for a good 70th birthday
gift to himself, his family ... and us. With abundant rusticity, Jack
Cooke's solo album reveals a devotion to a powerful mountain sound
that is unadorned and down-to-earth ... just like Jack. (Joe Ross)
THE CIRCUIT RIDERS -
Let the Ride Begin
Pinecastle PRC-1154
www.pinecastle.com OR www.thecircuitriders.com OR
www.darinaldridge.com OR www.myspace.com/tcrpg
Playing Time - 45:00
Lonesome Wind, Powderfinger, Mama, What Does Heaven Look Like There,
Take Me Back To Old Kentucky, Seeds Of Doubt, Foggy Mountain Special,
Colder And Colder, In The Master's Glory, Katie and Burl, Ten Years,
Pickett's Charge, The Fall, Cold Wind
The Circuit Riders' "Let the Ride Begin" is a strong debut album that
earns accolades for a smooth, contemporary approach to bluegrass.
Presumably adopting a band name to reflect the lifestyle of a working
band, the quintet from North Carolina can impart an exhilarating
gallop to Neil Young's "Powderfinger" or a slow cantor to yet another
contribution from the prolific songwriting team of Dixie and Tom T.
Hall, "Mama What Does Heaven Look Like There?" About a traveling
musician, "Colder and Colder" is a beautiful song but seems to
slightly challenge singer Greg Luck's low vocal range on the verses.
Overall, the band's vocals are burnished and calibrated, and their
instrumental interaction provides a model of competence and
intelligence.
As a band, The Circuit Riders evolved from former members of the last
version of The Country Gentlemen with Charlie Waller prior to his
passing. While Randy Waller has reorganized The Country Gentlemen,
former members Greg Corbett (banjo), Darin Aldridge (mandolin), and
Billy Gee (bass) formed The Circuit Riders with Greg Luck (guitar)
and Jaret Carter (resophonic guitar). Luck wrote "Lonesome Wind" and
"The Fall" for this album. Aldridge penned "Seeds of Doubt" and "Ten
Years."
Lead vocalists are mainly sung by Luck or Aldridge, but Carter
delivers them on "Take Me Back to Old Kentucky." Carter's "Pickett's
Charge" is a smoldering instrumental inspired by a famous Civil War
battle. Another classic instrumental, "Foggy Mountain Special,"
clearly shows that Corbett has cut his teeth on the picking of Earl
Scruggs, and he also shows that he has mastered the technique for
rolling triplets too.
Greg Luck has played with such groups as Redwing, Lost & Found, Bass
Mountain Boys, Lynn Morris Band, Bluegrass Cardinals, J.D. Crowe &
the New South, and IIIrd Tyme Out. Not just a solid guitarist, he
contributes some elegant fiddling on two cuts on this project, "Mama
What Does Heaven Look Like There?" and "Pickett's Charge." After
playing with his family band and New Vintage, North Carolinian Greg
Corbett spent 13 years as a Country Gentleman. In 1996, he took home
the SPBGMA Banjo Player of the Year award. Darin Aldridge has
experience playing music in various genres (country, jazz, folk,
rock) and was with The Country Gentlemen for seven years. Listen to
how he embellishes Luck's "The Fall" with bouzouki and mandola. Darin
has also released a solo album, "Call It A Day" on the Pinecastle
label. Jaret Carter also has experience playing country-rock, jazz
and blues, and he gives about 50 private music lessons each week.
Billy Gee was born and raised in La Plata, Md. but currently lives in
North Carolina where he operates a guitar repair business. On this
album, Wes Powers plays percussion on two cuts. "Let the Ride Begin"
is a very convincing entree from The Circuit Riders. (Joe Ross)
CROSS-EYED ROSIE -
Adjusted
UOR-002
www.crosseyedrosie.com
Playing Time - 42:18
Achieving success as a band is as much about attitude as it is about
the music itself. With their second album, "Adjusted," band members
of Oregon-based Cross-Eyed Rosie show that they have the right
disposition about music being an important and satisfying part of
their lives. Fully engaged in both traditional and original songs,
Cross-Eyed Rosie¹s collective energy is productive, and you could say
that the quintet is getting well-adjusted. The seed for the band¹s
formation was planted when friends started jamming weekly at a coffee
shop, and it¹s well documented that caffeine and crowds help with
attitude adjustment too. Throw in the frenetic energy of "Moonbeams &
Kerosene," along with some "Wheatfield," "Cowboy," and "Little
Switzerland," and you¹ve got a surefire recipe for a progressive
bluegrass buzz. They¹ve also balanced their set by including some
instrumentals such as "Sophie's Reel."
Working to make the music as fun as possible for all, their
uniqueness draws from the varied backgrounds of the band members.
After Zoe Kaplan left the group in 2005, they had to regroup a bit.
The band now includes Allison Longstreth (lead vocals), Lincoln
Crockett (lead vocals, mandolin), Ellie Holzemer (fiddle, vocals),
Jon Ostrom (guitar), and Jason Mellow (bass, vocals). Guests Erik
Yates and Dale Adkins provide banjo on two cuts. Band members have a
number of musical aspirations. With classical voice training, Allison
has Kentucky roots and dreams of a musical career. Lincoln wants to
perform more solo shows around Portland. Jon handles booking for the
band, and he'd like to see even more gigs roll in for Cross-Eyed
Rosie. Ellie hopes to someday be mistaken for Laurie Lewis or Alison
Krauss. From Pennsylvania, Jason has spent the last decade building a
fulfilling lifestyle in Oregon that balances music and family
commitments.
Probably learned from Iris Dement's rendition of "I Don't Want to Get
Adjusted," Longstreth sings about getting to a better home sooner or
later. In a similar vein, I encourage Cross-Eyed Rosie to persevere
and not grow old and weary. In "Great High Mountain," the band sings
"The higher I got the harder I climbed, I'm still climbing upward Š"
Hard work, determination and a little musical tightening will bring
Cross-Eyed Rosie even greater success. While their music is building
them a legion of young, exuberant fans, they just need to keep
telling themselves that they are outstanding people capable of
achieving their lofty goals. They don't need to settle for being
runner up for Best Local Band in Willamette Week's Readers Poll. And,
if they go to Telluride again, I hope they enter and win the band
contest there. I admire Cross-Eyed Rosie for their positive and
upbeat music that is full of optimism and cheerfulness. They have
planted plenty of seeds for growth and opportunity. Remember, music
is better when you have a good attitude. Already well above the
mediocrity that marks many young bands, Cross-Eyed Rosie is climbing
the musical ladder to magnificence. They have the tools. While this
is a strong outing, look for them to reach even higher and get even
better "adjusted" on future albums. (Joe Ross)
MIKE MARSHALL & HAMILTON DE HOLANDA -
New Words Novas Palavras
Adventure Music AM-1029-2
mcamillo@ix.netcom.com
Playing Time - 1:04:44 (CD)
To call their duo album "New Words" is very indicative of the
creative cross-cultural musical conversations that Mike Marshall and
Hamilton de Holanda engage in during this generous hour-long set.
There are some pieces that start with whispering sentiments ("Valsa
em Si"), while others convey much more heated and fiery exchanges
("Desvairada"). With a healthy portion of five original pieces
(Egypt, Ham & Mike, New Words, Pra Sempre, Valsa em Si), this album
also illustrates the exceptional songwriting abilities of the pair.
Mike Marshall's innovative playing has been well-documented in the
past with such bands or artists as Psychograss, Chris Thile, Edgar
Meyer, Darol Anger, Jovino Santos Neto and Choro Famoso. At the 2004
Lunel, France Mandolin Festival, another artist-in-residence was
30-year-old Brazilian music master Hamilton de Holanda. The
collaborative communication of Mike's "new words', with Ham's "novas
palavras", illustrate a fluency that results in smoothly flowing,
expressive music. Why, there's even some verbal scat to close "Sao
Jorge."
Mike adeptly plays mandolin on all but three tracks where he picks
mandocello or tenor guitar to convey different moods. Hamilton plays
the 10-string bandolim except on three tracks where he picks Irish
bouzouki. Without any low end or percussion in the mix, it's hard to
say how radio-friendly the dialogue is, and that may discourage some
DJs from spinning such a disc. However, in such an artist collaboration, the sparsity of sound actually provides much of its
spark. It allows us to focus on the masters bantering and hear all
the new words clearly. Take "Ham & Mike," for example, with the two
voices having a rather sparkling discussion. It was perfect
motivational background music for a busy day at work. At times, there
are so many words (notes) being exchanged, that the conversations
become a tad difficult to comprehend. The sheer extent of this body
of music, that also includes a 3-track DVD recorded at the 2005
Savannah Music Festival, is somewhat mind-boggling. Being a good
listener will allow you to appreciate how a standard fiddle tune like
"Blackberry Blossom" can segue into Ernesto Nazareth's classic choro
"Apanhei-te Cavaquinho." It's a small world now, and taking a trip
from Appalachia to Brazil is not that hard to fathom. But then throw
in stops along the way in Mike Marshall's "Egypt," Bela Fleck's "Big
Country," or on the beautiful Azorean island of "Sao Jorge," and
you'll appreciate both the worldy and wordy aspects of this album's
healthy musical and innovative discourse. (Joe Ross)
ELLIS PAUL -
Essentials
Philo 11671-1250-2
One Camp Street, Cambridge, MA. 02140
Info@rounder.com
www.rounder.com
Playing Time - 1:16:46 (CD#1), 1:07:30 (CD#2)
Wow, what a body of material to get an historical overview of Ellis
Paul' songwriting for the past twenty years. He has many many kinds
of songs over the years - folk, love, pop, story, rock, and even
novelty songs. This 2-CD set with nearly two and one-half hours of
music deserves close listening and analysis of melodies, lyrics,
messages, and arrangements. He's worked with seven producers over the
years and many more musicians.
Paul attributes "Conversation With A Ghost" (released in
1992) as the first song that brought people out to the clubs of
Boston to hear him play. Folksinger Bill Morrissey was producing his
music back then. Most recently in 2006, his "American Jukebox Fables"
album was produced by Flynn, and there are several cuts from that
project on this compilation. There is some previously unreleased
material on "Essentials" too, including some live material from some
2006 shows in Mass. and Maine. Reviewing this project a week before
Christmas, I especially enjoyed "Snow in Austin," a Texas Christmas
song. Another unreleased song was an attention-grabber entitled
"Welcome Home To Maine," a writing assignment about his birthplace
and its features for the Maine Governor. John Jennings produced some
of the newest material for "Essentials" with The Best of Band that
included Paul and Jennings, along with J. T. Brown, Dave Mattacks,
Don Conoscenti, and Rachel Davis contributing background vocals on
one cut.
From the stock of Maine potato farmers, Ellis Paul
moved to Boston, studied music, connected with the roots of
the folk genre, then proceeded to develop a signature
singer/songwriter sound that now incorporates pop, rock and
contemporary sensibilities. Ellis Paul's wise perceptiveness and
charisma have built him a strong fan base. He's also a hardworking,
resilient touring artist who has garnered numerous awards for ten
album releases and music, some of which has been featured in
soundtracks for the films, Shallow Hal and Me, Myself, & Irene.
Ellis' voice has much character, and his songs understand
the bond between land, life, heart and soul. Most are slower to
moderate tempo'ed, and Ellis does particular well creating an
intimate and familiar feeling with some songs. Keyboards and
percussion provide the primary instrumental excitement that serve to
increase the emotional impact of his later material. I would've
enjoyed more vocal harmony in his arrangements.
Ellis possesses all the fundamental elements for success as
a singer/songwriter. His messages are profound, and they make us
think. For example, "Home" (from the American Jukebox Fables album)
is a lover's tribute with the "house being just an address, you're my
home." "Jukebox on my Grave" leaves us with his simple wish to mark
the music man's ultimate resting place. His influences are many --
Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Marvin Gaye, Johnny Cash, George Jones,
Rolling Stones, Hank Williams, Buddy Holly, Patty Griffin and others.
Interesting that "Essentials" tips his hat to Woody Guthrie tribute
artists and even Woody himself "in a sense." Ellis Paul's
imagination and skill are both polished and fanciful all in one. He is a masterful singer/songwriter. (Joe Ross)
EMMONS SISTERS -
Possibilities
No label, no number
http://www.theemmonssisters.com/
Playing Time - 51:07
Tomorrow's acoustic music is certainly in good hands with a group
like the Oregon-based Emmons Sisters. When I first saw them perform
at the 2006 Siskiyou Bluegrass Festival at Lake Selmac, Oregon, I
thought to myself, "Wow! What charisma, stage presence, and talent!"
I'm so glad that they've landed a gig at the 2007 Oregon Bluegrass
Assn. Gospel Show in Roseburg. It will be a great opportunity for
them to further showcase their talents. Now ranging in age from about
14-20, the four Emmons Sisters are demonstrating their growing
proficiency on guitar, mandolin, banjo, fiddle, bass and vocals.
"Possibilities" is their third album and was recorded in 2004. The
primary songwriter and lead vocalist of the bunch is Christina, and
she tends to write in an introspective manner about her feelings,
desires, memories, and love of God. Closer to singer/songwriter folk
music than bluegrass, "Possibilities" will open some doors for the
sisters Christina, Victoria, Natalie and Stephanie. Their songs'
melodies, tempos, and arrangements suffer from some similarity, but
you should certainly pick up a copy of this album. They deserve our
support, encouragement, nurturing to fully achieve their great
potential. I'm certain that their best is yet to come. (Joe Ross)
EMMONS SISTERS -
Turning Point
No label, no number
http://www.theemmonssisters.com/
Playing Time - 40:18
Since their 2004 release of "Possibilities," the Oregon-based Emmons
Sisters have gravitated even closer to the bluegrass idiom on their
fourth album put out in 2006 called "Turning Point." The liner notes
begin with a strong declaration of "Bluegrass is true music, and
we've grown to love it!" Their collaborative original, "Here To Stay"
includes lyrics like "People ask why we play like we do. So fast, it
takes away the blues. Bluegrass music, with its lonesome sound. Just
like it, we're here to stay." The girls only range in age from 14-20,
and they exhibit a musical maturity well beyond your normal teenaged
siblings today that may be more tuned into television, video games,
or sports. The Emmons Sisters didn't even start performing as a band
until about 2001. Their original songs incorporate standard bluegrass
instruments, although the banjo is relegated to a minor role. Their
energetic style has a typical formula that incorporates all of them
singing in a carefully calibrated manner. While Christina did most of
the songwriting and lead singing on their last album, "Turning Point"
clearly shows the increased role that Victoria is playing in those
areas. On two cuts ("Here To Stay" and "Lullaby"), Stephanie sings
lead. Some eclectic variety is imparted to this album with two
instrumentals, "Dragonflies"' and "Braeden in the Briar."
The Emmons Sisters ask thoughtful questions in a number of their
songs. All four girls share lead vocals in "Joshua," about a friend
stricken with cancer, and they inquire "would I be as brave as he?"
In an arrangement that just has Christina singing, "Scarlet Sins"
asks questions of a different nature such as "where were you when He
felt pain, abandonment and shame?" The primary uncertainty of
"Waiting is All We Have" revolves around knowing that everything is
always in His perfect timing. Their title cut provides guidance when
you fall down, when you break. The Emmons' inquisitive nature is one
that translates easily to their singer/songwriter approach to
acoustic music. They have some heart-tugging tributes like "Tell The
Whole World" that could become the signature piece to symbolize their
ministry. An a cappella "Glory Land" sings joyously onto the Lord,
and the liner notes indicate it was arranged in the back seat of
their family's car while enroute to Bible study each week. These
talented, mountain songbirds kick up their heels, have some plain ol'
fun, and reverently assume devout tones on this album that radiates
with youthful exuberance, optimism and love of God. (Joe Ross)
SILVERBIRCH -
Out On A Limb
No label, No number
www.bluegrasscoot.com
BluegrassCoot@aol.com
Tel. 705-228-8426
Playing Time - 33:33
Until recently making the acquaintance of Tom "Ol' Coot" McCreight,
I'd never had the pleasure of hearing Silverbirch, a fine bluegrass
band based in Ontario, Canada. Their 2005 album's title, "Out On A
Limb," represents the risk they took releasing an album of 100%
all-original material. Their handpicked sound indicates that Ontario
provides a fertile field for soulful bluegrass. Some of their own
tunes work better than others, and I took an immediate liking to the
up-tempo "I Don't Miss You" and evocative "Red Creek Hill." It
would've been nice if each songwriter provided a few sentences about
their inspiration for each song. With its pro-environment message, I
presume "Red Creek Hill" speaks to the potential environmental damage
due to the $220 million Red Hill Creek Expressway's construction
through 2007 that will primarily benefit long-distance truckers and
land developers on Hamilton Mountain. As they sing, "you won't hear
the Red Hill Creek playing its song," I found it heartwarming that
they were able to voice a position and take a stance about a
controversial regional issue such as this in their Ontario region.
Some of their other songs are just too generic to make much impact,
but their two instrumentals ("Chance of Rain" and "Stomp") are
excellent toe-tapping showcases, particularly for the driving banjo
of Stefan VanHolten. The rest of the group includes Doug
Moerschfelder (guitar), Gene Gouthro (mandolin), and Tom McCreight
(bass). While no one stands out as an exceptional lead singer, Doug,
Gene and Stefan share the honors. This tells me that they are working
cohesively as a team, and everyone is contributing productively to
the band's collective presentation. "Follow the Son" and "The
Pathway's End" are gospel songs that serve both the music and their
messages. When they record again, a hot guest fiddler or Dobro-player
would enhance some of their material that has a traditionally-derived
bluegrass cornerstone. (Joe Ross)
VARIOUS ARTISTS -
North To Ontario
No label, No number
www.bluegrasscoot.com
GMandogene@aol.com OR BluegrassCoot@aol.com
Tel. 705-435-1872 OR 705-228-8426
Playing Time - 1:03:46
I wish that every State, Region, Country throughout the world would
produce hour-long compilation samplers of their local bands. What a
great way to get acquainted! The Canadian Province of Ontario has
proven to be a hotbed of musical activity where folks have supported
such collaborative ventures such as Jordy Sharp's "Orchard Sessions"
and Tony deBoer's "A Touch of Canada." Thus, guitarist/singer Gene
Gouthro and bassist Tom McCreight decided it was time for a strong
sampler of Ontario's bluegrass music. Gene, in fact, wrote the title
cut which appears at track #7 of the twenty songs on this ambitious
project. On his 2003 motorcycle trip south to the Blueridge
Mountains, Gouthro realized how much his friends, family and home in
Ontario meant to him.
All told, eighty musicians were involved in the making of "North to
Ontario." Every one of the songs is 100% Canadian original, and we
even get to hear the songwriters as part of the bands in every case
but one (Melissa Sherman's opening cut, "Deal the Cards" performed by
Hard Ryde). Throughout the album, we hear many of the winners of the
annual Central Canadian Bluegrass Awards presented each year in
November by the Northern Bluegrass Committee. One example is
Foxtail's tenor singer, Nora Galloway, who has won Best Female
Vocalist in 2005 and 2006. Perhaps the best-known musician in the set
is multi-instrumentalist Emory Lester who plays all instruments in a collaboration with guitarist/singer Laura Bird to close the album
with Bird's "Heavy Load." Lester also plays mandolin with The Project
Band's title cut.
This album has sounds based in tradition. Some lead vocals and
instrumental work is stronger than others, but that is to be
expected. There are plenty of smooth harmonies. There are bands that
sound very entertaining. For it sheer variety, it makes sense that
this album was named "Recording of the Year." Many of the featured
bands can be seen live each year at such festivals as the River
Valley Bluegrass Jamboree in August. Contact information and website
links are also provided for all of the eclectic bands on "North to
Ontario." For a great overview of Ontario Œgrass, this album is just
the ticket. Ontario may have awe-inspiring natural wonders, but the
region is also building a reputation for some phenomenal bluegrass
music too. (Joe Ross)
DUHKS -
Migrations
Playing Time - 39:38
The Duhks' progressive "neo-folk" or "cerebral folk" music is best
described as highly-arranged folk and Americana that draws
inspiration from various genres such as old time string band, Celtic,
soul, gospel, folk, and zydeco. The band was nominated for the 2005
Emerging Artist of the Year Award by the Americana Music Association.
"Migrations" has about 2/3 of the music that their self-titled 2005
album did, but you'll find that the 11 tracks and 16-page CD jacket
don't leave us feeling short-changed. In fact, the project took home
the 2006 Juno Award for Roots & Traditional Album of the Year in the
Group category.
Hailing from Winnipeg, the quintet likes to invite a few guest
artists into their mix; in this case, Tim O'Brien (5 tracks), Luke
Bulla (1 track), and Katie Herzig (1 track). "Migrations" were
produced by Gary Paczosa and Tim O'Brien who suggested songs,
contributed additional lyrics, and even played or sang along in Tim's
case. In keeping with their successful personalized sound, we hear
well-crafted, creative songs with soul-stirring vocals and striking
guitar, banjo, bass, fiddle and percussion. Low whistle and Uilleann
pipes also appear in their kettle of sound. Three of the five Duhks
provide vocals, both lead and harmonies. Whether covering Tracy
Chapman's "Mountains O'Things" or serving up a Zydeco-flavored "Down
to the River," they manage to find some novel material to infuse with
their stamp. Tracy's song, of course, encourages us to "renounce all
those material things" to save our souls. An instrumental medley of
two originals with a Cape Breton tune illustrates how The Duhks blend
tradition with their own individuality. Repertoire is also drawn from
African-American spirituals (Turtle Dove, Moses Don't Get Lost) and
Celtic-flared instrumentals (Three Fishers, The Fox And The Bee).
The band's affinity for reflective ballads with poignant lyrics
capitalize on Havey's plaintive vocalizing (Heaven's My Home, Who
Will Take My Place, Out of the Rain) to round out the set. "Heaven's
My Home" provides a subtle vision for cautious optimism in a life
full of trials, travails and adversity. "Who Will Take My Place?" was
written by Dan Frechette about the Irish patriot Michael Collins but
has more universal application for anyone fighting oppression. Penned
by Jessee Havey, "Out of the Rain" provides sunny direction "far from
the pain of being tied to your back door."
The Duhks' are Scott Senior (percussion), Jessee Havey (vocals),
Leonard Podolak (banjo, fiddle), Tania Elizabeth (fiddle, mandolin),
and Jordan McConnell (guitar, whistle, pipes). Creative artistry is
built around an ability to free one's own muse. The Duhks' approach
allows for personal expression without belittling the very traditions
that they're stretching. This successful and impressive effort was
done right and with abundant rewards. Before reinventing tradition,
The Duhks have obviously lived and breathed the tradition itself by
knowing, respecting, and appreciating the natural graces and flowing
rhythms of Celtic and folk music. It's an amazing feat for these
twenty-somethings. With this strong foundation, The Duhks then
incorporate their own life experience to arrange and create a
signature sound. The musicians' sensory journey takes us along with
joy, sorrow, inspiration, and even occasional humor.
Whether serving up a beautiful, spiritual ballad or a rousing medley
of reels, they manage to make each a part of greater Duhkville. With
impressionistic and memorable material, this album continues
presentation of The Duhks' earthy. Their music conveys an
understanding of the bond between land and soul. Their compelling
performance is one wrought with the emotional impact and virtuosity
of soulful vocals, slapped skins, wailing fiddle, flowing guitar, and
bouyant banjo. With a band vision to redefine both folk and pop
music, The Duhks are well on their way to doing it with their
acoustic tools of the trade. Thnks for not not relying on any
electric instruments, synthesizers or drum machines. (Joe Ross,
Roseburg, OR.)
THE GRASS SERIES (15 CDs)
Synergy Entertainment
1747 First Ave. 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10128
www.grassseries.com OR www.pleasekeeponthegrass.com OR
www.synergyent.com
Phone 212-369-2554 OR 888-387-6249
EMAIL paul.schulman2@verizon.net
What an ambitious project from a new kid on the bluegrass block,
two-year-old Synergy Entertainment in New York! The Grass Series
boasts a total collection of 15 albums that tapped professional
Nashville-based artists to cover music from other genres. Produced by
Donald Marrow, their intent is to present rock, pop, gospel and kid's
music in an acoustic bluegrass format. I recommend starting with the
"Best Œuv Grass" 14-song sampler (just over 40 minutes) that has
hand-picked favorite tracks from each album in the collection.
The "Grassmasters" hired for the session work have some impressive
talent. There are also a few pickers who could've been more
proficient in the bluegrass idiom. Tommy White (Dobro) is a master
musician who appears on all 15 albums. On a majority are Billy
Hullett (guitars), Tammy Rogers (fiddle, mandolin), Hoot Hester
(fiddle, mandolin), Fred Newell (mandolin), Vic Jordan (banjo),
Daniel O'Lannerghty or Charlie Chadwick (bass). Andrea Zonn fiddles
on a third of them, and she provides some short-lived smooth
vocalizing on two albums. Where there are multiple players of the
same instrument or various vocalists, liner notes don't clearly
indicate who is on what cut. Every once in awhile, the moon and stars
align and a few special renditions jump out at you. More often,
however, the goal of producing a large volume of material in a short
period of time seems to have led to problematic issues with
arrangement, instrumentation, or presentation. Occasionally sounding
contrived and formulaic, the music loses some of its bluegrass
spirit, energy and passion.
The earlier releases (StonesGrass, BeatlesGrass, EaglesGrass and
FleetwoodGrass) have no vocals. These four (as well as AeroGrass)
also include Bob Mater's drums. He's steady, but bluegrass
aficionados may want this primarily instrumental music without
percussion and just let the mandolin chop the backbeat. BeatlesGrass
could've used some stronger banjo work. Interestingly, liner notes
don't provide a credit for the banjo in the mix of the DeadGrass
project. Most likely Vic Jordan, he must've been forgotten that day.
With the exception of the 15-song KidsGrass and 14-song Best'uvGrass,
the other CDs each offer twelve selections. The albums range from a
low of 28 minutes (ElvisGrass) to nearly 49 minutes (EaglesGrass).
While the former includes some refrains courtesy of The Jordanaires,
song arrangements are short and typically only about two minutes
apiece. The latter has a number of 4- and 5-minute renditions of
Eagles tunes, but there are no vocals. Where's the happy medium that
provides for thoughtful, creative arrangements with both instrumental
and vocal prowess? With their slogan of "Please Keep on the Grass,"
this series is worth checking out if you're in search of passable
instrumental bluegrass covers of the material. If you're into
karaoke, it's fun to sing with bluegrass accompaniment. I commend
Synergy Entertainment for realizing the market potential associated
with bluegrass musicians tapping material from other genres. We can
expect better and better music from them as they work out a few bugs,
establish their reputation, and develop stronger credibility. (Joe
Ross)
Comparing The Grass Series to the CMH Label's "Pickin' On" Series, it
appears that the former stays closer to a traditional bluegrass sound
with no electric instruments, and little percussion as noted above.
Also, the "Pickin' On" series features musicians from a greater
geographic area than just Nashville. Their consistency in quality may
be more variable whereas the "Grass Series" has a constant of the
same producer and core group of top Nashville session musicians (with
special guests as needed for each production's specific needs).
All things considered, here are a few observations on this specific
album, only one in the entire 15-CD Grass Series:
Best Œuv Grass
(Playing Time 40:03) -
From the opening salvo of
"We Can Work It Out" (from BeatlesGrass) to "Old MacDonald Had A
Farm" (from KidsGrass), you'll get a great tasting and overview of
the entire catalog of budget-priced albums. You'll quickly realize
that some songs you really want to hear the lyrics with have only
been arranged as instrumentals. "Salty Dog Blues" has drive but no
soulful tenor exclaiming "Now looky here Sal, I know you, run down
stockin' and a worn out shoe." A few other incorporate drums or
harmonica, in addition to the standard traditional bluegrass
instrumentation. They do fine instrumental jobs with songs like
"Dream On" (AeroGrass), "Stir It Up" (MarleyGrass), and "Take It
Easy" (EaglesGrass), but I sure miss the words. "Don't Be Cruel" and
"Teddy Bear" (ElvisGrass), "Ring of Fire" (CashGrass), and even "Old
MacDonald Had A Farm" are given rather syrupy Nashvillain renditions
that might work for karaoke singers needing some schmaltzy bluegrass
backup. When vocals do appear on the albums, they are often just
choruses. I can't quite fathom why verses were dropped, unless the
original intent was to record these songs for bluegrass karaoke
accompaniment.
KidsGrass
At 41 minutes provides 15 favorite traditional folk songs, and the five vocalists featured do a nice job serving up a set
for children. This material works bluegrass style, and they arranged
it properly for kids to sing along with!
Simon&Grassfunkel
Has 36 minutes is one of only two albums in the
series (the other being GrassRoots) that pairs up vocalists Andrea
Zonn and Darrin Vincent for two vocal offerings (e.g. "Homeward
Bound" and "The Boxer"). Paul Simon is a brilliant songcrafter, but
it was their sweet and delicate vocal harmonics that made them one of
the most successful folk/pop duos of the sixties. We'll just have to
imagine what Zonn & Vincent would have sounded like with "Bridge Over
Troubled Waters" because that big hit isn't even included.
GrassRoots
Only 32 minutes in length, and the renditions of the
12 classic war horses only span 2-3 minutes apiece. Many of the songs
we're used to as hard-driving vocal numbers (e.g. Rollin' in my Sweet
Baby's Arms, Salty Dog Blues) are only given instrumental treatment.
Andrea Zonn and Darrin Vincent sing a few but not near enough to make
this one an unqualified success. Who wants to listen to an exhausting
"Man of Constant Sorrow" without vocalizing? Without singing, the
GrassRoots songs (often with tedious I-IV-V chord progressions) sound
completely unfinished.
TaylorGrass
Runs 40 minutes, and some vocals from Clara Adams and
Darrin Vincent ("Shower The People") are complemented with top
instrumental work. This is the only album in the series that features
fiddler Andy Lewis. Because the lyrics are so important in James
Taylor's songs, this album falls short by not giving us enough
vocalizing, but don't be shy about belting out Taylor's big
commercial breakthrough, "Fire and Rain," right along with them.
James' music isn't the same without a soothing voice reflecting on
the sixties. The Grass Series would've earned top marks with a little
more forethought on how to best cover this great singer/songwriter's
material. The Grassmasters should have also considered recording some
of Taylor's other hits, "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)"
(written by Marvin Gaye) and Jimmy Jones' "Handy Man."
AeroGrass
Runs over 41 minutes with the established core group of
musicians, John Morton (guitar), and vocals by Margie Cates, Gus
Gatches, and Monty Lane Allen. The Boston rock band's biggest hits
are covered, usually without vocals. Guest Jim Hoke's harmonica and
jew's harp provide a nice flavoring, but pass on the second cut ("The
Train Kept A-Rollin'") that has too much drumming for my taste. The
bluegrassers capture the classic Aerosmith riffs, and it makes for a
playful (even humorous) outing. While the bluegrass renditions are
rather earthy, I think I'll stick with the edgy original versions
with vocals on classic-rock FM stations.
DeadGrass
At 41 minutes is the only project with Kenny Sears
sawing his fiddle, and the group is supplemented with special guests
on guitar, harmonica, bass, and dulcimer. Five vocalists provide a
touch of singing (e.g. "A Touch of Grey"). There are no extended
improvisational interludes, and the arrangements become quite
formulaic with very even meter.
VARIOUS ARTISTS -
Viva! Terlingua! Nuevo! Songs of Luckenbach Texas
Palo Duro PDR-4201
TEL. 866-PALO-DURO
www.palodurorecords.com OR www.luckenbachtexas.com OR
www.fontanadistribution.com
EMAIL: chris.thomas@palodurorecords.com
Jill McGuckin, 512.217.9404; jill@mcguckinpr.com OR Heidi Labensart,
512.478.0578; heidi@mcguckinpr.com
Playing Time - 1:07:23
1. Intro - Viva! Terlinqua! Nuevo! Songs Of Luckenbach Texas 2.
Gettin' By - The (Original) Lost Gonzo Band 3. What I Like About
Texas - Morrison-Williams 4. Backsliders Wine - Tommy Alverson 5.
Little Bird - Walt Wilkins 6. Get It Out! - Ed Burleson 7. Viva!
Luckenbach! - John Arthur Martinez 8. Luckenbach Daylight - Kent
Finlay 9. I'll Be Here In The Mornin' - Jimmy Lafave 10. Desperados
Waiting For The Train - Brian Burns 11. Wheel - The McKay Brothers
12. Sangria Wine - Two Tons Of Steel 13. London Homesick Blues - The
Derailers 14. Red Neck Mother - Cory Morrow 15. Gonzos Compadres -
Gonzos de Casa
Featuring live music seven nights a week, the 120-yer-old Luckenbach
dancehall in Fredericksburg, Texas hosted this January 19-20, 2006
live recording session with stalwarts of the Palo Duro record label.
The place specializes in parties, and a 70ish admission price of $1
was set for the 400 attendees who were lucky enough to win tickets in
a lottery (then proceeds went to Health Alliance for Austin
Musicians). This guaranteed a large, jovial, and friendly crowd for
this big event in the venue that gets its moniker and inspiration
from an old hill country town where everybody is somebody according
to Jerry Jeff Walker song "Viva! Luckenbach!"
Continuing the gonzo spirit of the Texas Outlaw music movement, this
album covers a total of seven of Walker's songs, as well as ones from
Guy Clark, Gary P. Nunn, Ray Wylie Hubbard, and Michael Murphy. This
album is a tribute to Jerry Jeff's landmark 1973 album Viva!
Terlingua! that is recognized as a seminal contribution to the then
blossoming Texas outlaw music scene. All nine of the songs that
appeared on Walker's original 1973 album have been redone on this
"nuevo" project.
More generically, this lone star twang and attitude today are
referred to as alt-country, insurgent country, or simply Americana.
Interestingly, Jerry Jeff had not been initially consulted about this
album project, and he got lawyers involved and filed a lawsuit
claiming copyright infringement. Walker also claimed false
advertising and misappropriation of his identity.
Musicians participating included Jimmy LaFave, Cory Morrow, John
Arthur Martinez, Two Tons of Steel, Ed Burleson, Brian Burns, Gary P.
Nunn, McKay Brothers, Morrison-Williams, Walt Wilkins, Tommy and
Justin Alverson, The Derailers, and past and present members of
Gonzos de Casa. At track 8, Kent Finlay even recites a 5-minute Hondo
Crouch poem entitled "Luckenbach Daylight." Consistent with their
business plan and marketing strategy, the record label previewed the
album at the 2006 Americana Music Conference in a special Luckenbach
replica booth. Also, this is just the first in Palo Duro's Luckenbach
Texas music series that will presumably offer more hour-long live
samplers from the dancehall, the objective being to honor the
historical significance of the tiny town west of Austin where many a
musical career was launched.
If you're looking for some "Nuevo!" Texas country music in the spirit
of Luckenbach, this album is worth checking out even though it's a
tad loose in spots. It's still a fun ride! As a result of the pending
litigation, all commercial distribution of the album was suspended.
However, the Palo Duro record label intends to aggressively pursue
its right to distribute the album. Let's hope the lawsuit is resolved
in a timely manner so that this and future albums in the series can
reach our CD players soon. Especially if your mind keeps roamin', and
your heart keeps longin' to be home in a Texas bar. (Joe Ross)
CADILLAC SKY -
Blind Man Walking
Skaggs Family 6989020172
KissyBlack@LotosNile.com
www.myspace.com/cadillacsky OR cadillacsky.net
Playing Time - 53:51
Record execs are always in search of the next big act to create a
tsunami in the fairly stodgy and conservative bluegrass community.
Ricky Skaggs heard Cadillac Sky and has decided to take a chance on
them and their fresh, progressive brand of bluegrass. Penning all of
their own material, C-Sky clearly has some country, Celtic and even
rock influences. Only in existence since late-2002, the band doesn't
have a long-tenured track record of success, but it's very likely
that their supercharged vocals and novel sound will touch a nerve
with younger listeners. At least, Skaggs thinks so. What he probably
heard was their ability to be both precise and reckless, controlled
but spontaneous, happy yet lonesome, in other words, the perfect
ingredients for a young, unique bluegrass group. I think you'll agree
with me. They're a kick if prog-grass is your bag.
Bryan Simpson plays a pivotal role in the band's songwriting, lead
singing, and mandolin playing. Simpson's songs have been recorded by
George Strait, Martina McBride, Gretchen Wilson, Diamond Rio, Jo Dee
Messina, Neal McCoy, and Kenny Rogers. He even bows fiddle on one
track, "Never Been So Blue." The other stellar band members are Mike
Jump (guitar, vocals), Matt Menefee (banjo), Ross Holmes (fiddle,
vocals), and Matt Blaize (bass, vocals). National championship fiddle
and banjo wins at Winfield, Kansas only add to the mystery and
romanticism of this group.
The band's creativity and wild, boyish exuberance are a product of
their familiarity with traditional bluegrass. In the CD jacket, one
photo shows Simpson proudly displaying his Monroe T-shirt. This
13-song debut is certain to draw comparisons to the ground-breaking
directions of Nickel Creek, New Grass Revival, Sam Bush, Jerry
Douglas, and others. It's important that bands follow their inner
muse. If band members can all share a common vision and have fun
together while they're collaboratively moving ahead, then we'll have
a strong purpose-driven group like C-Sky, what a fantastic futuristic
name for such a band. But even if they're "mountain boys" at heart,
they're motivated and eager to solidify their own musical persona.
Already with this 13-song debut, I can tell you that it's
characterized by considerable talent, maturity, and charisma.
National press coverage, widespread airplay, extensive touring, a
record contract, and a 2004 showcase at the IBMA World of Bluegrass
Trade Show have people talking about an innovative progressive
band that's easy to embrace. They're not out to reform bluegrass
music but merely nudge it into the new century. They know about the
lonesome soul of the genre, and in "Never Been So Blue" they eulogize
Bill Monroe with "the twin fiddles play and the whippoorwill sings,
the bluegrass has never been so blue." Do you think they included
this song, respectful of his music and legacy, just to appease those
staunch traditionalists who think C-Sky is blasphemous? I doubt it.
And thanks guys for not including percussion in the mixŠyou don't
need it. Sonya Isaacs' guest vocals on "Homesick Blues" are a nice
touch, as is Kenneth Soper's didgereedoo on the title cut. When asked
a standard canned interview question once about their influences, the
band's reply was something to the effect that their music is just
something that feels necessary. If the bluegrass genre is going to
continue to grow and prosper with younger folks, then I think you'll
understand that C-Sky is on somewhat of a mission to fulfill a
purpose and need. (Joe Ross)
STAY TUNED -
Self-titled
TUN-001
EMAIL petekbcs@hotmail.com OR 1terryobrien@comcast.net
www.staytunedbluegrass.com OR cdbaby.com/cd/staytunedmusic
Playing Time - 53:21
Adjust your receivers to the remote frequencies on station BGRS to
hear Stay Tuned's new self-titled album debut. Except for the
spiritual "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms," the tuneful songs (16
total) were written by the band members. From the state of
Washington, Stay Tuned is characteristic of many Pacific Northwest
groups - they incorporate a wide variety of regional themes and
multi-genre influences from bluegrass, folk, country and western
swing into their own original music. Acknowledging that they are more
than just another bluegrass band, they prefer to be known for their
"refreshing original acoustic music." Although not born and raised in
Appalachia, they embrace bluegrass instrumentation for their joyful
and affable presentation. In fact, this quartet's members took rather
circuitous routes to their current beguiling music.
Alan Ehrlich (banjo, vocals) grew up in New York City and sang do-wop
music in high school before heading westward to California, Colorado
and Washington where he joined up with the band, Rainy Pass. He wrote
six of the songs on this project, and his "Highway 99" tells an
interesting swinging travelogue about stepping back in time the
Alaska Way Viaduct. Fiddler Paul Elliott appears as a guest, and a
few more songs on Stay Tuned's first album could've used that (or
some Dobro) instrumental embellishment. Mandolinist/singer Pete
Goodall was born in southern California, and I presume that his
career in information technology brought him to the northwest. He
hosts the "Bluegrass Ramble" weekly radio show on KBCS in Seattle.
Pete wrote or co-wrote eight numbers on the CD. It's bad enough to be
left all alone, but in "My New Roommate is the Blues," Pete
humorously says how she left - with an e-mail addressed "to whom it
may concern." High school teacher Terry O'Brien (guitar, mandolin,
vocals) grew up in Seattle, played electric in high school, but has
gravitated back to acoustic music. Inspired by the scenic beauty in
their neck of the woods, "Deception Pass" is a crafty instrumental
with dawg music overtones. Another native northwesterner, bassist
Mary Sackmann has played piano, picked guitar, sang in choirs, and
performed in an all-women band. Usually in more of a support role,
Mary sings lead on three songs on the album.
While this band doesn't have any knockout singers, they still offer
up plenty of sheer creative audacity in a sparkling and friendly
manner. In their down-home manner, mere enthusiasm enhances their
appeal. At community events and regional festivals, they'd be well
received. They epitomize some of the tantalizing bluegrass foundation
of the northwest. And how can you not enjoy their enlightened
original perspectives and comic expressions of affirmative spirit? A
takeoff on "Pig in a Pen," their rendition of "Pig in a Can" sounds
more like Bill Monroe meets Cab Calloway. They should plug some of
these songs to big names looking for new cheery material. (Joe Ross)
VALERIE SMITH & LIBERTY PIKE -
Wash Away Your Troubles
Bell Buckle Records BBR-018
www.valeriesmithonline.com
EMAIL urban-smith@charter.net OR bellbuckle@cafes.net
Playing time - 32:20
SONGS - The Rain, Music To My Ears, Blossoms On The Almond Tree,
Wings To Fly, Soul Phone, Getting Ready For Sunday, Seeds, My Jesus,
God's Refrigerator, Make Him A Soldier, Raise The River
Missouri-based Valerie Smith's fourth album, "Wash Away Your
Troubles" is a set of electrifying highly original gospel-infused
acoustic music. Smith sings with distinctive panache, and she goes
with material from respected songcrafters who have given her winning
compositions in the past -- Becky Buller, Lisa Aschmann and Mark
Simos. They also cover a Louvin Brothers favorite, "Make Him A
Soldier," Claire Lynch and Cindy Greene's "Wings To Fly", and Sarah
Majors' "Soul Phone." Impressed by Valerie's work ethic and
determination, this album was produced by Alan O'Bryant.
Valerie Smith and Liberty Pike were nominated for IBMA's Emerging
Artist Awards of 1999 and 2000. She's also been recognized by midwest
bluegrass fans when nominated as SPBGMA's "Traditional Bluegrass
Female Vocalist of the Year" award in 1998, 1999, 2001 and 2002.
"Wash Away Your Troubles" features Liberty Pike's current lineup --
Becky Buller (fiddle, viola, clawhammer banjo, vocals), Casey Grimes
(bass, vocals), and Jonathan Maness (guitar, mandolin, vocals). On
2-3 tracks apiece, guests include Mike Compton (mandolin), Aaron
Jackson (guitar), Matt Leadbetter (resophonic guitar, vocals), and
Alan O'Bryant (banjo).
The group elegantly assumes a devout tone on songs where the messages
are paramount. Although not uploaded yet, lyrics will soon be online
at ValerieSmithOnline.com. "Wash away your troubles, wash away your
pain" is the opening salvo in "The Rain." The set then progresses
through some first pew music before elegantly closing with the
refrain, "Lead us to your ocean, make us into water" to epitomize the
band's love and praise of God.
Songwriting is both art and craft. Becky Buller had a hand in four
composing songs on this CD, and she knows how to cultivate her
creative ideas into blossoming works. With her lively old-time banjo,
"Getting Ready for Sunday," for example, is a call for each and every
heart to prepare and make time for church. Only about six years ago
(2001), Becky won the bluegrass category of the prestigious Chris
Austin Songwriting Contest at MerleFest in Wilksboro, N.C. She's
starting to see more and more bluegrass groups covering her
expressive material.
Five songs on this project exhibit the stylistic writing of
Nashville-based Lisa Aschmann who has written thousands of songs in
many genres, with more than 300 covered by country, bluegrass and
acoustic artists. Lisa's perspectives, often in collaboration with
co-writer Mark Simos or others, show innovation ("God's
Refrigerator"), spirituality ("Music To My Ears"), and revelation
("Blossoms on the Almond Tree"). Much in the same manner that her
songs take root and flourish, a song like "Seeds" asks a simple
folksy question to guide one's journey in life that will hopefully
result in an individual finding meaning, purpose and salvation.
Claire Lynch's alluring song also offers an encouraging message to
persevere "I will walk Œtil I have wings to fly."
There is excellent talent on this album, and the band presents some
wonderful new material in spare settings that encourage intimacy with
the lyrics. Valerie's direct messages reflect the eclectic sounds,
influences, and textures of her Midwest home. With country, folk and
bluegrass components, one primary goal of her music is to connect us
all as human beings and relate evocative and inspirational messages
from the depths of her heart and soul. (Joe Ross)
BRESSLER BROTHERS -
40 Years of Memories and Grass
Shan-Co-Mo Records 9001
Alvin Bressler, HCR-2, Box 38K, Eminence, MO. 65466
Bresslers@hotmail.com
Playing Time - 33:09
BRESSLER BROTHERS -
Taste of Life
Shan-Co-Mo Records 7001
Alvin Bressler, HCR-2, Box 38K, Eminence, MO. 65466
Bresslers@hotmail.com
Playing Time - 36:18
Hailing from Eminence, Missouri, Andy and Alvin Bressler began their
semi-pro musical career in 1965 when the Current River Opry began
weekly shows. Their music is new bluegrass and gospel presented in a
traditional style. Andy is a guitarist, and Alvin sings both lead and
tenor vocals. Their albums also feature Alvin's two sons, Scott (bass
vocals) and Bruce (guitar, baritone vocals). They take new fresh
songs from Missouri songwriters and enlist the help of Bobby Clark
(mandolin), Blake Williams (banjo, bass), and Arkansas fiddle champ
Tim Crouch who even lays some twin fiddles into the mix on occasion.
Previous albums have featured Jim Buchanan or Glen Duncan on fiddle.
As always, The Bresslers give us uplifting albums of
traditionally-inspired bluegrass from the Ozarks.
The four Bresslers don't seem to strive for a driving high, lonesome
sound. Rather, their solid bluegrass twang includes some low-key and
down-home folky earthiness on a well-crafted collection. Certainly,
some songs work better than others in such a large body of material.
Their high level of musical output in recent years doesn't seem to be
impacting the consistent quality or intent of their albums.
Repertoire is drawn from the pens of Darren Haverstick, Joy Gail Cox,
Harlin Howerton, Frances Simpson, Leona Williams, James McDonugh, and
Vernon & Virginia Long. Both art and craft, good songwriting requires
the careful cultivation of idea seeds to express evocative messages.
They cover common themes that we can all relate to - love of God,
family, home and bluegrass music.
I always enjoy hearing bands sing about their own region
("Missouri"), and my ears always pick up a tad at "novelty" tunes
with catchy hooks like "In That Monroe Tradition," "Breaking Out
Again," and "Seed Tick Blues." Whether you view those as hooky or
hokie may be a matter of personal perspective, but I fall into the
former category because the Bresslers sing with enough emotional
honesty to anchor their genial, good-time sound. Some other homespun
and sincere songs are "Daddy Showed Me," "The Miracle," "My Friends
Are Waiting For Me," "Next Time I See You," "You'd Better Be Ready"
and "When I Get Home." It's very earnest and affable music, but even
the song titles indicate their shortcoming - most are commonplace and
just aren't that memorable alongside all the great original
bluegrass music being written today. Written and presented in an
old-time way, one of my favorites is the _-time heartfelt tribute
"Granddaughter Remembers Grandma." Harlin Howerton also wrote
"Memories and Grass" (title cut for the one album) and "Memory and
Friends" (about the greatest treasures on earth). Lyrics are included
in the CD jackets of both projects. Liner notes in "40 Years of
Memories and Grass" are a little difficult to read easily due to
their graphic layout, while Wayne Bledsoe's notes in "Taste of Life"
are right on target.
While the Bresslers' singing may not elicit a great deal of worldwide
airplay. These albums illustrate their dedication to presenting new
original bluegrass music in a traditional vein. It's challenging to
find new songs that elicit the same sentiments as the seminal
bluegrass music of yesteryear. With these two relaxed albums, the
Bresslers show their commitment and enthusiasm. (Joe Ross)
GEORGE McCLURE -
Playboy Swing
JIP Records JIP-7007
PO BOX 70403, Nashville, TN. 37207
www.jiprecords.com
Playing Time - 46:13
George McClure's "Playboy Swing" continues his signature calling to
present contemporary western swing music that also incorporates
elements of bluegrass, big band, and even bilingual Tex-Mex border
music. George's talents are diverse and varied. Before embarking on a
fully professional music career, he studied cognitive anthropology,
business, computers, math and more. Obviously, he's a creative
right-brain type of guy who also knows how to handily apply his
aptitude and skill to playing, singing and producing music. In his
younger days, he's played Arizona and New Mexico, performed in the
pit for live theatre, and picked bluegrass and country with the Salt
River Ramblers.
Now, he's apparently in Nashville and following up on his second
successful 1999 album "Champagne Saturday" that included the likes of
Bobby Hicks, Judy Lynn, Joey Miskulin, Rick ŒL.D.' Money, Johnny B. I
kind of miss the accordion on "Playboy Swing," but George has
arranged his music with plenty of other instrumentation to
personalize his sound. Besides George's guitar, there are primarily
trumpets, saxes, drums, bass, and piano. Sadly, John Heinrich's pedal
steel only appears in William Young's "Little Miss Santa Clause" from
his repertoire recorded in 2006. The bow work of fiddlers Jon Yudkin
and Andrea Zonn is essential to this kind of material, and they all
rise to the occasion without grandstanding.
The two bonus tracks offer selections recorded in 1992 ("Mass Grass")
and 1998 "Across the Alley from the Alamo"), and they seem to
illustrate McClure's musical evolution from playing banjo in more
acoustic arrangements to the added instrumental dimensions he
presents today. Stephen George Miler's "Mass Grass" is an
instrumental with a relaxed sophistication that featured David Grier,
Mark Howard, and Terry Eldredge. "Across the Alley from the Alamo" is
a fun remake of the Bob Wills' classic, and it has Johnny Bellar's
lap steel, Bobby Hicks' fiddle, and Mark Schatz' bass in the mix.
McClure's newest material has developed more into big band and jazz
music. At track 2, an updated 2006 rendition of "Mass Grass" still
has George picking banjo, but also has grand piano, violin, bass,
drums, sax and electric guitar. The tune takes a completely different
ambiance of relaxed, good-time vibe, as does "Mood Time" with its
shimmering piano, sax and taste of banjo. McClure also remakes his
own "Champagne Saturday" (with Kathy Chiavola's background vocals)
into a grooving little number for the front-porch swing. In his
songs like "Texas Blues" and "Mis Pensamientos," George sings with
warm, affable texture. I guess that's what he refers to as
"romantico" music with tints of Mexican mariachi melodies. Jim Hoke's
wailing trumpets really fill out the score for "Día De Los Muertos
(The Matador)." McClure's music is a little enigmatic at times. For
example, why does he begin the album with a 3-minute version of
"Playboy Swing," but revisits the song with a 5-minute version
(entitled "Playboy Loop") at track 12? All in all, this CD's a
one-of-a-kind offering from a unique right-brained individual. It's
rather entertainingly off-beat. Hang loose, and enjoy it. (Joe Ross)
TODD TAYLOR -
3-FIVE-N
Pirate Records DWEG 110805
www.toddtaylorbanjoman.com OR www.toddtaylorbanjo.com OR OR
www.cdbaby.com/cd/taylortodd8
EMAIL toddtay@bellsouth.net
Playing Time - 35:38
SONGS - 1. 3-Five-N, 2. Little Bessie, 3. Rueben, 4. Bayou Bottle
Blues, 5, Miners' Night Out, 6, El Cumbachero, 7. Rocket Man, 8.
Prairie Song , 9. The Ballad of Osceola, 10. Gold Rush, 11. Orange
Blossom Special
Five-string bluegrass banjo is not an easy instrument to play. It
requires plenty of intense right hand drive with various fingerpicked
rolls, while the left hand uses such techniques as pull-offs,
hammer-ons, and string bends to embellish melodies. The innovative
Todd Taylor has it all down! Incorporating Scruggs, melodic, and
single string styles, his repertoire pays tribute to Earl Scruggs,
Bill Monroe, Ralph Stanley, John McEuen and even Elton John. Pretty
diverse influences, but not as far-reaching as on previous projects.
Taylor penned two impressive originals, "3-FIVE-N" and "Bayou Bottle
Blues," and he arranged a few others like the frenetic crowd-pleaser
"Orange Blossom Special." One can see why Todd's been nominated for a
number of Grammies. John McEuen once told me that he wants to take
the banjo into new, uncharted territory, and Taylor demonstrates his
comfort with John's "Miner's Night Out." A barn-burning rendition of
"El Cumbanchero" also appeared previously on his "Taylor Made" album.
Not sure why he includes it here again. "Prairie Song" and "Little
Bessie" feature Steve Thorpe's languorous vocals.
On stage since age 6, Taylor and his twin brother (Allen) performed
as the "Taylor Twins" with the likes of Bill Monroe, Carl Story, Roy
Acuff and others. When Todd's five-string starts smoking, look beyond
just the breakneck licks. He manages to find some stylistic footing
by establishing a groove and expanding into non-bluegrass genres
(Latin, new acoustic, and rock). While every banjo-player worth his
salt cuts his teeth on fare like Reuben, Todd's spunk makes it his
own. That's why Taylor's best material is built around his two
originals or his renderings of "El Cumbanchero" or "Rocket Man."
The band on "3-FIVE-N" comes off with even more instrumental
proficiency and a better rehearsed sound than on his "Taylor Made"
album. Primary accompanists include Bo Frazier (fiddle), Lamont Goff
(mandolin), Robert Feathers (guitar), and Mike Moody (bass). Nathan
Thorpe, Steve Thorpe, and Chuck Embry III appear to a minimal degree.
Todd shows us that he's a very daring young man with a lot of skill,
confidence, and vitality. On first listen, what may sound to an
undiscerning ear as rather frantic and frenzied picking is really
occurring in a very controlled bluegrass environment. Dare I say it
but on his next album I'd like to hear him slow down and offer a
small percentage of very evocative mood pieces - a whole Œnuther and
calmer side of the banjer! "3-FIVE-N" can be purchased at
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/taylortodd8 (Joe Ross)
J.D. CROWE & THE NEW SOUTH -
Lefty's Old Guitar
Rounder Records 11661-0512-2
One Camp Street, Cambridge, MA 02140
www.rounder.com
Playing Time - 34:10
SONGS - Mississippi River Raft, Lefty's Old Guitar, Just Loving You,
Rovin' Gambler, In My Next Life, You Can Be A Millionaire With Me, I
Only wish You Knew, Loneliness, I'm A Hobo, Too Often Left Alone,
Blue Bonnet Lane, She Know When You're On My Mind Again
From Kentucky, J.D. Crowe began his career as a member of Mac Wiseman's band
in 1955. Thus, "Lefty's Old Guitar" is also somewhat of a half -
century celebratory milestone for J.D. After an early stint with
Jimmy Martin, he formed his own group in 1968, The Kentucky Mountain
Boys (with Doyle Lawson and Red Allen). The New South first took the
stage in 1974 with Tony Rice, Ricky Skaggs and Jerry Douglas. About
2002, Rounder Records re-released "My Home Ain't in the Hall of Fame"
(the band's seminal 1978 album). Over the years, band alumni have
included Keith Whitley, Jimmy Gaudreau, Paul Adkins, Wendy Miller,
Gene Johnson (Diamond Rio), Tony King (Brooks and Dunn), and many
others. In 1999, J.D. and The New South put out the album "Come on
Down to My World," that introduced us to Dwight McCall's singing and
mandolin playing. A year later, however, some of their bandmates left
to form another stellar group, Wildfire. That 1999 album was the
band's last studio album until "Lefty's Old Guitar" hit the mark.
Today, the award-winning banjo player's band is comprised of some
masterful pickers and singers - Dwight McCall (mandolin, vocals),
Rickey Wasson (guitar, vocals), Ron Stewart (fiddle), and Harold
Nixon (bass). Crowe, of course, also typically sings a baritone
harmony in choruses. Their vocal blends are resonant, full of joy or
sung with pathos, when needed. For their highest, lonesomest sound,
check out "She Knows When You're On My Mind Again," that lays in Cia
Cherryholmes' high baritone harmony on the very top. While Wasson
does most of the lead vocalizing on "Lefty's Old Guitar," McCall's
sumptuous high voice belts out the verses' lyrics on his own
self-penned "I Only Wish You Knew," Larry Sparks' "Just Loving You,"
and Cindy Walker's "Blue Bonnet Lane."
Their contemporary repertoire is arranged with shared breaks and
crafty instrumental fills. "Lefty's Old Guitar" has been a long time,
about seven years, in coming. I guess that the band and record label
felt that the current personnel had now solidified into a very
cohesive unit of impeccability. Crowe has always been astute about
incorporating some country feeling into his music. Doug Jernigan's
pedal steel on two cuts doesn't bother me, and I appreciate their not
feeling a need to put drums or percussion into the mix. Other
producers (usually Nashville-based) feel that Œpower' bluegrass music
needs drums to present commercial, radio-friendly fare. J.D. Crowe
proves that it just ain't so! One thing I did find missing from their
successful formula, however, would be a hard-driving barnburner that
really challenges the instrumental picking and bowing prowess of
highly regarded award winners like Ronnie Stewart. However, the set
still provides some eclectic ups and downs in tempos for songs that
are as sure to become as classic and influential as some of J.D.
Crowe's seminal works. (Joe Ross)
JOHN STARLING & CAROLINA STAR -
Slidin' Home
Rebel REB-CD-1820
PO BOX 7405, Charlottesville, VA. 22906
www.rebelrecords.com
EMAIL kissyblack@lotosnile.com
Playing Time - 33:06
It seems appropriate that John Starling, originally from Alabama, begins his first new album in more than a decade with another southerner's hit, "Waiting for a Train,"from Jimmie Rodgers. While Starling doesn't include the characteristic singing brakeman's yodel, he does impart his own remarkably distinctive voice to plenty of relaxed country hits with lilting melodies and thought-provoking lyrics. With a heart full of emotion, Starling milks the lyrics of their lament, love and hope.
John's lead vocals and rhythm guitar grace all the tracks, as do Mike Auldridge's resophonic guitar and Tom Gray's bass. Friends for years, all three have the Seldom Scene connection. John left that seminal group in 1988 to concentrate full-time on his medical practice, before rejoining the band as its guitarist and lead singer for a second time from 1992-94. Starling's debut solo release (Waitin' on a Southern Train) showed his eclectic tastes for bluegrass, honky tonk, and classic country. He also put out highly-acclaimed albums in 1987 (Spring Training) and in 1990 (Long Time Gone).
Now retired, John invited some of his best musical friends to collaborate on "Slidin' Home."You may recall that Starling directed the award-winning "Trio"album with Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris and Dolly Parton. In a minor role, Emmylou sings with John on a song she co-wrote with Gram Parsons, "In My Hour of Darkness."I'm sure that John sees some of himself and can personally relate to lines like "But he was just a country boy, his simple tunes confess. And the music he had in him, so very few possess.”
Other choices he made for this album tap the reservoirs of some crafty and profound writers. I've heard Missy Raines and Jim Hurst sing a beautiful "Cold Hard Business"(on their "Synergy"album), but Starling's rendition is done with Jon Randall. An oft-covered song of passion, Leon's Payne "They'll Never Take Her Love From Me"takes a great deal of courage to present. My goodness, Starling still manages to impart his seductive charm to the song sung by the likes of
Hank Williams, George Jones, Marty Robbins, Emmylou Harris, and Waylon Jennings. I never tire of a good hard-hitting familiar favorite, and it has been ten years since Waylon did it. At ten cuts spanning 33 minutes, the album is just a tad short.
Interspersed between the mellow offerings are a couple tuneful instrumentals, "South Riding Tango"and "Irish Spring."Both feature the hot licks of two guests on the album -- Jimmy Gaudreau (mandolin) and Rickie Simpkins (fiddle). For added embellishment to some selection, other guest musicians include Jon Randall, Kent Ippolito, Jay Starling, Pete Wasner, and Larry Stephenson. Auldridge also lays in some tracks of Weissenborn guitar or lap steel. For example, the former instrument is used to impart bluesy twang to "Those Two Blue Eyes,"a song we may best remember as a driving bluegrass number that Keith Whitley released on the Rebel label about 1972. The lap steel and piano perfectly voice their genial moods in Lowell George's "Willin',"a favorite song of John's (and recorded by Linda Rondstadt). The sleepy score of a truck driver heading home declares a strong sentiment - "Had my head stoved in, but I'm still on my feet, and I'm still willin'.”
John Starling closes "Slidin' Home"with one of his most tender sentiments that epitomizes the entire project. The sweet and endearing tune, "Prayer For My Friends,"comes from award-winning Tennessee songwriters Jeff Barbra and Sarah Pirkle. John acknowledges the wonderful people on whom he depends. "Our pathways are different but I love them no less .... I'm so grateful for the people I have in my life, they help me to do what is right .... In my heart here tonight, they're dear to my heart for all time ...."John's new album has laid-back textures, and he sings about life in a tender, kind and empathetic way. (Joe Ross)
DEBRA LYN -
I Can't Remember to Forget You
Palette, N/A
www.debralyn.com OR www.palettemusic.net
EMAIL debra@debralyn.com
Playing Time - 28:10
Back in 2001, I became acquainted with Debra Lyn's singing and songwriting with her Kentucky-based group called "Soulgrass"that presented contemporary bluegrass with elements of soul, R&B, rock, country, and folk. At the time, it became very evident that Debbie is a prolific singer-songwriter whose expressive songs about relationships have a strong country feel. Now Debra Lyn has a new EP, "I Can't Remember To Forget You,"with seven new country songs that she wrote or co-wrote with her encouraging husband and the album's producer, Jeff Silverman of Nashville's Palette Studios. Debra's lead and harmony vocals convey an earthy sensuality. And their choice of instrumentation is much more country than bluegrass now, but they still realize the potential for acoustic instruments to convey certain moods in individual songs. The banjo and fiddle in "So Long Since September,"for example, impart a slight rustic mountain feel to a contemporary storyline. Jeff's guitar, bass and background vocals are solid in the multi-layered sound that also incorporates many other top session players -- Randy Kohrs (banjo, Dobro, vocals), Dave Pearlman (Dobro, steel guitar), Ken Lewis, Nate Morton or Jim Haydon (drums, percussion), James Mitchell (electric guitar), Mike Johnson (steel guitar), Gabriel Katona (piano), and Steve Stokes (fiddle, vocals). I would encourage artists looking for new material to closely peruse her lyrics and melodies on this rhythmically-enticing album. I'm sure you'll find some alluring songs that you can relate to. A song like "I Know"even has the accessible melody, bright lyricism and modulating arrangement that could make it a pop hit. For more info, her website is www.debralyn.com (Joe Ross)
MICHAEL JOHNATHON -
Evening Song
PoetMan PMR-70015
PO Box 200, Lexington, KY 40588
EMAIL folkboy@woodsongs.com
www.eveningsongcd.com
SONGS - Blue Highways, In The Evening, Nightime Star, Spirit, Benediction, Mandarin Mandolins,
Chinatown, Empty Pillows, St. James Hotel, Go Laddy Go, Midnight Symphony, Sunday Song, My Baby,
Masters of War, Troubadour
Playing Time - 57:32
We often hear acoustic country and bluegrass being fused. Michael Johnathon, on the other hand, has
a vision for his "folkestral" music that incorporates elements from folk, blues, bluegrass and
classical genres. A consummate touring folksinger who plays guitar, banjo and mandolin, "Evening
Song" features 13 originals from Johnathon (with the other two from Bob Dylan and Leroy Carr). We
certainly know what Michael's favorite time of day is. His inspired eclecticism does have a common
theme - all of the songs are either about, set in, or written in the evening. That's interesting
because his last album ("Homestead") also included many similar reflective pieces in our about
dimming light ("Winter's Eve" and "The Homestead Suite") with that album's title cut telling a story
of a peaceful autumn evening at home.
The notes on Johnathon's eighth album quote Henry David Thoreau about becoming more pensive in the
twilight of the year and the beauty of the last hour of the day. Most of his songs are peaceful and
contemplative. Others, like "Mandarin Mandolins" and "Go Laddy Go" impart a little liveliness to the
melodic step. The nearly hour-long set closes with "Troubadour," a meandering and presumably
autobiographical sketch about the poetry that lives in his guitar and the "peaceful dreams in
everything I sing." The clever singer-songwriter and radio host (WoodSongs Old-Time Radio Hour)
enlists the support of 18 others for the "Evening Song" project. Noteable bluegrassers include Rob
Ickes (Dobro), Don Rigsby (mandolin), and Andy Leftwich (mandolin). Although liner notes don't
clarify who is playing when, Ickes' playing is immediately recognizable in the breaks and fills. But
with five different mandolinists contributing, players should have been credited on a song-by-song
basis, and some personal notes about the inspiration for each song would have bee helpful. Others in
the patchwork of sound provide cello, bass, violin, viola, French horn, fluglehorn, trumpet,
saxophone, drums, percussion, jew's harp and background vocals. His accompanists successfully
dispense "song conversation" to the music. Evening Song's nicely-arranged, multi-instrumental tones
and rhythms resemble a cozy quilt that warms you by the woodstove at dusk. (Joe Ross)
FROM THE HEARTLAND -
Lift Me A Little Higher
No label, no number
Ftheartjanis@wmconnect.com
http://ftheartland.com/
SONGS - 1. Something About a Sunday, 2. Ken-caid, 3. He's Living in You, 4. Lift Me a Little Higher,
5. Why Are You Waiting, 6. Dust On the Land, 7. Oh' What a Glorious Day, 8. Old Joe, 9. Angel Wings,
10. For the Love of God, 11. Talking to the Lord, 12. My Eyes Are Open
Playing Time - 37:14
Formed in 2004, From The Heartland is an appropriate moniker for a group that plays in Oklahoma,
Kansas and Iowa. They follow their first album, "One Little Kiss," with "Lift Me A Little Higher,"
an effervescent showcase of their songwriting, instrumental and vocal skills. With the exception of
two spirited instrumentals ("Ken-Caid" and "Old Joe"), they raise their voices on high (and low) in
the Spirit of God. The band includes Carl Brown (banjo, Dobro), Freddie Base (guitar), Kenny Terral
(mandolin), Mary Mayhew (fiddle), and Janis Lindsey (bass). All hailing from the Sooner State
(Oklahoma), Lindsey, Terral and Brown are the band's songsmiths. Their messages are direct and
honest in praise of the Lord, and the band's shortcomings don't dampen our enthusiasm. Kenny
Terral's low bass voice reverently assumes a devout tone on "Why Are You Waiting," and in "Talking
To The Lord," he sings in a call-and-response style to Janis Lindsey's pleasant vocal presence.
From The Heartland's members have years of experience playing regionally in
groups such as the The Dixie Ramblers, Larry Ford Bluegrass Band, and Freddie Base and Highway 37
Boys. This album carries dedications to two family members, Kassandara Marie Lindsey and Joe Noel. A
banjo-player and guitarist, Joe was the inspiration for Carl Brown's instrumental "Old Joe."
Kassandra was taken by angels in December, 2004 at age eighteen as the result of a tragic car
accident. Janis Lindsey admits that life can throw us some sad curves. By writing and singing gospel
music, she thanks the Lord for helping her and her family heal from their wounds of grief and
sorrow. Somewhat unpolished, From The Heartland is not trying to win Grammy Awards. Rather, their
music's central premise and vitality come directly from the heart as much as from America's and
bluegrass music's heartland. The band's caring and compassionate attitude is their strength, and we
hear that amply conveyed in their music. (Joe Ross)
TANGLEWEED -
Where You Been So Long?
Squatney Records 45001
Tangleweed.org
Playing Time - 37:35
Chicago-based Tangleweed is a "foot stompin', moonshine drinkin'" group that has an alluring je ne
sais quoi that is sturdy and self-assured. Full of exuberance and energy, the quintet's rough edges
are starting to smooth out since their live debut "Just A Spoonful" album. No personnel changes have
definitely brought their strings tighter, and "Where You Been Gone So Long?" was wisely recorded in
a more controlled studio environment. Timothy Ryan Fisher (banjo), Paul Wargaski (upright bass),
Billy Oh (fiddle), Kenneth Rainey (mandolin), and Scott Judd (guitar) share chemistry that results
in some good-time music inspired from old-time, bluegrass, jug band, swing, gypsyjazz and Irish
airs.
Playing regularly since mid-2004, Tangleweed's strength is their infectious enthusiasm and varied
repertoire. "I've Found A New Baby" is a carefully-cultivated classic 1930s jazz standard, and their
medley of jigs and reels or "Leaving of Liverpool" convey hues of emerald green. A tune like
"Drunkard's Blues" is presented with authentic grit. The band's original old-time protest song
bewailing war and poverty, "Hard Times," gives Tangleweed a sound not too dissimilar from the New
Lost City Ramblers. Also written by all members of the band, the title cut speaks to "being broke
and hungry, sleepin' on the floor" and "twelve hours on a Trailways bus to sleep here by your side."
That cut epitomizes Tangleweed's bluegrass spunk. This string band's eclectic repertoire has a
little something for everyone in a big urban environment like the Windy City. In fact, their varied
music is quite breezy and refreshing too. This mostly excitable, frenzied set ends with another face
of Tangleweed - "Last Call Waltz" with its one minute of doleful yodeling recorded in the empty
stairwell of an old Chicago building. (Joe Ross)
WINDY CREEK -
Take Me Back to the Mountains
SPMNL-011
www.myspace.com/windycreekn
Playing Time - 42:29
SONGS - Take Me Back To The Mountains (Robert Arsenault), Teardrops In My Eyes, Pass Me By, Love and
Wealth,
Thanks A Lot, Ashes of Love, Heaven Seems So Near, It Sure Seem Right At The Time, Your Selfish
Heart, That Lonesome Bluegrass Road (Robert Arsenault), Walking Through Her Memory, If I Could Only
Go Back Home Again, That Bright Land (Robert Arsenault), Today All Over Again, Suns Gonna Shine
From New Brunswick, Canada, Windy Creek is a band that formed in 2005. While
solid if fairly standard, Windy Creek makes no claims that they are going to turn the bluegrass
world upside down. Instead, they sing and play with honest feeling as they open with a heartfelt
original "Take Me Back to the Mountains" that makes for a pleasant but predictable ride. In
workmanlike fashion, they strum and pick their way through traditional bluegrass fare such as
Teardrops In My Eyes, Love and Wealth, Thanks A Lot, and Ashes of Love.
Windy Creek is an interesting combination of seasoned veterans and younger musicians still honing a
few chops but doing a fine job. Robert Arsenault (guitar, mandolin) has been performing bluegrass
and old-time country music for three decades. Marcel Cormier (guitar) has been playing since his
teens. Arn Wickens played gospel and acoustic jazz on electric bass for 25 years before switching to
the upright bass five years ago. The other two band members (Marc Brun on mandolin and Ghislain
LeBlanc on banjo) have been playing their respective instruments for 5-6 years. I understand that
bass and banjo-player Ron Gaudet has replaced Arn Wickens in the group since this album was
recorded. Most of the lead vocals are sung with conviction in a warm conversational style by
Arsenault to harmonies that come across as rather understated. Windy Creek's debut album features
award-winning guest fiddler Ray Legere. Perhaps as a result of hasty production or some
inexperience, Windy Creek's arrangements get a tad cluttered with multiple instruments providing
fills simultaneously. Arsenault's tears are falling as her name he's calling in an expressive
original "That Lonesome Bluegrass Road." There'll come a time when all will be over, and "That
Bright Land" will soon be there. A sweetly wistful remembrance is validated in "Today All Over
Again." Windy Creek has considerable down-home flavor, and their earthiness and enthusiasm will win
them many bluegrass fans in New Brunswick. (Joe Ross)
McCOY GRASS -
The Best Is Yet To Come
No label, no number
EMAIL mccoygrass@cs.com
www.mccoygrass.com
Playing Time - 46:03
It's always a treat to hear teenagers' debut albums before they become rich and famous like Rhonda
Vincent did. Mentors and role models like Rhonda, Alison Krauss, Honi Deaton, and Dale Ann Bradley
are showing girls that bluegrass music welcomes all genders into the fold. Performing at local
festivals for four years, sisters Kelly (age 16) and Katelyn McCoy (age 13) from Fairborn, Ohio show
a great deal of potential. Both sing lead and harmonies. Kelly plays mandolin, guitar, and fiddle.
Katelyn picks guitar, mandolin, and clawhammer banjo. Why, they even write songs too! While they may
benefit from some vocal training, they're not shy as they sing with freshness, vigor and clarity.
With some breath control and other techniques under their belts, they'll be able to vocalize about
unrequited love with an ache, or draw upon deeper emotions in their challenging repertoire. They
earn high marks for their confidence to tackle intensely evocative songs from the likes of Dolly
Parton, Rhonda Vincent, Bill Monroe, Ralph Stanley, and Cousin Emmy. On this showcase CD, they're
joined instrumentally by Jim Chatfield (bass), Tim Hale (banjo), and Evan McGregor (fiddle). Besides
their own, Evan McGregor's and Mike Powell's vocal harmonies are heard in the mix. Of their
originals, Kelly's up-tempo "You Don't Have A Heart" is the strongest, but it loses a certain degree
of passion without any harmony in the chorus.
The important declaration we hear from a CD like "The Best Is Yet To Come" is that there are
talented young people who are practicing diligently and taking their bluegrass music very seriously.
Consuming 60 hours of studio time, the recording this album is a significant milestone on the McCoy
sisters' learning curve because it gave them an appreciation for hard work and has made them better
musicians. This is an impressive effort for a couple of adolescents from Ohio. They deserve our
support and encouragement because they're bluegrass music's future. As Kelly and Katelyn gain
experience and maturity, we can expect to hear much more about McCoy Grass. Already being played on
Ohio's bluegrass radio airwaves, I wouldn't be surprised to see them headlining Ohio bluegrass
festivals within five years. (Joe Ross)
THE OLD TIME BLUEGRASS SINGERS -
Threads
Open Road Records OR-016
PO BOX 271, Lanesboro, MA. 01237
www.OTBGSingers.com
Playing Time - 46:07
Herb Applin, born in 1938, has loved country music ever since he could "reach up and turn the radio
on." Before reviewing this album, I took a spin down memory lane by listening to some of my favorite
Joe Val albums from the early 1970s. The close harmony of Applin and Val were a joy to hear, and the
band's lean but robust elements had robust character and strength that really grabbed you. As "Val
and Applin," they appeared with only guitar and mandolin. In 1967, Herb and Joe teamed up with
Everett Allan Lilly and Bob French to form the Old Time Bluegrass Singers (OTBS). In the 1970s,
Rounder Records signed them up to do the label's very first bluegrass LP. A new band name to better
"sell" their music, Joe Val & the New England Bluegrass Boys, was adopted. Dick Bowden's family
bluegrass band (from Maine) shared stages with the Boston group. From 1982-1987, Bowden played
banjo for Herb's band, the Berkshire Mountain Boys, as well as subbing occasionally in Joe Val's.
Now retired, Herb reconnected with Bowden. Duo appearances soon evolved into the reformed OTBS in
2003.
Although voices age and tire over the years, a heart for bluegrass and old-time country only grows
fonder. OTBS have sewn these "threads" into a cozy comforter that warms us to the core. Just like
early sets of New England bluegrass, the material is drawn from old-time picking and singing (Uncle
Dave Macon, Sam & Kirk McGee), old brother duos (Louvins, Johnny & Jack, Monroe Brothers) to
straight-ahead bluegrass and gospel of the Stanley Brothers, some from their 1961-65 King sessions
like "A Crown He Wore" and "There is a Trap." The former features the band's trio, and Bill Monroe's
"I Hear My Savior Calling" features the quartet. An instrumental, "Squared Off Salt Creek," was
learned from John Hartford's String Band. Another thread is Applin's stint as guitarist with Don
Stover in the late-1970s. "My Blue Ridge Memories," a song they recorded together on Stover's final
album, is clearly a tribute to him.
Early country is represented with numbers recorded by Kitty Wells (Jenny Lou Carson's "Jealous
Heart") and Louvin Brothers songs recorded by Jim Reeves or Roy Acuff. While songcarriers, their
version of "Jealous Heart" changed some lyrics in the second verse and left out the third
altogether. But, it's all mature music from yesteryear. OTBS also covers more recent compositions
from English folk-rockers -- Linda Thompson's "Dear Mary" and Richard Thompson's "Down Where the
Drunkards Roll." The former works in an old bluegrass style, but the latter is a slow number that
just doesn't quite jell for their trio. If they wanted an old trio with that theme, perhaps The
Stanleys' "The Drunkard's Hell," learned from their father, would have been a better choice. I
enjoyed their closing number from the Carter Family, "Where Shall I Be," and don't recall ever
hearing the third verse sung.
Besides Applin and Bowden, OTBS includes Terry McGill (banjo) and Lillian Fraker (bass). Guest
Robert Fraker appears on archtop rhythm guitar. Applin is a multi-instrumentalist, and while he
picked guitar in the old days with Joe Val, he now plays mandolin. Bowden used to perform on banjo
and bass, but he sticks to guitar. Instrumentally, OTBS relies more on traditional rhythm and
feeling than on fancy licks. Applin strives for an "old machine-gun mandolin sound." On "Threads," I
did tend to miss some fiddle (like Herb Hooven used to provide in Joe Val's music). Terry McGill's
banjo playing is noteworthy, and I'd like to hear what he's doing with his band, Straight Drive.
On "Threads," these three tailors and a seamstress have given us an interesting presentation of old
time bluegrass embroidery. The fabric's details are not that fancy, but it's certainly nice to hear
some musical strands the members have sewn throughout the years. And the preservation of old songs
is the dent they are making in our consciousness. (Joe Ross)
THE CLIFFHANGERS -
On The Edge: Traditional Old-Time Fiddle Tunes
5-String Productions 5SP-CD05004
www.devachan.com/cliffhangers
Playing Time - 53:30
Lifelong friends are made at music festivals. Connections and bonds also become apparent in the
conversations that take place between banjo and fiddle. The Cliffhangers call themselves a
"campground band" because they are an association of pals whose love of jamming at the Appalachian
String Band Music Festival near Clifftop, W.V. has brought them together in fellowship. Their first
meeting was in 2001, and they have reunited annually since. Driven by Mark Simos' fiddle and Brendan
Doyle's banjo, "On The Edge" features 16 traditional old-time instrumentals that document a great
deal of emotion, history and nostalgia. The solid rhythm foundation is provided by Jody Platt (tenor
guitar), Rusty Neithammer (guitar), and Karen Falkowski (bass). Some nifty and pleasant lead guitar
work can be heard in the mix on a few numbers like "No Corn on Tygart." Jody's instrument with a
short scale tenor banjo neck and small guitar body is tuned an octave low to the fiddle. Using a
variety of open tunings, she flatpicks melody as well as rhythm.
The CD jacket provides tunings and sources for each of the selections. Their renditions range from a
minute (a West Virginia version of "Silver Lake") to over six minutes (a Kentucky version of "Forked
Deer"). Produced by noted banjo-player Bob Carlin, the album's music is distinctive and infused with
energy. The musicians' personal expression is right in the groove with excellent tone, pitch and
rhythm. Simos' precise technique is flawless, smooth and pleasing. I can only imagine his bow arm
gliding and swooping like a hawk in flight. His style emphasizes tonal beauty, and the band's
melodic accuracy is combined with creativity and rhythmic steadiness. The brawny cross-tuned fiddle
heard on "Chinquapin Hunting" wails with old-time sensuality. If anything is missing in this set, it
would be some beautifully-rendered waltzes, rags, or parlor tunes not fit for much else. I'll bet
that Mark knows some trick fiddling too. While reels are their forte, unless you're dancing along, a
little more variety in the nearly hour-long set would have been a satisfying change.
In his liner notes, Mark Simos refers to the "glorious cacophony" of Clifftop's campgrounds late at
night. That's one way of putting it. "On the Edge" is the first in a set of three albums recorded in
late-2005. This "straight up" music is their older traditional tunes. The next two-volume "Clifftop
Notes" feature Simos' original tunes played with the Cliffhangers and other friends. As much as this
music is a celebration of music and festival revelry, it's also a celebration of old-time kinship.
(Joe Ross)
THE MORGANTOWN ROUNDERS -
self-titled
BFP06001
www.morgantownrounders.com
Playing Time - 37:29
Rounders can refer to people of many, mostly undesirable, characteristics - informers, convicts, and
lazy loungers. But, in this case, there's another definition of the slang term that certainly
applies -- pleasure seekers. "Dance All Night With A Bottle in Your Hand" is the kind of perfect
signature tune for them to demonstrate their melodic mettle to give them and us gratification. Their
set of twelve traditional rousers embraces many sounds from the past, tapping the roots of
Appalachian and Cajun music. Band members include Rachel Eddy (fiddle, guitar, triangle), Scott
Phillips (banjo, Cajun accordion), Jason Jaros (guitar, mandolin), and Walt Sarkees (bass). Instead
of singing, the liner notes indicate that band members sang, cackle, holler, and squawk.
It's a treat to hear these younger funsters presenting traditional music in West Virginie. Rachel
Eddy sings with a precocious style on "Uncle Ned" and "Silver Dagger." If the full-time private
music teacher's fiddle is the spark plug of this band, then it is Scott Phillips' clawhammer banjo
that is a driving piston. Operating on all cylinders, the quartet knows that a successful old-time
band has to operate much like a well-oiled engine. In true old-time fashion, they sing with biting
vengeance. Jason Jaros' previous performance experience has been with Halftime String Band and The
Hillbilly Gypsies. Imparting a rock and roll edge to upright bass, Walt Sarkees is affectionately
known by his bandmates as Captain Rounder.
While some songs work better for them than others, I'm certain that The Morgantown Rounders' music
will further develop and mature in the years ahead, and they'll find their niche in the old-time
music scene in their neck of the woods. There's plenty of rootin' and tootin' on their debut album,
and I'm certain that they'd be a big hit at parties and watering holes. This is real
heel-kicker-upper music. (Joe Ross)
BAWN in the MASH -
Welcome to the Atomic City
FC-906
www.bawninthemash.com OR www.myspace.com/bawninthemash
Playing Time - 48:05
Together as a group since 2005, Bawn in the Mash kicks off their set with a hand-me-down, "Sail Away
Sally," that appears to be a nod of respect for the traditional spirits and distillers of western
Kentucky's musical roots. Their original acoustic music with elements from various genres has some
relaxed sparkle and a friendly intimacy. Bawn in the Mash is Josh Coffey (violin, mandolin), Nathan
Lynn (guitar), Tommy Oliverio (mandolin), Alex Faught (banjo), and Eddie Coffey (bass, guitar). In
some songs, Coffey and Oliverio share the mandolin breaks. All band members have compositions on
"Welcome to the Atomic City." A few have catchy little melodies that are carefully cultivated, even
if they don't have them fully polished instrumentally and vocally. Still, their wry quirkiness
creates an earthy kind of ambiance. "Livin' in Yesterday" has doo-wop vocals with the dichotomy of
twin fiddles to build a mood for a love-starved and deserted drunkard. The rough edges of Oliverio's
"Musical Moon" are smoothed with his own conversational vocal refrain.
Produced by old-time banjo champ Dan Knowles of Tennessee), the band recorded "Welcome to Atomic
City" in ten sessions over a three month period. Alex Faught's instrumental "Poundcake" is a clever
tune that gives everyone a piece of the action. The album's intent was to historically interpret and
fictitiously describe events that could have occurred during the past 150 years around western
Kentucky. "At the Hotel Irvin Cobb" speaks to a 1937 flood, cats and dogs sleeping on the roof, and
being able to get anything you want at the historic inn. With an appeal to younger crowds, a ditty
like "Hey John" gives every instrumentalist in the band a chance to wash a few blues away with their
breaks. Nathan Lynn does most of the lead singing, and he is able to describe some picturesque
storybook scenes in songs like "The Land Between the Rivers" and "Tow" and "Paducah." Their homebase
of Paducah, Ky. lies in a region called the land of four rivers (Clarks, Ohio, Tennessee, and
Cumberland). Eddie Coffey sings his own "Mary Jane." What he lacks in grace is replaced with a
directness and grit. An interesting sparse duo arrangement of "Past the Painted Wall" teams Josh
Coffey's lead vocal and mandolin with his father Eddie Coffey's bass and guitar. Not a wildly
triumphant debut, but still they manage to put their own original stamp on string band sounds in a
musical makeover that was still "bawn in the mash." As their music continues to brew, distill,
refine and purify, it will only get better. They have managed to extract an essence of western
Kentucky's traditional heritage and condense it all into something of their very own. (Joe Ross)
TOWN MOUNTAIN -
Original Bluegrass and Roots Country
MOTB-5087
www.townmountain.net
Playing Time - 39:29
The debut album from this grass roots band based in Asheville, N.C. features all original material
with the exception of "Whiskey With Tears" written by Virginian Bill Sphar. The youthful quintet has
a good share of breakup tales, but they also have selections paying tribute to John Hartford ("Big
Steamship") and Bill Monroe ("Stamp Creek Stomp"). Their roots country like "When I Get You Off My
Mind" shows influence of classic country musicians George Jones, Merle Haggard, or Conway Twitty.
Town Mountain racks up miles along the eastern seaboard quite extensively and even made it out west
to Lyons, Colorado to win the band contest at Rockygrass in 2005. Besides having the needed vocal
and instrumental talents to excel, that award-winning feather in their collective caps should get
people to take notice of this up-and-coming band with great potential. These knockabouts cut some
decent Œgrass. Town Mountain has some clever arrangements, and their spry music exhibits elements of
both novelty and creativity. "Busted Up" has an enlivened Jimmy Martinesque feeling. "Sweetheart I
Don't Want to Lead You On," "Fall in the Mountains" and "I Didn't Choose the Blues" have gripping
deliveries.
Town Mountain is Robert Greer (guitar), Jed Willis (mandolin), Jesse James Langlais (banjo), and
Barrett Smith (bass). Greer handles lead vocals, and Langlais and Smith sing harmonies.
Supplementing their sound are Josh Goforth (fiddle) and Kevin Sluder (bass, harmony vocals). Robert
Greer, Western North Carolina's 2003 Vocalist of the Year, is a graduate of Wofford College with a
bachelor's degree in government. Playing many styles of music, Jed Willis is working on his degree
at Warren Wilson College. Josh Goforth starred as Fiddlin' Will in the 2000 movie "Songcatcher."
Hailing from Maine, Jesse Langlais attended the University of Maine and has lived in Asheville for
the last five years. From South Carolina, Barrett Smith graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill. Although a
young band, Town Mountain has gotten past their growing pains. With a little luck and mentoring,
they could go far. This enterprising and spark-pluggy bunch has given us a very impressive debut.
Watch (and listen) closely for their follow-up. (Joe Ross)
LAURIE LEWIS & The Right Hands -
The Golden West
Hightone HCD-8194
220 4th Street #101, Oakland, CA. 94607
www.hightone.com OR www.laurielewis.com
Email laurie@laurielewis.com
SONGS - Your Eyes, Burley Coulter's Song For Kate Helen Brance, 99 Year Blues, Before The Sun Goes
Down, Live Forever, Rank Stranger, Bury Me in Bluegrass, The Golden West, A Hand to Hold, River
Under The Road, Hard Luck in Heaven, The Mourning Cloak, Goodbye Waltz
Playing Time - 52:53
Laurie Lewis' bandmates call themselves "The Right Hands," but they sure sound ambidextrous to me.
For three days in July 2005, the quintet of Laurie Lewis, Tom Rozum, Scott Huffman, Craig Smith, and
Todd Phillips hung out at Sage Arts Studio outside Arlington, Wa. A self-proclaimed "river rat,"
Laurie gained energy from the fast-moving current of the Stillaguamish just outside their guest
house door. Lewis admits that they'd planned to be more prepared for the session, but that might've
actually detracted from some of the spontaneous energy that the currents of this album exude. Her
own observation was, "Everything seemed so fresh and enticing to us, hearing and playing the
majority of these tunes for the first time as a group."
Not just a fantastic fiddler and singer, Lewis does some exceptional songwriting for this CD that
also includes covers from Jimmy Martin, John Hartford, Albert Brumley, Bill Monroe, Jimmie Rodgers,
and even other more contemporary writers like Billy Joe Shaver and Jimmie Dale Gilmore. Laurie
contributes two compositions. "Your Eyes" opens the set with the kind of unique and expressive sound
that gives Laurie a creative signature sound. You can't help but smile at the catchy melodic
progression and hook "I was in the lead, but I stumbled at the rail. I was flying high, but I'm a
kite with no tail. I'm gonna fall, and I was doing so well, until I looked into your eyes."
Laurie's much slower reflective acoustic country number, "A Hand To Hold," features a duet with
Linda Ronstadt as they sing this tribute in song for guitarist Charles Sawtelle with passionate
lines like "My mind has been full, but my voice has been still, in all this time since you've been
gone." A minor point, but the song could've been even more effective as a male/female duet. While
all lyrics for the album can be found at her website, I sure wish that her short insightful notes
about each song had been included in the CD's digipak. How cool is it to know that "Burley Coulter's
Song For Kate Helen Branch," for example, was one of Wendell Berry's poems that he asked Laurie to
put it to music? And that Linda Rondstadt suggested "Rank Stranger" for this album, based on their
experience first singing with The Bluebirds (Laurie and Linda with Maria Muldaur) at Wintergrass in
2005. Their high, soaring soprano notes together (along with Tom's harmony) are amazing.
A jilted woman gets her revenge in Karah Stokes' poetic "The Mourning Cloak," a species of butterfly
that becomes a "messenger of sorrow deep." An interesting perspective on leaving home or selling the
farm is "Bury Me In Bluegrass," that is a lyrical statement consistent with the bumper sticker on
Laurie's guitar case that proclaims, "Growth Destroys Bluegrass Forever." With that sentiment also
in mind, Laurie and the Right Hands walk a fine line with their thoughtful music. Their approach
manages to bridge the music perfectly with ones who have gone on before them. We don't exactly know
the inspiration behind Father of Bluegrass Bill Monroe's instrumental "The Golden West," but we do
know that those in California, as well as throughout the world, have embraced the power and
intensity that the genre has to offer. (Joe Ross)
DALE ANN BRADLEY -
Catch Tomorrow
Compass Records 7-4445-2
916 19th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37212
EMAIL stephanie@compassrecords.com
www.compassrecords.com OR www.daleann.com
SONGS - Rita Mae, Live Forever, Holding on to Nothing, I Can't Stand The Rain, Run Rufus Run,
Memories Miles and Tears, Pass Me Not, Julia Belle, Grandma's Gift, Mercy Railroad, When The Mist
Comes Again, Me and Bobby McGee
Playing Time - 42:19
Back in the ol' days, bluegrass was a male-dominated genre of music. Now, we find a large co-ed
contingent of musical mechanics who know just how to tune the bluegrass motor. Anchored by Dale Ann
Bradley's silky voice and solid guitar rhythms, we hear Vicki Simmons (bass, vocals), Alison Brown
(banjo), and Andrea Zonn (vocals) on this well-produced solo project, her third. Dale Ann, a
Kentucky preacher's daughter, has fantastic voice, band, songwriting and storytelling. Others
helping on this album include Jim Lauderdale, Tim O'Brien, Jeff White, Steve Gulley, Michael
Cleveland, Pete Kelly, Andy Hall, Jesse Brock and Glenn Gibson. What a great idea to sing a splendid
hymn! (Pass Me Not) with Larry Sparks! Their arrangement is given sparse treatment with only guitar,
bass and mandolin accompaniment. And her country duet with Marty Raybon (Holding on to Nothing)
recognizes her lifelong objective of being able to sing just like Dolly Parton and Porter Wagoner
used to. For an essence of the Emerald Isle, "When the Mist Comes Again" is spiced up with the
magical accompaniment of the Irish group Lunasa for a profound tale of desertion and alcoholism. For
those in search of propulsive bluegrass look no further than "Run Rufus Run," "Julia Belle," and
"Rita Mae." Being from Oregon, I could relate to the message in "I Can't Stand the Rain," a soulful
song adapted from R&B music that asks "Hey window pain do you remember, how sweet it used to be?"
David A. Thompson's "Mercy Railroad" has a spiritual undercurrent of a child being sent to freedom
on the Underground Rail while the sorrowful mother finds freedom of her own on Heaven's Mercy Rail.
Dale Ann is more cognizant now about how important the messages and stories are in her songs. Life
is often about achieving one's goals and dreams. Faith, hope, compassion and love are the values
that she sings about, often as she relates tales about her young moonshiner cousin trying to help
his family (Run Rufus Run), grandmother's love and wisdom (Grandma's Gift), and other characters
(Rita Mae, Me and Bobby McGee). Inanimate objects have personalities too as she relates in
"Memories, Miles and Tears," about a dearly loved family car purchased early in a marriage and that
traveled to Niagara Falls and "didn't use a drop of oil." What a great analogy for long-lasting
sweet love! Even the feminine qualities of a steamboat are related in John Hartford's "Julia Belle"
as the boat itself tells its story.
Dale Ann's own temperament and disposition come through loud and clear. She once said, "When you've
got the desire to write and sing, it's who you are...It's important to express something long
lasting. Music has the power to be a healing thing." So true Šso true! "Catch Tomorrow" is an album
with a lot of comforting and soothing qualities. Dale Ann hasn't won the IBMA's Female Vocalist of
the Year Award yet, but she came close as a top nominee in 2006. "Catch Tomorrow" could be driving
force and stimulus for Dale Ann the dreamcatcher to finally achieve that honor. (Joe Ross)
JON CHRISTOPHER DAVIS -
self-titled
Palo Duro PDR-0901
www.jonchristopherdavis.com OR www.palodurorecords.com
EMAIL media@palodurorecords.com OR jill@mcguckinpr.com
Website: http://www.palodurorecords.com
PHONE 423-238-3848 OR 512-478-0578
Playing Time - 45:59
Jon Christopher Davis is a Texas singer/songwriter who plays resorts, restaurants, and country
clubs, primarily in the greater Dallas and Austin areas. Now on the 5-year-old Palo Duro record
label, his music career is set to be launched. His self-titled debut CD hosts more than two dozen
guest artists on a variety of acoustic and electric instruments, and vocal support. It's interesting
that Jon's current four bandmates, with the exception of Mark Metdker (guitar & steel) on one cut,
don't appear on this album. I reckon that session players were called in for the recording, but the
band's actual live performances enlist Anna Williams (background vocals, percussion), Chad Gruver
(drums, percussion), and Wiley Boden (bass).
All of the dozen songs are written or co-written by Davis. His collaborators include some top
songcrafters - Radney Foster, Stan Lynch, Rodney Crowell, Will Rambeaux, Jim Photoglo, and Marc
Christian. These guys all know how to turn a country lyric and blend them with terrific melody
lines. With a great deal of thought put into this well-produced project, I was surprised that the
CD's digipak doesn't include any narrative about Davis, notes about the songs, or even a reference
to the lyrics on-line somewhere. This seems like pretty essential info that a singer/songwriter
would want to get out there. Appearing at track 4, "Love had Something Else in Mind," is the single
(co-written with Stan Lynch) that is being circulated to nationwide radio.
Jon is really just a small town boy (from Bonham, Tx.) who married his high school sweetheart. After
moving to Nashville, Davis was able to get a number of his songs recorded by some big names. He also
recorded his songs on three albums for top labels, but the music had a "hard time fitting into the
cookie-cutter world of Nashville's decision makers." The experience was obviously good for him,
however, and he's established a reputation and built a network in a very competitive business.
The Lone Star State called him back home after the birth of their daughter. Being back home, he's
now revitalized his "Lone Star Attitude" and ready to party. He also saw the Texas music scene
welcoming their hometown boy back home.
Success in music can be elusive, but you have a much better chance of stardom if you write good
songs with heart and soul, you can captivate an audience with your vocals and presentation, and you
can play them masterfully on your guitar. Sure looks like Jon's got all the right stuff! (Joe Ross)
IVAN ROSENBERG -
Clawhammer and Dobro
Slosh Tone CD-8806
www.ivanrosenberg.com
1. Hamish's Morphine Pill, 2. Quackalactic Breakdown, 3. The Creptid Mule, 4. Skunk Ate the
Mothballs, 5. Poor Ellen Smith,
6. Big Arm, Montana, 7. Rope-A-Dope, 8. Terrapenne, 9. Fly Up the River, 10. Pig Shack
Playing Time - 37:16
It's a fact that many musicians learn another instrument before learning resonator guitar. In Ivan
Rosenberg's case, I presume that he might have mastered guitar or banjo back in Missouri before
transferring some of his musical skills to the Dobro. Now, the Bellingham, Wa. resident plays his
original tunes with the same kind of stirring soul and emotion that they'd be sung if they had been
composed with lyrics. While some of his tunes evoke vivacious spirit into your dancin' shoes, Ivan
seems particularly adept at mood creation. Some of his tunes produce a vocal-like atmosphere, while
others seem to forge a soulful interplay of instruments. Take, for instance, his banjo and Dobro
harmony on the opening cut. We could've used some more of that sweet harmony here and there, like
perhaps in "Skunk Ate the Mothballs" or in "Rope-a-Dope" where we're only given a very minute taste
of harmony in the tune's ending.
When reviewing a resonator guitar project, I particularly listen for good intonation control
(getting all the notes just right on pitch with your left hand). That's got to take a lot of
practice and skill, and Ivan's well-rehearsed success is most apparent when he is challenged with
fast-moving slides in the second track, "Quackalactic Breakdown," and truckin' break on
"Rope-a-Dope." For a change-up at track five, Ivan and co. sing one number, a different kind of
futuristic rendition of "Poor Ellen Smith." At least 180-degrees from Jimmy Martin's version, Ivan's
rendition of the North Carolina murder ballad incorporates considerable discretion with lyrics and
melody as he sings "Nobody knows how I love Ellen, nobody knows." While his story line lacks all the
details of the original lyrics, Ivan's tale hits the basic essentials of Ellen being shot, her body
carried away, and the warden freeing the prisoner. The boy's clearly cut his teeth on traditional
music at some point in his career before embarking on his innovative route of originality.
Clawhammer banjo and Dobro are very complementary instruments that work well together in the hands
of a proficient player like Ivan who has an extensive discography (as both soloist and session
musician), along with many TV and film credits. Mood-master Rosenberg also primarily calls on
splendid acousticians Mason Tuttle (guitar, bass, mandolin) and David Keenan (National resophonic
guitar). Chad Manning adds his fiddle wizardry to one cut, "Big Arm Montana," and Mary Lucey's eerie
harmony is only heard on the one haunting vocal number. Jon Stickley's mandolin only appears in the
mix of "Big Arm Montana" and "Pig Shack." Thus, arrangements are very clean with just enough
instrumentation to make for clarion sound. Tuttle's lead guitar break (and solid bass foundation) on
"The Creptid Mule" are noteworthy. The album, recorded at Indidog Studio in North Carolina, gets
full-bodied tonal contributions from the instruments. The set canters along with moderately-tempo'ed
pieces, and perhaps a little more variety in tempo (along with a "chad" more fiddle) would have
taken us through a few more up's and down's along the 37-minute buoyant journey. "Terrapenne" may be
only a minute and a half, but the slower solo piece provides an opportunity for the set to breathe
and blossom. This album would be a perfect listen while cruising along the Blue Ridge Parkway on
some other scenic backcounty byway on a beautiful spring day. The vernal nature of this album is its
very strength. (Joe Ross)
MARK JOHNSON & EMORY LESTER -
Acoustic Rising
Mountain Home MH1 1002
www.crossroadsmusic.com OR www.clawgrass.com OR www.emorylester.com
SONGS - 1. Cold Creek March, 2. Cold Frosty Morning, 3. Girl From The North Country, 4. Katie Weeks,
5. Ashfields & Brine, 6. Big Sciota, 7. Denbrae, 8. John Wilkes Booth, 9. Down To The River To Pray,
10. Wagon Line, 11. Timberline, 12. Monroe's Hornpipe, 13. Eileen O'Neill
Playing Time - 41:58
Recorded in Virginia by George Hodgkiss, "Acoustic Rising" is the third solid project from this duo
that has previously given us highly-acclaimed "Acoustic Campaign" and "Cruisin' the 8." Opening with
a driving demonstration of Mark Johnson's confident original "clawgrass" banjo style on "Cold Creek
March," the set then proceeds through two other chilly numbers, "Cold Frosty Morning" and Dylan's
"Girl from the North Country." Their singing and playing about the cold actually covers us with a
blanket of warmth.
Ten additional numbers drawn from a very diverse group of songsmiths from Archie Fisher to Archie
Webster, David Akemon to David Norris, Mary Chapin Carpenter to Bill Monroe. Emory Lester provides
guitar, mandolin, bass, viola on the Celtic ballad "Denbrae," and sings on about a quarter of the
offerings. In his two originals, Johnson honors people (a newborn child "Katie Weeks" and his mother
"Eileen O'Neill"). Lester chooses a minor key for his own "Wagon Line." There's plenty of vivacious
drive, charismatic magnetism, and clean picking that draw us into their music. On a few numbers
(e.g. "Wagon Line" or "Timberline"), I would've enjoyed hearing some fiddle, resonator guitar, or
vocal harmonies, but the duo's intent here is to present their unadulterated signature sound.
Perhaps some more of Emory's viola and instrumental harmony in their arrangements would have fully
satisfied my need for a tad more variety. I think Ricky Skaggs even agrees with me when he stated,
in his notes about the reflective closer "Eileen O'Neill," that he was "waiting for an irish piper
to start playing at any time." I would've settled for viola.
Mark and Emory have been playing together as a duo since 1999. Both artists bring considerable
experience to the table. Mark hails from New York but now lives in Florida where he works for the
Florida Power Authority. He took up the banjo in 1971 and learned from Jay Unger. He formed a band
called "Clawgrass" in 1996. Crossing paths with Larry Rice in Florida, Mark recroded an album with
the Rice Brothers at Tony's home. Larry (along with Ricky Skaggs and David Grisman) provide liner
notes and comments in the CD jacket. Johnson plays a Deering Custom "Ivanhoe" open-back 5-string
banjo which delivers a vigorous sound firmly entrenched in tradition but still very contemporarily
creative.
Emory Lester, from Virginia, lived in Canada for five years (1988-1993), won the "Mandolin Player of
the Year" award there, before returning home in 1993. His previous bands have covered many genres
including bluegrass (Grassworks), new age rock (Earthen Sky), and new acoustic (The Emory Lester
Set). His bluegrass experience has been with top names such as Tony Rice, Jerry Douglas, Del
McCoury, Eddie Adcock, Bill Emerson, Jimmy Gaudreau, Gary Ferguson and Sally Love.
The proficient musicianship of Mark Johnson and Emory Lester is individually great, and
collaboratively phenomenal. While overtracking is certainly a factor to consider, I'm very impressed
with any duo that can provide this magnitude of sound, tonality, and vicissitude. I enjoyed the
eclectic nature of their repertoire that tips its hat to old-time ("Cold Frosty Morning"), bluegrass
("Monroe's Hornpipe"), Celtic ("Denbrae"), Gospel (a seductively slow solo-banjo instrumental "Down
to the River to Pray"), and folksy balladry ("Timberline"). What an accomplishment to be able to
capture old-time sensibilities in such a fashionable and 20th Century way! (Joe Ross)
THE GRASS SERIES
(15 CDs)
Synergy Entertainment
1747 First Ave. 3rd Floor , New York, NY 10128
www.grassseries.com OR www.pleasekeeponthegrass.com OR www.synergyent.com
Phone 212-369-2554 OR 888-387-6249
EMAIL paul.schulman2@verizon.net
What an ambitious project from a new kid on the bluegrass block, two-year-old Synergy Entertainment
in New York! The Grass Series boasts a total collection of 15 albums that tapped professional
Nashville-based artists to cover music from other genres. Produced by Donald Marrow, their intent is
to present rock, pop, gospel and kid's music in an acoustic bluegrass format. I recommend starting
with the "Best 'uv Grass" 14-song sampler (just over 40 minutes) that has hand-picked favorite
tracks from each album in the collection.
The "Grassmasters" hired for the session work have some impressive talent. There are also a few
pickers who could've been more proficient in the bluegrass idiom. Tommy White (Dobro) isa master
musician who appears on all 15 albums. On a majority are Billy Hullett (guitars), Tammy Rogers
(fiddle, mandolin), Hoot Hester (fiddle, mandolin), Fred Newell (mandolin), Vic Jordan (banjo),
Daniel O'Lannerghty or Charlie Chadwick (bass). Andrea Zonn fiddles on a third of them, and she
provides some short-lived smooth vocalizing on two albums. Where there are multiple players of the
same instrument or various vocalists, liner notes don't clearly indicate who is on what cut. Every
once in awhile, the moon and stars align and a few special renditions jump out at you. More often,
however, the goal of producing a large volume of material in a short period of time seems to have
led to problematic issues with arrangement, instrumentation, or presentation. Occasionally sounding
contrived and formulaic, the music loses some of its bluegrass spirit, energy and passion.
The earlier releases (StonesGrass, BeatlesGrass, EaglesGrass and FleetwoodGrass) have no vocals.
These four (as well as AeroGrass) also include Bob Mater's drums. He's steady, but bluegrass
aficionados may want this primarily instrumental music without percussion and just let the mandolin
chop the backbeat. BeatlesGrass could've used some stronger banjo work. Interestingly, liner notes
don't provide a credit for the banjo in the mix of the DeadGrass project. Most likely Vic Jordan, he
must've been forgotten that day.
With the exception of the 15-song KidsGrass and 14-song Best'uvGrass, the other CDs each offer
twelve selections. The albums range from a low of 28 minutes (ElvisGrass) to nearly 49 minutes
(EaglesGrass). While the former includes some refrains courtesy of The Jordanaires, song
arrangements are short and typically only about two minutes apiece. The latter has a number of 4-
and 5-minute renditions of Eagles tunes, but there are no vocals. Where's the happy medium that
provides for thoughtful, creative arrangements with both instrumental and vocal prowess? With their
slogan of "Please Keep on the Grass," this series is worth checking out if you're in search of
passable instrumental bluegrass covers of the material. If you're into karaoke, it's fun to sing
with bluegrass accompaniment. I commend Synergy Entertainment for realizing the market potential
associated with bluegrass musicians tapping material from other genres. We can expect better and
better music from them as they work out a few bugs, establish their reputation, and develop stronger
credibility. (Joe Ross)
VARIOUS ARTISTS -
Feel Like My Time Ain't Long:
An A Cappella Gospel Collection
REB CD-7507
PO Box 7405, Charlottesville, VA 22906
www.rebelrecords.com
Song list: Some Day, Feel Like My Time Ain't Long, When I Cross Over Jordan, Gospel Train, I'll Meet
You in the Morning, Children Go Where I Send Thee, Calling My Children Home, My Homeward Journey,
It's Heaven On Earth, Jesus I'll Never Forget, I Need Jesus, I Can't Sit Down, Gloryland, Amazing
Grace, I'm Working My Way.
Playing Time - 35:12
Some of the most stirring and inspirational music in a bluegrass band's repertoire is their gospel
material. A group also demonstrates its vocal mettle when they choose to sing a cappella. Three
favorite a cappella albums of mine have included Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver's "Heaven's Joy Await,"
Ralph Stanley's "Almost Home," and The Isaacs' "Bluegrass A Cappella." There have also been many
fine Southern Gospel quartets releasing a cappella projects, and record label compilations like
"Sacred Voices - An A Cappella Collection" issued by Sugar Hill Records in 1999 has truly
heart-warming songs that celebrate the spirit of God too with a variety of excellent artists on
their label.
Rebel Records' "Feel Like My Time Ain't Long" a cappella gospel collection draws from pre-released
material dating from 1971-2005. Ralph Stanley introduced the idea of gospel quartet singing without
instruments to bluegrass fans in 1971 (on his "Cry From The Cross" album on Rebel Records), and his
offering of "Gloryland" from that year shows the fortitude and vocal strength of his band at that
time (with Jack Cooke, Roy Lee Center, & Keith Whitley). Stanley once commented that he felt that he
was doing both himself, and his audiences, some good with gospel messages. That's what I looked for
in all the songs on this compilation - an emotional attachment and indication that the bands believe
what they were singing. I was not disappointed. All of them vocalize in ways that strive to touch,
encourage and motivate us. Larry Sparks' selections (Gospel Train, I Need Jesus) feature him singing
two parts (lead, baritone). The latter cut, with the Marshall Family, is an intricate arrangement
with various singers changing parts as the song progresses and modulates. Because this CD features
just singing, we find that all 15 songs range in length from 2-3 minutes apiece. Other groups
represented on this album include the Forbes Family, Country Gentlemen, IIIrd Tyme Out, Appalachian
Express, Paul Williams & the Victory Trio, Blue Highway, Steep Canyon Rangers, and Virginia Squires.
It's pleasing to see a cappella material offer various styles, arrangements, and vocal stackings for
presentation. Call and response style comes from Southern Gospel tradition. Some vocal stackings
feature lead vocals on top, with three harmonies below. These include IIIrd Tyme Out's rendition of
"When I Cross Over Jordan," Appalachian Express' "I'll Meet You In The Morning," and Paul Williams'
"My Homeward Journey." Interestingly, the Marshall Family's "Amazing Grace" has high and low
baritone parts in their mix but no tenor vocal.
With cohesive harmonies and well-aligned phrasing, the songs have been assembled into a splendid
set. The purity of four well-blended voices will make you happy, and those of the Christian faith
will find spiritual guidance in the music. (Joe Ross)
DAVE EVANS -
Pretty Green Hills
REB CD-1812
PO Box 7405, Charlottesville, VA 22906
www.rebelrecords.com
Songs -Our Last Goodbye, Pretty Green Hills, Little Willie, Should I Go Should I Stay, Down and Out
Again, Sea of Regret, Soldier's Joy, East Virginia Blues, The Year That Clayton Delaney Died, I
Heard That Lonesome Whistle, Head Over Heels, Cora Is Gone
Total Playing Time - 42:29
Dave Evans' latest of many albums on the Rebel label, "Pretty Green Hills" comes in a pretty green
package and was recorded at Tom T. and Dixie Hall's Studio in Tennessee. Besides the song credits, I
wish a few more liner notes would have been provided. Evans is originally from Ohio, but last I
heard he was living in Morehead, Kentucky. Dave's parents had realized he had an interest in music.
Dave was learning accordion when his mom purchased a banjo for his father. By age 13, Dave was
writing his own songs.
One of the few banjo-playing lead singers in bluegrass, Evans first professional job was in 1968
with Earl Taylor and the Stoney Mountain Boys. In 1972, Dave joined Larry Sparks and the Lonesome
Ramblers. From 1975-1978, he worked with Lillimae & the Dixie Gospelaires, Red Allen & the
Kentuckians, Boys from Indiana, and Goins Brothers. In 1978, he formed his own group "River Bend."
From 1989-1995, his life and music took a detour while he did time for an assault conviction. In
1996, Evans began performing and recording again for Rebel Records.
Driving bluegrass written by Carter Stanley ("Our Last Goodbye") opens this album, and the trio also
features Bo Isaac's tenor and bass-player Mike Garris' baritone harmony. This is an interesting
bluegrass project because it features such a variety of slow- and faster-tempo'ed songs with solo,
duo, and trio vocalizing. Other trios are the title track about returning home to die (written by
the Halls), "Sea of Regret" and "Cora is Gone" (both with Bo up on a high-baritone), and Lester
Flatt's "Head Over Heels."
More often in this set, we hear Evans singing in solo arrangements. An original, "Should I Go,
Should I Stay," is an inquiring lonesome tale featuring only Dave's guitar and voice. His own
self-penned "Down and Out Again" has Dave and Bo wailing together as a duet on choruses. Banjo,
fiddle, bass and solo voice steer "East Virginia Blues" in an expressive, distinctive and very
lonesome direction. To forgo the guitar's inclusion makes for an interesting and distinguishing
free-flowing 4-minute rendition of this classic. The material has a very strong traditional flavor,
and I was curious about his choice to include Tom T.'s "The Year That Clayton Delaney Died" that
seems a tad out of place in the set but does provide a bit of diversity.
One instrumental ("Soldier's Joy") is included in the set. Besides Evans and Garris, the band is
Randy Thomas (guitar, mandolin), Dave Miner (Dobro on 3 cuts), Merl Johnson (bass, guitar, fiddle),
and Bobby Hicks (fiddle). Bo Isaac also fiddles on "Cora is Gone." Another fine set with a lot of
feeling and sentiment from Dave Evans. (Joe Ross)
DON RIGSBY & Midnight Call -
Hillbilly Heartache
REB CD-1818
PO Box 7405, Charlottesville, VA 22906
www.rebelrecords.com OR www.donrigsby.com
Playing Time - 39:05
SONGS: Hillbilly Heartache, Daddy Was A Moonshine Man, These Golden Fields, Big Jim, He Loves To
Hear You Shout, Kentucky Waltz, Make God Laugh, Forked Deer, Old Green Chevrolet, Any Bar in
Birmingham, I Am The Man Thomas
Don Rigsby doesn't even turn the big 4-0 until February 28 of 2008. Already he has two decades of
professional bluegrass experience with such top groups as Longview, Bluegrass Cardinals, J.D. Crowe
& the New South, Lonesome River Band and Rock Country. He's also released four highly-acclaimed solo
albums and was twice named SPBGMA's male vocalist for the year. When Rock Country disbanded, Don was
faced with two choices - work for someone else, or form his own band. He chose the latter and,
unlike previous solo albums from Rigsby (on the Sugar Hill label) that enlisted friends and session
players, he has recorded "Hillbilly Heartache" with his own group (Midnight Call) that includes
himself singing lead and playing mandolin, along with Dale Vanderpool (banjo), Shayne Bartley
(guitar), Jesse Wells (fiddle), and Robert Maynard (bass). It was a good move to do it all
themselves this time because it's a crackerjack band.
In a few instances, (Make God Laugh, Red Bird, Prisoner on the Highway), their vocal arrangements
also call for Rigsby to jump up to tenor on the choruses. "He Loves To Hear You Shout" (written by
Dixie and Tom T. Hall) is a very nicely presented vocal quartet for the group with Rigsby,
Vanderpool, Bartley and Wells doing the vocalizing.
While best known for his mandolin picking, Don's a versatile multi-instrumentalist, and it's a treat
to hear him also provide some snippets of guitar, mandele, and fiddle. Two songs ("These Golden
Fields" and "Any Bar in Birmingham") incorporate some of Don's light percussion. The former, about
farming, features Don's high-lead singing with two harmonies below, as well as Wells' octave violin
for a different mood. Obviously, quite a bit of forethought went into producing these songs in the
best possible manner for us. In a few, the banjo is muted, and on the closing number, "I Am The Man,
Thomas") Jesse Wells lays down his fiddle to provide clawhammer banjo as the only accompaniment for
Don's voice.
Midnight Call's repertoire is drawn from some excellent songwriters (Shawn Camp, Marty Rabon, Jim
Lauderdale, Mark Brinkman, Larry Shell, Kim Williams, Tim Stafford, and others). Bobby Cyrus is a
co-writer of "Big Jim." I'm curious as to whether Big Jim is a fictional folkloric character or
whether there was actually a man who sacrificed himself for others. You may recall that it was Cyrus
who penned the reflective "Carved Our Names in Stone" that was sung solo by Rigsby on his last solo
album, The Midnight Call. Farmers, family, life and love get ample coverage in the songs. For his
song of home, he belts out an inspired rendition of Bill Monroe's "Kentucky Waltz." Another tale
from that region is an intoxicating "Daddy Was A Moonshine Man." A standard instrumental, "Forked
Deer" gallops along, but I hope their future projects introduce us to new tunes. Sung solo, "Old
Green Chevrolet" relates a tale of a traveling preacher bringing the gospel to mountain folks, and I
missed a little harmony on the choruses.
With "Hillbilly Heartache," evocative messages get us thinking, smiling, contemplating, and even
laughing when the intoxicating "Daddy Was A Moonshine Man" cues up. This Kentuckian clearly has
strong mountain roots, and he knows what it takes to produce a very compelling bluegrass album. His
reputation and dedication to traditional music, and his innovative vision for the future, are well
documented. While he may have stretched boundaries a bit in the past, "Hillbilly Heartache" is
simply a hallmark album for a superb band to showcase its contemporary bluegrass. (Joe Ross)
RILEY BAUGUS -
Long Steel Rail
Sugar Hill CD-4019
PO Box 55300, Durham, NC 27717-5300
www.sugarhillrecords.com
SONGS - Long Steel Rail, June Apple, What Are They Doing In Heaven, Sail Away Ladies, Rove Riley
Rove, Wandering Boy, Boll Weevil, Old John Henry, Willow Tree, George Collins, I'm Troubled, No Corn
on Tygart, Lonesome Road Blues, Now Is The Cool of the Day
Playing Time - 45:56
Who They Are: Riley Baugus is an excellent old-time banjo-player, fiddler and singer. To pay bills
in his hometown of Walkertown, North Carolina, his "day jobs" include banjo builder, welder, and
blacksmith. He's studied and been inspired by music of both old-timers (Tommy Jarrell, Roscoe
Holcomb, Fred Cockerham) and young-timers too.
Little Known Facts: Dirk Powell met Riley more than 20 years ago. Dirk helped produce the movie Cold
Mountain, in which Riley provided the singing for the character Pangle. He has toured with the
"Great High Mountain" tour with Alison Krauss and Ralph Stanley, and he's been a featured artist on
the "Down from the Mountain" tour too.
The Musicians: Riley is joined on a few tunes by the album's producers, Tim O'Brien and Dirk Powell.
Tim plays mandolin or guitar on six piece; Dirk plays fiddle or guitar on four numbers. Twelve of
the 14 tracks have vocals. Only two songs, "What Are They Doing in Heaven" and "I'm Troubled," have
Riley and Tim singing together. Irishman Tony Davoren (tour manager for Riley, Tim and Dirk's tour
of Ireland in 2000) picks the bouzouki on "Sail Away Ladies," and friend Joe Thrift fiddles on "Old
John Henry."
The Songs: Riley draws heavily from the traditional canon. The only "cover" is Jean Ritchie's "Now
is the Cool of the Day," that closes the album with only Riley's solo singing. When he first heard
that song, it reminded him of his youth and singing with his grandparents at church in North
Carolina. His love for unaccompanied singing is also apparent in a heartfelt rendition of "Wandering
Boy" found in the New Baptist Songbook used by many mountain Baptist churches. Faith and forgiveness
are themes in "What Are They Doing In Heaven," a song Riley was introduced to by a Brit. Riley's
consummate banjo skill becomes most apparent in the traditional "June Apple" and "Boll Weevil,"
along with "Rove Riley Rove," that calls for a retuning of his 5-string. A nice, haunting drone is
achieved by tuning the fiddle's G-string down to E for "George Collins." Riley's notes for that song
remark, "It feels good to sing that low note."
Of Special Note: Less than 40 years old, Riley Baugus could be considered a song-carrier who is
keeping old-time music vibrant and alive. His musicianship is solid, and his dedication to the
preservation of tradition is very apparent on this CD.
Some feel that the Sugar Hill label has abandoned its support of traditional old-time music to move
into different, innovative, more commercial directions. This well-produced album should dispel any
such myths, and it will reinforce the record label's enthusiastic support for more rustic (and
rawboned) American music and torchbearers like Baugus.
The Bottomline: For splendid string band sounds without any bling, Baugus' music is just the
thing.
Reviewed by: Joe Ross (staff writer, Bluegrass Now)
CLARENCE GREENE and TONYA LOWMAN
featuring Jeff Sommerow -
Don't Forget Me
Dark Thirty Records DT-CD-058
PO Box 502, Hudson, NC 28638-0502
TEL. (828)728-3614 or tollfree (877)388-4600
SONGS - The Unquiet Grave, Only A Memory Away, The Roses, A Shut-In At Christmas, Wait Not, Jesus Is
The Answer,
Motherless Children, Autumn Love, The Wayfaring Stranger, No Greater Love, Don't Forget Me, The
Worst Of December,
I'm Waiting For My Daddy To Come Home, Teardrops Falling In The Snow
I've had this album in the review pile for quite some time, and I was very happy when I finally got
around to giving it a listen on this cold, dark, wet, dreary winter day in Oregon. Recorded and
released in 2003, Greene and Lowman's "Don't Forget Me" album addresses universal and nostalgic
themes of love, life and death. They tap old repertoire of A.P. Carter (Motherless Children),
Delmore Brothers (Don't Forget Me), and Louvin Brothers (A Shut-In At Christmas). At the same time,
Clarence Green is a noteworthy multi-instrumentalist, singer and songsmith who had a hand in writing
six originals on this album. When a writer sings his own material, as he does with "The Roses" and
"Jesus is the Answer," I hear a strong emotive relationship with the messages being imparted.
Guitarist and vocalist Jeff Summerow is heard on five numbers, including "No Greater Love," a song
he penned with Eric Collins. Tonya Lowman has a very pleasant and smooth delivery as the lead
vocalist on six songs. Her unadorned style is particularly distinguished on the album's opener "The
Unquiet Grave," and closer "Teardrops Falling in the Snow." Other musicians on the album include
Mike Hice (bass), Ronnie Swann (bass), Beth Jones (banjo), and Jaret Carter resophonic guitar).
Swann sings lead on two songs. Swann and Greene sound like brothers from yesteryear on Clarence'
original "I'm Waiting for my Daddy to Come Home." I would've enjoyed hearing the Louvin Brothers
cover that song about fifty years ago.
From North Carolina, Greene can trace his family roots and musical interests
back a few generations. His father recorded for the Columbia and Victor labels in the 1920s. Greene
plays guitar, fiddle and mandolin. When Clarence sings harmony to Tonya Lowman's lead, we're in for
a real spine-tingling treat on such numbers as The Unquiet Grave, Teardrops Falling In The Snow,
Don't Forget Me, and Motherless Children. As part of their ministry, they often sing together in
churches and other gospel venues. The other North Carolina musicians who join them provide some
local mountain flavor for this solid set of thoughtful and carefully-selected songs. Their songs
about Christmas, Jesus, December, family and snow were just what I needed for a little inspirational
sentiment and cheer on this cold winter day. (Joe Ross)
MURIEL ANDERSON -
Wildcat
Heartstrings Attached Music CGD2005
PO BOX 121634, Nashville, TN. 37212
EMAIL murielguitar@aol.com OR muriel@murielanderson.com
TEL. 615-332-9878
www.murielanderson.com/
SONGS - Wildcat, Bells for Marcel, St. Louis Waltz, Rio de Janeiro, I'll Never Sing Another Song
(Tokyo Lullaby), Velzoe's Garden, The Sparrow, Lady Pamela, Castles in the Sand, Aftershock, Owls
Psalm, Journeyman
Playing Time - 42:47
With twelve bright and breezy original compositions, guitarist/vocalist Muriel Anderson demonstrates
a particular fondness for natural settings, species, and events. There are jazzy songs inspired by a
flower garden, beach, sparrow, owl, wildcat, and even an earthquake. Using nylon, steel-string, and
harp guitar, she and her expert accompanists play with lyrical spirit. With a nicely crisp, clean
sound, Muriel demonstrates great musicianship, ample energy, and plenty of personality. There are
spare settings with just harp-guitar ("Velzoe's Garden") or just harp-guitar and voice with Julie
Adams' cello ("Castles in the Sand"). In other arrangements, there are full ensembles ("Wildcat")
and assistance of the five members of the Nashville Chamber Orchestra ("I'll Never Sing Another
Song"). The featured guest artists include Duane Eddy, Stanley Jordan, Mark Kibble, Danny Gottlieb,
Nicki Parrott, and Nashville Chamber Orchestra string section.
"Sparrow," "Owl's Psalm," and "Wildcat" are just three examples of her extraordinary contemporary
compositions that epitomize the freedom of a bird in flight, an expressive melody in the woods, or
the secretive nature of a feline in search of food. "Lady Pamela" invokes a Celtic flavoring akin to
a planxty written in the seventeenth century. Copius liner notes relate Muriel's stories for each
tune. Well done to Muriel Anderson for a thoroughly-engaging and tastefully-rendered project! (Joe
Ross)
MURIEL ANDERSON -
Harp Guitar Christmas
Heartstrings Attached Music CGD1207
PO BOX 121634, Nashville, TN. 37212
EMAIL murielguitar@aol.com
TEL. 615-332-9878
www.murielanderson.com/Christmas
Playing Time - 42:30
Ah, 'tis the season to be both reflective and jolly. What better way to do that than spin Muriel
Anderson's "Harp Guitar Christmas" to remember the reason for the season. As soon as the CD begins
to spin, it becomes easy to understand why Anderson has been hailed as one of the nation's premier
solo-acoustic guitarists. Featuring both nylon and steel-string harp guitars and classical guitar,
the National Fingerpicking Champion gives us selections that are both masterful and somewhat playful
too. For example, the melodic "El Noi de la Mare (The Son of Mary)" opens the set with some
memorable melodic passages that transport us on an impressionable musical journey to Catalonia in
northeast Spain. While Muriel covers a number of standard carols, she also treats us with her
original "Christmas Hymn," written for a church service in 1995. While her lyrics for this beautiful
melody are on-line, Muriel chose not to showcase her talent as a singer (for that, you'll need a
copy of her excellent new 2006 all-original "Wildcat" album).
The presentation of these fully-instrumental Christmas songs is engaging, and Muriel interprets them
with a buoyant, relaxed style. With excellent dynamics and rhythmic control, the playing exudes
emotional electricity and proficiency. Using bell-tone harmonics, descending bass lines, modulation
and other techniques, she very ably embellishes a fairly typical, conservative Christmas repertoire
for solo artist. Her arrangement of "Silent Night" is especially noteworthy for her fashionable
stamp on the classic. Perhaps a guest artist's violin or flute would've been a nice way to enhance a
few other tunes in the set, but her solo music is still very soothing. To escape some of the hectic
nature of the season, this enthralling music provides just the cure. A very pleasant and tranquil
aural journey! "Yule" also want to check out her six other albums for stocking stuffers. I thank
Muriel for her gift of Christmas music and for her continuing efforts with the Music for Life
Alliance, an organization that provides instruments to young musicians. (Joe Ross)
SAM BUSH -
Laps In Seven
Sugar Hill SUG-CD-4013
PO Box 55300, Durham, NC 27717
www.sugarhillrecords.com
SONGS - The River's Gonna Run, Bringing In The Georgia Mail, The Dolphin Dance, On The Road, Ridin'
That Bluegrass Train, I Wanna Do Right, Where There's A Road, New Country, Ballad for a Soldier,
River Take Me, White Bird, Laps in Seven
Playing Time - 55:26
When it comes to mandolin, Sammy "The Man" Bush has been a leading innovator for decades. He uses
acoustic, electric and slide techniques. But, "Laps in Seven" also illustrates the master musician's
proficiency on fiddle, guitar and as a lead and harmony vocalist. By the time he had graduated high
school in Kentucky in 1970, Sam had won three Junior National Fiddle Championships and had produced
the ground-breaking "Poor Richard's Almanac" album. Over the years, he's seemed to develop even
greater affinity for and skill on mandolin, continually building his reputation as the "greatest
all-purpose mandolinist" (as per David Grisman). Sam Bush is wired as a mandolin player; he once
said he learned fiddle tunes by first learning them on the mandolin in order to visualize the song,
where the notes sit and how they interact. As you listen to an album like this, try to get into his
head and understand where he's coming from musically.
There are the rocking rhythms and syncopations that Sam is well-known for. There is his excellent
sense of timing, largely a function of his right-hand technique along with his ability to play all
over the mandolin's fingerboard with creative melodic licks that are of his own device. He co-wrote
(with John Pennell) the song "Ridin' That Bluegrass Train," that shows his loud, clear, sharp attack
to music. He also knows how to get the best players and singers involved. Wizards like Scott Vestal
(banjo), Keith Sewell (guitar), and Byron House (bass) can only make you sound better. Using Chris
Brown on drums is a clear statement of Sam's intent to continue trying to find that balance in his
newgrass music that also allows for mass market appeal and more widespread radio airplay than just
on the mom-and-pop one-hour-a-week bluegrass shows. Those shows will air his driving rendition of
"Bringing in the Georgia Mail."
Sam may have mellowed a tad in recent times as his music evolves for this century. "Laps In Seven"
also features four guest vocalists (Emmylou Harris, Tim O'Brien, Shaun Murphy, Andrea Zonn), and
there's another wild ride ("New Country") that has Jean Luc Ponty's electric violin in the mix for
his original composition. Sam may not rock out as hard as he used to, but "White Bird" revisits that
classic song from the sixties (originally done by It's A Beautiful Day). There are also songs with
messages, such as Leon Russell's "Ballad for a Soldier." Establishing a funky groove, "I Wanna Do
Right" incorporates Vestal's banjo synthesizer and the Do-Right Singers (Shaun, Sam, Byron) in a
tribute to Hurricane Katrina victims. "The Dolphin Dance" is a far-out instrumental that has the
musical notes leaping and diving with playful, buoyant abandonment.
Darrell Scott's "River Take Me" was learned at a recording session years ago, as was Robbie Fulks'
"Where There's A Road." John Hartford's "On The Road" with its 5/4 time signature is a statement
about being all messed up while on the road. The title cut (and closer) for "Laps in Seven" was
inspired by his dog, Ozzie, lapping his water in a syncopated 7/4 time signature. You actually hear
him drinking from his waterbowl at the end of the generous nearly hour-long set.
Sam Bush has a clear vision for his music with mandolin, fiddle, banjo, guitar, bass and drums.
Still presenting string-band music, he's also picking his clarion notes so they blend and progress
seamlessly and creatively into the future. (Joe Ross)
LARRY STEPHENSON -
Life Stories
Pinecastle PRC-1155
PO Box 753, Columbus, North Carolina 28722
www.Pinecastle.com OR www.larrystephensonband.com
SONGS - Old Kentucky Hills, Poor Old Cora, The Knoxville Boy, Why Don't You Tell Me So?, Veil of
White Lace, Monrovia, Deep Water, Behind Those Big Closed Doors, I've Lived A Lot In My Time, Iron
Mountain Line, Baby Shoes, Waiting for the Sun to Shine
Playing Time - 37:25
The packaging for Larry Stephenson's "Life Stories" may only be in black and white, but the band's
music is a palette of vivid bluegrassy color accentuated with hues of joy, happiness, sorrow and
regretŠ.prime fodder for the tales of traditional bluegrass music. While great bluegrass can come in
many sizes, sounds, forms and shapes, Larry and company have a firm handle on that "high lonesome
sound" with plenty of force, aptitude and drive. That may partly explain why the Fredericksburg, Va.
native has won so many vocal awards over the years. After stints with Cliff Waldron, Leon Morris,
Bill Harrell, and Bluegrass Cardinals, Stephenson formed his own band in 1989. With decades of
recording experience, this Virginia Country Music Hall of Fame member has ten previous albums out on
the Webco and Pinecastle labels.
"Life Stories" features Larry (mandolin), Aaron McDaris (banjo), Dustin Benson (guitar), Missy
Raines (bass), Shad Cobb and Jimmy VanCleve (fiddle). Rob Ickes appears with his Weissenborn
acoustic guitar on one cut, Dixie and Tom T. Hall's "The Knoxville Boy." Despite the label's
perceived budget constraints, a couple more panels in the CD jacket would've been nice to include
liner narrative about the band and the songs. Instrumentally, the pickers have a golden touch for
just the right breaks, licks and fills. There are occasional flavors of twin fiddles, guitar breaks,
and more. Larry took up mandolin at age five, and he has the chop down. His occasional breaks are
loud, clear and smooth. Instead of picking an overdone ol' warhorse for their instrumental
selection, a barn-burning "Monrovia" is one that the three core members of the group co-wrote. A
bluegrass arrangement of the western swing classic, "Deep Water," is mighty fine. We are seeing Tom
T. and Dixie Hall songs on a majority of major label bluegrass releases. They are an indefatigable
songwriting team with a great understanding of bluegrass, apparent in their two songs on this
project.
Vocally, the band's trio (with McDaris and Benson's harmonies) can send warmth up your spine like a
toasty woodstove. In addition to more traditional repertoire with new arrangements (I've Live A Lot
in my Time, Why Don't You Tell Me So?), their set presents some newer material ("Behind Closed
Doors") from up-and-coming songwriters like Connie Leigh.
There's a juxtaposition of songs about trains, home and family alongside those about murder, incest,
and a baby lost. Stories of life merely document, not always explain, the trials and tribulations we
encounter. Sometimes we're left with questions (Why Don't You Tell Me So?), but hopefully when our
final day finally arrives we can proudly declare "I've Lived A Lot in my Time." One pleasant
technique they use in the latter (and with much more potential in bluegrass) is modulation (key
changes) during the course of a song. This mixture of the old and new, albeit always with strong
traditional foundation, is a very successful approach for Stephenson that has won him a multitude of
fans. (Joe Ross)
DAVID DAVIS AND THE WARRIOR RIVER BOYS -
Troubled Times
Rebel CD-1817
PO Box 7405, Charlottesville, VA 22906
Phone - 434-973-5151
Email tgarber@rebelrecords.com
http://www.myspace.com/daviddavisandwrb OR www.daviddavisandwrb.com
SONGS - The Ballad of Sarah Malone, Chancellorsville, The River Ran Black, Milwaukee Blues, Jake
Satterfield, Filling the River With Tears, Muddy Water, Lonesome Whistle, John Henry Jr. Evening
Prayer Blues, Willow Valley, A House of Gold
Playing Time - 41:29
Booming Ballistic Bamagrass from Cullman, Alabama could be the bumpersticker on David Davis' bus.
This band knows how to lay it down right, and their tap root into tradition is deep. Davis' father
and grandfather were both musicians. In 1938, his Uncle Cleo (then an Atlanta ice truck driver)
answered a newspaper ad in need of a guitar picker and singer of old-time songs. Thus, he became
Bill Monroe's first Blue Grass Boys. Although David's father lost a hand in World War II, the
family's strong commitment and loyalty to the music never faltered. With this kind of pedigree, you
can almost see the bluegrass flowing in his blood. You can certainly hear it on this album.
Gary Thurmond originally formed The Warrior River Boys in the mid-1950s but health problems resulted
in his turning the band over to then 23-year-old David Davis in 1984. The visionary frontman plays
mandolin and sings lead. Album releases (on the Rounder label) in 1990 and 1994 were the precursors
to his current affiliation with the other biggie in bluegrass, Rebel Records. "Troubled Times"
follows his near-perfect 2004 album that introduced fiddler Owen Sanders (formerly with Doyle Lawson
& Quicksilver) as one of the Warrior River Boys. Bassist Marty Hays has also been in the group for
several years. Since their 2004 release, Josh Smith (banjo) and Jeff Griffy (guitar) have moved on
to other endeavors, with the current band configuration including Daniel Grindstaff (banjo) and Adam
Duke (guitar). The band shines on Davis' original instrumental "Evening Prayer Blues."
A common complaint of mine is that CD jackets are often no longer providing any more than song and
musician credits, and perhaps a few thank you's. Although lyrics would be nice too, could we please
just get a page of the CD jackets dedicated to some narrative about the band, its members, and some
background about the songs and their inspiration? For example, wouldn't it have been nice to know
that "Filling the River with Tears" was written by the same Randall Franks, an actor who played
Officer Randy Goode on TV's "In the Heat of the Night." It took research to determine that the song
is inspired by a poem written by Evelyn Rose Brock. Davis found it to be a great piece of very well
written music, with all the necessary ingredients that he looks for -- interesting story,
opportunity for good harmonies within the melody, and a bluesy feel.
Personal misfortune disturbance or distress are common topics in the songs on "Troubled Times," with
songwriter Alan Johnston providing three troublous tales -- "Ballad of Sarah Malone," "The River Ran
Black," and "Muddy Water." Ballads about people and their trials work well in bluegrass. Damon
Black's "Jake Satterfield" and Merle Travis' "John Henry Jr." are examples. David Davis delves into
the roots of old-time and classic country music, and he has an affinity for Hank Williams' lonesome
songs with two bluegrass covers on this project. Covering a Charlie Poole song, "Milwaukee Blues,"
was the perfect choice to integrate Depression-era hard times into the repertoire. While Hank's tend
to be overdone, I'd enjoy hearing more of Poole's material revitalized today. Chronicling a Civil
War tale, "Chancellorsville" relates the heroism of Stonewall Jackson but his downfall due to
friendly fire of a Confederate bullet. Enhanced with mournful wail of the fiddle, the lamentation
and grief of that one bullet cutting down the south is evident. Troubled times, indeed! And this
band's bluesy bluegrass with their instruments and vocals are perfect for relating these stories
from history to get us prepared, ready, and self-reliant for more troubled times ahead on life's
crooked road. (Joe Ross)
JIM LAUDERDALE -
Bluegrass
Yep Roc YEP-2137
PO Box 4821, Chapel Hill, NC 27515
www.yeproc.com OR www.jimlauderdale.com
SONGS - Mighty Lonesome, Time's A Looking Glass, I'm Still Living For You, I Shouldn't Want You So
Bad, Who's Leaving Who, Forever Ends Today, Love in the Ruins, There Goes Bessie Brown, It Wasn't
That I Had To, It's So Different, My Treasure, Don't Blame The Wrong Guy, Where They Turn Around
Playing time: 40:39
Jim Lauderdale is making a big impact on the bluegrass genre, and his love for bluegrass was no more
apparent among his many albums than when he featured Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys on
his 1997 album, "Whisper." Later, Lauderdale was a guest on Stanley's "Clinch Mountain Country"
project, and he in now an honorary Clinch Mountain Boy. Building on the chemistry between the two
artists, they collaborated on an album of their own, the Grammy-nominated and highly recommended "I
Feel Like Singing Today," (on the Rebel label). In 2003, his "Lost in the Lonesome Pines" (Dualtone
80302-01125-2) release featured both himself and Ralph Stanley singing his own self-penned songs.
Lauderdale is a prolific songwriter music who has penned many hits for artists like Vince Gill,
Patty Loveless, Mark Chesnutt, Kathy Mattea, and George Strait. "Bluegrass" features thirteen
originals that largely focus on love-related themes. I'd challenge him to write a few more with
catchy hooks, unique stories, and topical themes. A North Carolina native and son of a
minister/choir director, Lauderdale also has extensive bluegrass roots. When he arrived in Nashville
in the late 1970s, he had hoped to pursue a bluegrass career. Instead, he moved into mainstream
country. Jim also has appeared on the Grand Ol' Opry. He may know bluegrass, but this "Bluegrass"
album really gives us a mixture of bluegrass and country. It's a subjective assessment that really
has to do with the songs, vocals, presentation, and arrangements, despite having some top pickers
helping out like Jason Stuart or David Talbot (banjo), Shad Cobb, Ollie O'Shea or Luke Bulla
(fiddle). Randy Kohrs (dobro), Bryan Sutton (guitar), and Dennis Crouch or Jay Weaver (bass). Four
mandolinists contribute: Jesse Cobb, Josh Williams, Scott Simontacchi and Justin Clark. Kohrs sings
harmonies on all tracks; Robert and Skye Jason sing on "It's So Different."
Lauderdale has some winners on "Bluegrass" that show that fresh, new bluegrass can be composed today
that reflects the power, sentiments and emotions of traditional music. For six songs, Lauderdale's
songwriting collaborators include Joe Henry, Leslie Satcher, John Levanthal, Buddy Miller, and Tony
Villanueva. On past projects, he's also written with Candace Randolph, Shawn Camp, and Grateful Dead
lyricist Robert Hunter. Some of the songs on "Bluegrass" come closer to acoustic country, but a few
convey the bluegrass power and drive. Kicking off the set, "Mighty Lonesome" sets the right mood for
a bluegrass set. Begging for forgiveness is a common theme in bluegrass, and Jason Stewart's banjo
and Shad Cobb's fiddle provide the propulsion. A haunting ghost story, "There Goes Bessie Brown" has
enough of a cool old-time groove that some clawhammer banjo (courtesy of someone like Riley Baugus)
could've really kicked butt. "It Wasn't That I Had To" has a playful bounciness. Fortunately, "Don't
Blame the Wrong Guy" and "Where They Turn Around" (a train song) close the set or I might have been
left wondering where the rest of the bluegrass music was on this CD. His country heart and soul is
probably most evident in "Who's Leaving Who" that asks "Who's leaving who? What's it to you?
Something is wrong with this scene." Ultimately, the broken relationship leaves Jim wondering, "I
don't know if I'm leaving you or if you're leaving me." Pay attention to his lyrics because there
are some new twists and nuances in old commonly-sung messages.
I am also going to restate a common complaint with CD jackets. While the song and musician credits
are certainly a priority, would the labels please start giving us a few more panels with narrative
about the artist, musical vision, a few sentences about each song? With efficient graphic design and
layout, these items can be provided without expanding beyond six panels.
Lauderdale won a Grammy for Best Bluegrass Album for his "Lost In The Lonesome Pines" album. I'd
recommend that one for some in-yer-face hard-driving lonesome bluegrass before this latest effort.
"Bluegrass," on the other hand, has more cross-genre fare for fans of bluegrass and acoustic country
music that mostly addresses love and relationships. The songs will, however, take root with repeated
listens. (Joe Ross)
THE OVERALL BROTHERS -
self-titled
OBRO Records OR-1001
www.theoverallbrothers.com
Flat Footin' Tennessee, 2. Twenty Years To Spread The Word, 3. Texas Pretty, 4. New Place To Hang My
Old Hat, 5. Face Down In The Snow, 6. Cold Steel Rails, 7. Live By The River, 8. The House By The
Cornfield, 9. In My Next Life, 10. Taken Better Care of Myself, 11. Hate To See You Leavin', 12.
Voice From The Hills, 13. Christmas Time In Texas
Playing Time - 39:50
Guitarist and singer Wesley Probst hails from Missouri and started playing at a young age with his
family's band. After working in Branson, Mo. for seven years with The New Riders of the Old Trail,
he relocated to Nashville in the mid-70s to pursue his songwriting. You may recognize his name in
the song credits for material cut by David Parmley and Continental Divide, as well as the gospel hit
he co-penned with Billy Smith entitled "I'll Carry My Cross" and recorded by The Larry Stephenson
Band.
In 2001, the Overall Brothers formed to present original bluegrass and acoustic country music. The
rest of the band includes Kevin Harper (fiddle ), Elmer Burchett, Jr. (banjo), Danny Barnes
(mandolin), Kim Gardner (Dobro ), and Will Harper (bass). Besides Probst's Missouri roots, band
members bring a multitude of multi-instrumental experiences from their homes in Louisiana, Kentucky,
and North Carolina. Their individual resumes also show that they've been comfortable performing and
recording both country and bluegrass. Besides being strong instrumentalists, the Overall Brothers
are noteworthy vocalists and songwriters too.
Their debut album opens with "Flat Footin' Tennessee," that captures the lively sentiments of clog
dancing after dark. Springtime in Waco paint a postcard image in "Texas Pretty," while the imagery
of a different season of the year is captured in "Christmas Time in Texas." Various other songs
incorporate nostalgic recollections of home, hills and stream. While Probst tends to sing the
slower-tempo'ed emotive pieces, Burchett and Barnes' "Cold Steel Rails" has the boy hobo'ing a train
out of town when love goes bad. When you hear "The House by the Cornfield," you might realize that
you've hard that song before on a Continental Divide album in 2002 (Pathway of Time). In fact,
Probst wrote that one with David Parmley and Mel Besher (the fine guitarist and singer with the
Missouri-based band, Cedar Hill). "Taken Better Care of Myself" decries an unhealthy lifestyle that
includes smoking, drinking, and having "several wives that were wed to someone else." In "Live by
the River" and "Voice from the Hills," the band joyously exclaims their intent to 'reside by that
heavenly stream' and 'heed His sweet voice.'
The Overall Brothers' sing a brand of contemporary mountain music with a softer character than the
razor sharp edges of forceful traditional bluegrass. Yet, they have a compelling and dynamic sound
that provides persuasive accompaniment for their songs' thoughtful lyrics. This is an opportune time
for introducing their music, but its influence may be minimal unless they choose to put both feet
into one genre or the other. Perhaps this band's introspective music, character and image will
resonate with fans the way that Alison Krauss' did. However, if that happens, I'd ditch the overalls
for some stylish sport coats and ties. (Joe Ross)
RAYMOND FAIRCHILD -
Smoky Mountain Christmas
Rural Rhythm RHY-290
Box 660040, Dept. D, Arcadia, CA 91066-0040
www.ruralrhythm.com
Playing Time - 30:34
Raymond Fairchild has a long and successful affiliation with the Rural Rhythm record label that was
originally formed by Uncle Jim O'Neal in 1955 in Arcadia, Ca. Fairchild's "King of the Smokey
Mountain Banjo" landmark album had 31 tunes on it and was cut at a South Carolina radio station in
one long evening. Since then, there have been many other Raymond Fairchild albums on the label, and
they all are full of boundless energy and determination as his varied banjo techniques propel plain
ol' country picking, fiddle tunes, standard bluegrass, old country and gospel. Striving for an even
greater market,
one of Raymond's albums ("Honkey Tonkin' Country Blues") featured blues numbers and except for his
banjo could not really be called bluegrass. Some other records were a long ways from his mountain
music background or even bluegrass. Including drums, saxophone and steel guitar, Raymond seemed
willing to experiment with sounds and styles that few others had ever attempted on the banjo.
It makes perfect sense that the "King of the 5-String Banjo" would have a Christmas album too. This
tastefully done project features all-instrumental collection of many seasonal favorites. Raymond
could've really gone to town with some of his more innovative licks and tricks, but he keeps his
picking fairly conservative with this holiday fare. That's probably a wise approach with these 14
carols and songs that also include Cody Shuler (mandolin), Arvil Freeman (fiddle), Wayne Crowe
(bass, guitar), and Bruce Moody (guitar). They don't play with Nashville-styled slickness. They just
seem to have fun and play with a spirit (sometimes with a little harmony thrown in) that would make
Jolly Ol' St, Nick proud.
When family and friends come over for a holiday gathering, put this CD on to liven things up a bit.
There are plenty of easy listening Christmas albums out there, and "yule" surely get a kick from
banjo-centric renditions of "Frosty the Snowman" and "Here Comes Santa Claus." In a certain way,
Fairchild is like Santa too for bringing us this heart-warming gift for a Bluegrassy Christmas. (Joe
Ross)
THE TALLBOYS -
Yeah Buddy
No label, no number
www.thetallboys.com
WEB: myspace.com/tallboysstringband
EMAIL: booking@thetallboys.com
TEL. 206-525-2418
Songs: Cumberland Gap, Chilly Winds, Martha Campbell, Henry Lee, Walk Along John To Kansas, Wild Hog
In the Woods, Mississippi Sawyer, Ida Mae, Road To Maysville, Quit Kickin' My Dog, Squirrel Hunter,
Rainbow Sign, Wildhog in the Redbrush, Sally Ann, Say Darlin' Say, White River
Playing Time - 45:00
Who They Are: Old-time pickers whose lively and infectious numbers will put vitality into your skip
What They Do: Supple and soulful old-time dance music
Little Known Facts: This is their third album. Find them busking for hours in Seattle's Pike Place
Street Market or performing at many of the regional folk festivals in the west.
The Songs: Sixteen traditional tunes except "Ida Mae" penned by Charlie Beck. It appears that they
like John Hartford and probably picked up "Squirrel Hunter" and "Wild Hog in the Red Brush" from
Hartford's Rounder album of that same name.
The Musicians: A traditional 5-piece string band lineup. Joe Fulton's fiddle and Charlie Beck's
frailing banjo drive the band, and Paul McGowan's mandolin, Rob Adesso's guitar, and John Hurd's
bass fall right into the rootsy groove.
Of Special Note: Expressive vocal harmonies in the _-time "Henry Lee." Nice personalized versions of
such warhorses "Cumberland Gap" and "Mississippi Sawyer" and "Sally Ann." The crowning moment is
"Squirrel Hunter" that radiates the raw energy and saucy attitude of youth.
Any Downside: Include liner notes, lyrics, photos in future albums. Provide vocal credits and info
on the tunes. Find a couple real cool crooked tunes for your next album.
The Bottomline: An affable set of traditional tunes that will elevate The Tallboys to new heights
Their Bumper Sticker Might Say: Snappy and sturdy old-time
Reviewed by: Joe Ross (staff writer, Bluegrass Now)
ROADSIDE CAFÉ -
Grand Opening
Café Records CR-001
Phone: 703-390-9353 (Ken Windbeck)
Email: Ken@roadsidecafebluegrass.com OR Mike@roadsidecafebluegrass.com OR
angie@pressdarlingpr.com
Website: http://www.roadsidecafebluegrass.com
Playing Time - 37:01
Who They Are: An energetic, enthusiastic bluegrass quartet that combines originals with material
tapped primarily from the late-70s and early-80s
What They Do: Roadside Café is a powerful quartet of bluegrass vets keeping a certain era of
bluegrass still fresh and vibrant.
Little Known Facts: Band members have previous experience in such groups as Hickory Ridge, Eastern
Tradition, Bluegrass Image, Hearthstone Mountain Boys, Walter Hensley and The Dukes of Bluegrass,
Satyr Hill Band, Windy Ridge, Fastest Grass Alive, Changin' Tymes, Southfork Bluegrass Boys, Mitch
Harrell and The South River Express.
The Songs: Tight-crafted arrangements of material from country, folk and bluegrass genres. Besides
three originals, they cover songs from the likes of Keith Tew, Dallas Frazier, Joe South, Randall
Hylton, and Bill Monroe.
The Musicians: Ken Windbeck (banjo, vocals), Mike Maltby (bass), Brian Brewer (guitar, vocals),
David Robertson (mandolin,
vocals) have a genial persona and enchanting charisma that is quite evident in their music.
Of Special Note: The wistful Dallas Frasier ballad "Beneath Still Waters" is a long-standing
crowd-pleaser. Windbeck's banjo playing is first-rate, and the band's trio has an enticing,
confident blend. David Robertson's distinctive high tenor is impressive, but I'd challenge him to
tap even more emotion in an original like "He Wants to be a Cowboy" or Jimmy Haley's "You're The
One."An expressive "Talk It All Over With Him" is their gospel offering on this project. Robertson's
"Say I Love You" is a well-crafted favorite deserving of being covered by others.
Any Recommendations: Invite a guest fiddler or resophonic guitarist to join in on future projects.
Tear up an instrumental or two for a slight change of pace.
The Bottomline: A fine effort of expressive moderately-tempo'ed pieces.
Their Bumper Sticker Ought To Say: Consummate musicians who present tender sentiments and lilting
melodies.
Reviewed by: Joe Ross (staff writer, Bluegrass Now)
THE WILDERS -
Throw Down
Rural Grit RGCD-030
Wilderscountry.com
EMAIL mail@wilderscountry.com
Playing Time - 44:52
Who They Are: A unique and rambunctious hillbilly stringband, from Kansas City, that formed in 1996
What They Do: Good old-time all-American country honky tonk
Little Known Facts: Betse Ellis grew up playing classical music, but listening to The Who, Talking
Heads, The Police, and other punk/new wave groups. Ike Sheldon attended college in Missouri and
studied opera. The band has played Winfield, Ks., Branson, Mo, Nashville, Tn., and many points
between. For more info on their fan club, see http://www.wildersfanclub.com/
The Songs: Seven of the 14 songs are originals (plus Ike Shelton's additional music and lyrics for
Hank Williams' "Won't You Sometimes Think of Me"). The band likes to boogie with covers like Johnny
Cash's "Belshazzar" and Hank's "The Blues Come Around." There are plenty of new fresh old-time
sensibilities in original fiddle tunes like Betse Ellis' reeling "Goat Creek" that impart spirit to
one's feet.
The Musicians: Lead singer and guitarist Ike Sheldon is solidly accompanied by award-winning fiddler
Betse Ellis, multi-instrumentalist Phil Wade (dobro, banjo, mandolin), and bassist Nate Gawron.
Of Special Note: A feather in their bonnets is the fact that this CD was engineered and produced by
Dirk Powell at his Cypress House studio in Beaux Bridge, La.
Any Recommendations: I recently also heard "Squirrel Hunter" on The Tallboys' "Yeah Buddy" album,
and that tune would really come to life with a little more tempo and drive imparted into it.
Their Bumpersticker Ought To Say: We're tight and a bit obstreperous too!
The Bottomline: A skillful, entertaining band with a formidable and captivating persona
Reviewed By: Joe Ross (staff writer, Bluegrass Now)
FRITTS FAMILY -
One More Mountain
MMA-CD-1254
P.O. Box 576, Rogersville, TN 37857
Frittsfamilyband@aol.com OR Frittsbgband@aol.com
www.frittsfamilyband.com
TEL. (423) 345-3510
Playing Time - 36:39
Who They Are: The Fritts Family Band, from Rogersville, Tennessee, formed in 1986.
What They Do: The band has had a busy touring schedule and has released over a dozen albums during
the past two decades. "One More Mountain" continues their focus on acoustic bluegrass and Americana
music that incorporates elements of folk, jazz, and even classical idioms.
The Musicians: Headed up by Larry Fritts (banjo, guitar, vocals), the rest of the band includes
Jeremy Fritts (guitar, baritone guitar, mandolin), Sarah Fritts (fiddle, vocals), and Jim Bowman
(bass, vocals).
Little Known Facts: They have received considerable sponsorship of the National Endowment for the
Arts. Larry began playing bluegrass when he was only 12, and his first band was Bud Rose and the
Country Tune Twisters from Elizabethton, Tennessee. He also played with the legendary Jimmy "Old
Ridge Runner" Smith who fronted the Carl Smith show. Jeremy earned a master's degree in classical
guitar from Belmont University, studied jazz with John Pell, and spent 4 years performing with the
East Tennessee State University Senior Bluegrass Band. Sarah's been performing since the age of
three. She's studied fiddle with Benny Sims, as well as at East Tennessee State University. Jim
Bowman has been a member of several groups, has traveled abroad to entertain the troops, and has
theatrical experience in the musical "Smoke on the Mountain."
The Songs: Larry, Sarah and Jim contibute ten originals to the project. Jim Bowman sings lead on his
swingy original "Down At The Wayside Grill." The band provides an exhilarating arrangement of Bill
Monroe's "Jerusalem Ridge" to close out the set, punctuated with the expressive guitar and mandolin
picking of Jeremy Fritts.
Any Recommendations: A few guest musicians would give their band a fuller instrumental sound.
Of Special Note: Sarah has a strong, controlled voice that is immediately appealing. Her own "Riding
Through Life" incorporates the standard "Orange Blossom Special" lick on banjo to keep the song
driving. Larry pens some expressive gospel truths with "My Lord Might Come Anytime," "Get On Board,"
and "I Know My Lord's Gonna Help Me On." Jeremy's jazzy guitar breaks (e.g. "Neapolitan Ridge")
impart a personalized and pensive character to the overall Fritts Family signature sound.
Their Bumpersticker Might Say: Satisfying and interesting music presented with distinction
The Bottomline: Not your average pickers and singers, the Fritts Family is well-deserving of more
exposure and attention from the bluegrass community.
Reviewed By: Joe Ross (staff writer, Bluegrass Now)
MOUNTAIN MUSIC MACHINE -
The Human Condition
featuring Glenn Lawson
No label, no number
Mountain Music Machine: Hugh Sturgill, Managing Director (828) 265-1500
Mountainmusicmachine.com
hughshouse@bellsouth.net
TEL. (828) 265-1500
Playing Time - 43:29
Who They Are: Produced by Hugh Sturgill, Mountain Music Machine is a formalized assembly of over 40
musicians who pursue music for fun and enjoyment within a sixty mile radius of the point where North
Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee meet. Unlike the big business "Nashville Music Machine," this
conglomerate seems to put plain ol' good music over the slick commercialization of it.
What They Do: Their first recordings were released and widely distributed to radio in July, 2004.
The Musicians: The featured artist on "The Human Condition" is songwriter Glenn Lawson (guitar,
vocals), a Kentuckian who worked with The Bluegrass Alliance, J. D. Crowe's New South, and Spectrum,
before he became an insurance auditor.
To varying extents, other contributing include Scott Freeman (mandolin, fiddle, vocals), Katy Taylor
(vocals), Hugh Sturgill (guitar, vocals), Steve Lewis (guitar, banjo), Tony Reece (resophonic
guitar), Tony Testerman (bass), Edwin Lacy (banjo), Josh Scott (bass), Wendy Roten Arnold (vocals),
and Mat Rollins.
Little Known Facts: Producer Hugh Sturgill managed and produced various top-name bluegrass
performers from 1975-80.
The Songs: Their new Blue Ridge Mountain music is self-categorized as bluegrass, newgrass,
Americana, gospel, and western swing. Featuring ten of Glenn Lawson's songs, the material is
well-crafted and offers unique perspectives and stoires about life. Mosie Lister and Edwin Lacy also
contribute some songs. "Elk Creek Church Revival" is introduced by Lawson with a short narrative
that explains the song was written to "come to terms with some heavy Biblical concepts as an
eleven-year-old." The album's closer, "The King of Swing" is a Glenn Lawson original from a 1987
Nashville production and incorporates drums, pedal steel, fiddle and electric guitar.
Of Special Note: The eclectic set offers plentyof variety but its foundation emphasizes Americana.
These great musicians gather just for recordings and occasional concert performances.
Their Bumpersticker Might Say: Our music is an avocation by choice but just as hot as the
professionals on major labels are releasing.
The Bottomline Is: Consequential and worthwhile original music from some extraordinary talent that
operates under the radar due to family and career commitments.
Reviewed By: Joe Ross (staff writer, Bluegrass Now)
JAMES REAMS & WALTER HENSLEY
and the BARONS OF BLUEGRASS -
Wild Card
Mountain Redbird Music MRM CD005
565 9th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11215
www.jamesreams.com
SONGS - 1. I Caught A Keeper, 2. Hump-Back Mule, 3. Kentucky Mountain, 4. Road To Columbus, 5. Where
No Heart Goes Hungry, 6. We're The Kind Of People That Make The Jukebox Play, 7. Dreaming Of A
Little Cabin, 8. Wild Card, 9. You Don't Tell Me That You Love Me Anymore, 10. Old Cane Press, 11.
You Must Walk The Line, 12. Working On A Building
Playing Time - 33:54
Who They Are: A Brooklyn-based traditional bluegrass outfit that builds its presentation around
James Reams' emotional baritone voice and Walter Hensley's masterful banjo picking.
What They Do: Tap Kentucky and Virginia mountain musical roots
Little Known Facts: The band was nominated by the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA)
for its 2003 Emerging Artist of the Year Award. The band's self-titled first album, released in
2003, was nominated by the IBMA as one of only seven nominees for its Recorded Event of the Year
award.
The Musicians: James Reams ("The Father of Brooklyn Bluegrass") is originally from southeast
Kentucky. He began playing guitar at age 12. From 1992-1998, he performed and recorded with a group
called "The Mysterious Redbirds." His solo albums date back to 1992 and 2000. In 1959, Walter
Hensley played banjo at Carnegie Hall with Earl Taylor and the Stoney Mountain Boys. In 1964, he
recorded the first solo banjo LP ever produced by a major record label ("The 5 String Banjo Today"
on Capitol Records ). The Barons of Bluegrass are Jon Glik (fiddle), Mark Farrell (mandolin) and
Carl Hayano (bass). The band has been releasing albums since 2003, and "Wild Card" is their third
band project.
The Songs: Their early country and original material written in a traditional style is like a
well-documented archive of songs. It's great to hear a bluegrass version of Johnny Paycheck's "We're
The Kind of People That Make the Jukebox Play." I would've loved to hear Flatt & Scruggs or Reno &
Smiley cover that one. Like Reams, you'll fall hook, line an sinker for the opening cut of Mike
Dowling's "I Caught A Keeper" about fishing in the sea of love. "Hump-Back Mule" is a traditional
novelty tune that has the same drive of a standard like "Pig in a Pen" or "Ol' Rattler." And there's
nothing like a song from the repertoire of The Delmore Brothers ("Kentucky Mountain"). Glik and
Hensley are in the driver's seat with their fiddle, mandolin and banjo belted in for the
instrumentals, "Road to Columbus" and "Wild Card." The latter was written by Hensley. "When No Heart
Goes Hungry," a ballad co-written by James Reams and Tina Adridas, is based on a William Faulkner
novella as well as the dedication page from a contemporary bestseller. It relates the tale of a
young man seeking redemption while serving 20 years for robbing a mail train. The band's confidence
and clarion qualities would especially make them a thrill to see in live performance. The mother and
cabin home themes are depicted in Albert E. Brumley's _-time "Dreaming of a Little Cabin," and the
band revives Eddy Arnold's 1945 hit "You Must Walk The Line" with its classic advice to stay on the
straight and narrow.
Any Recommendations: Cut in one wild weekend, with all the musicians in the same studio at the same
time and not a Pro-Tool in sight. Don't expect perfection, but that technique magically captured the
spirit and soul of their music. All the edges are still intact and all the excitement is raw. An
eclectic set, there's a taste of their own songwriting. The rhythm skills of James Reams are
strong, and the banjo mastery of Walter Hensley is commendable. Jon Glik's and Mark Farrell's
fervent fiddle and mandolin work also provide nice fills and breaks. Vocal harmonies from Carl
Hayano and Mark Farrell blend well although the phrasings are occasionally a tad out of sync.
Their Bumpersticker Might Say: Straight-ahead old-school bluegrass with edge and emotion.
The Bottomline Is: Bluegrass music with fortitude and pluck
Reviewed By: Joe Ross (staff writer, Bluegrass Now)
MONTANA MANDOLIN SOCIETY -
Dance of the Sandhill
MMM2006
www.montanamando.com
TEL. (406)587-7198
SONGS - Salmon River Run, Mary Anne, Dance of the Sandhill, Moonlight Morning, Icarus, Ladies of
Scatwell, Sweet Georgia Brown, My Funny Valentine, Blake's March, Simple Gifts, El Cumbanchero,
Gimme a Holler, Montana's Farewell
Playing Time - 45:20
Who They Are: A classical mandolin orchestra from Boezman, Mt. that also uses various other stringed
instruments and percussion for instrumental embellishment
What They Do: The group tours and performs widely with a goal to educate audiences about the
mandolin musical heritage.
"Dance of the Sandhill" is their fourth CD.
Little Known Facts: Their third Album, "Mosaic," was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best
Contemporary Folk Album.
The Songs: The Montana Mandolin Society's arranged music retains the flavor of the turn of the
century sound of an "olden days" mandolin orchestra while displaying the growing role of the
mandolin and acoustic stringed instruments in musical genres of our time.
The Musicians: For their fourth album, the ensemble has a dozen musicians playing various mandolin
family instruments, banjo, guitar, hammered dulcimer, bass, cello, violin, and percussion.
Of Special Note: The album opens with four self-composed pieces from band members Kevin Fabozzi,
Craig Hall, and Dennis White. Inspiration is drawn from a whitewatr raft trip, a wedding, a tour of
Japan, and a morning sunrise. "El Cumbanchero" has many mandolin voices with a versatile rhythm
section.
Any Recommendations: I would love to hear this ensemble offer a few tunes arranged just for mandolin
family instruments from mandobass to mandolin, similar to what Peter Ostroushko did with his now
re-released "Mando Boys" project. "Blake's March" comes closest to this concept, but it also
incorporates guitar, cello and bass. A beautiful rawboned two-minute arrangement of "Simple Gifts"
features only two hammered dulcimers (played by Lindsay Turnquist and Dennis Hunt) for a very lovely
modulating change-up in the set.
Their Bumpersticker Might Say: The Montana Mandolin Sound is alive and well! Quality in nature and
art begins in beauty.
The Bottomline Is: What a great ambiance! This CD celebrates dance in its infinite living forms.
Reviewed By: Joe Ross (staff writer, Bluegrass Now)
THE JOHN COWAN BAND -
New Tattoo
Pinecastle PRC 1152
www.pinecastle.com OR www.myspace.com/TheJohnCowanBand OR www.JohnCowan.com
info@pinecastle.com
Playing Time - 46:47
Who They Are: Genre-bending innovators and adventurists
What They Do: Progressive newgrass full of vocal and instrumental pyrotechnics
Little Known Facts: Some of Cowan's early rock and blues bands included Everyday People, The Sky
Kings, Duckbutter and Grooveyard.
The Songs: "Carla's Got A New Tattoo" opens the set with barn-burning instrumental work and inspired
vocal spunk. The soulful "Misery & Happiness," a lamentation on the bittersweet experience of
finding love and losing it, features gorgeous harmony vocals from Patty Griffin. "Working In The New
Mine" harkens back to old school bluegrass, with a driving tempo, stellar picking, charged
modulation, and acrobatic vocal harmonies. A melodic "Back To Your Arms" and Mark Simos' "Hurting
Sure" are modern country masterpieces that would sound right at home on country radio. "In Bristol
Town" is a ballad with some old-time Appalachian character. The 6-minute closing track, "Drown," is
the most emotional and controversial. It's a disturbing and detailed disclosure about child
molestation. Based on personal experience as a seven-year-old survivor, John felt it was a tragic
story that needed to be told. Cowan collaborated with Darrell Scott on "Drown" and "Red Birds (In A
Joshua Tree)." Darrel and his father (Wayne) penned "With A Memory Like Mine," a sad song of a son
returning frm war in a flag-draped casket.
The Musicians: Besides Cow on lead vocals and bass, the band's current lineup is Jeff Autry (guitar,
bouzouki), Wayne Benson, (mandolin), Shad Cobb (fiddle), Noam Pikelny (banjo), and Luke Bulla
(fiddle, mandolin). All but Pikelny contribute harmony vocals.
Of Special Note: Six guests who are "special" offer up vocals (Patty Griffin), piano (Darrell
Scott), cello (Bryn Bright), bass harmonica (Mickey Raphael), percussion (Giles Reaves), and "sonic
onslaught" (Jay Joyce).
Any Recommendations: The studio effects are a little overstated in a few places. Sound effects,
echo, reverb and looping sounds have their place, and producer Jay Joyce could've used them a bit
more sparingly to create certain intimate moods and soul-stirring settings.
Their Bumpersticker Might Say: "Johnny C" for Secretary of Defense!
The Bottomline Is: Explosive Ebullience with a capital "E."
Reviewed by: Joe Ross (staff writer, Bluegrass Now)
JOHN FLYNN -
Two Wolves
Metta Four Records 00342
Tamara@savianomedia.com OR annie@savianomedia.com
TEL. 615-385-1233
www.johnflynn.net
Playing Time - 49:54
Who They Are: John Flynn is a self-professed introspective contemporary folksinger and activist
whose songs come "from the heart."
Little Known Facts: John earned a 1980 degree from Temple University in political science
The Songs: Potent messages and efficacious imagery are presented in his ten self-penned songs.
"There's No Them There," embellished with nicely-tailored harmonies, calls for a "a brand new way of
seeing, a brand new way of freeing our fellow human beings by simply being kind." "No More War"
declares "Violence has left its stain, Its drug is in our veins, It screams slay or be slain, It is
a liar." A song for the fallen, "Dover" asks the big airplane to bring 'em down easy out of the
Delaware sky. Only 12-years-old, "Azizullah" is the sad tale of another casualty of war. Guitar,
cello and oboe complement the reflective "Blink" with Flynn's observation "We blink and somehow time
just flies." Kathy Mattea harmonizes on "My Father's Chapel," a call for understanding with "My
father's chapel has many benches, Pews where the stranger may rest his feet." A radiant song of love
remembered is "Sunflower" that exclaims "I would not trade the sunflower I held for a whole garden
of flowers." Covers come from Phil Ochs ("Pleasures of the Harbor") and Kris Kristofferson ("Hall of
Angels").
The Musicians: "Two Wolves" has some impressive talent with Kris Kristofferson, Kathy Mattea, and
splendid instrumentalists like guitarists Duke Levine (Mary Chapin Carpenter, Bill Morrissey) and
Larry Campbell (Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Dar Williams), drummer Denny McDermott (Roseanne Cash, Donald
Fagen), and singer Jane Kelly Williams. Producer Ben Wisch (Marc Cohn, Patty Larkin) has had a long
and successful association with John Flynn.
Of Special Note: Flynn's harmonica provides some sweet conversational fill.
The Bottomline: An affable troubadour with strong messages that encourage peace, fairness,
compassion, tolerance and optimism
Reviewed By: Joe Ross (Top 500 reviewer for Amazon)
KACEY JONES -
sings mickey newbury
IGO Records Image IGO3454
www.kaceyjones.com
EMAIL info@igorecords.com OR booking@roadworthytalent.com
Playing Time - 66:03
SONGS - 1. Song of Sorrow, 2. Some Memories Are Better Left Alone, 3. Ramblin' Blues, 4. Lie To Me
Darlin', 5. Apples Dipped In Candy, 6. Blue Sky Shining, 7. What Will I Do, 8. Lovers, 9. Time Was,
10. San Francisco Mabel Joy, 11. You've Always Got The Blues, 12. Why You Been Gone So Long, 13.
Remember The Good, 14. Amen For Old Friends, 15. Goodnight
Who They Are: Kacey Jones is an affecting singer who does a nice job covering Mickey's songs.
What They Do: The talented Mickey Newbury has a large body of moving songs that are well-crafted.
You can hardly go wrong covering them and Kacey Jones provides us with some sweetly wistful
recollections and nostalgic remembrances.
Little Known Facts: Jones and Newbury first met in a Nashville studio nearly three decades ago. He
became a strong influence and mentor for Jones.
The Songs: Jones doesn't rely upon Newbury's biggest hits like "Funny Familiar Forgotten Feelings,"
"Just Dropped In," "Here Comes the Rain, Baby," and "Sweet Memories." But she finds many others from
his graceful pen such as the charming "San Francisco Mabel Joy" and "Some Memories Are Better Left
Alone." Kacey was influenced by Mickey and has been singing his songs for years. For this album, she
picked gems like "You've Always Got the Blues," "Apples Dipped in Candy," "Lovers," "Remember the
Good." There are also some from his later albums like "Ramblin' Blues" and "Lie to Me Darlin'" and
"Some Memories Are Better Left Alone." Some short interludes from Mickey himself are a treat.
The Musicians: The musicians who help out are guys from her band, studio players, people who had
played and recorded with Mickey, and members of his family. They all had (or developed) a sincere
appreciation for the ingenious tunes. They include Eddie Dunbar (bass), Jimmy Nichols (piano), Mark
Dreyer (gutiar), Brent Moyer (guitar, tumpet), and Paul Scholton (drums). Some poignant background
vocal contributions come from Toni Jolene Clay and Chip Davis (who sang on Mickey's two final
albums), as well as Laura Shayne Newbury (Mickey's youngest daughter and a singer/songwriter
herself).
Of Special Note: The opening cut ("Song of Sorrow") reminds us that if we dream long enough, we may
just be fool enough
to see our dreams come true. Those are the kinds of insightful and perceptive lyrics that Mickey's
songs embrace. Kacey Jones' voice has a warm texture, and it emerges with clarity and emotion.
Any Recommendations: "Why You Been Gone So Long" is about the liveliest song chosen for the
hour-long set. A few more uptempo pieces could have shooken things up a bit more, but all are still
very nicely arranged in thoughtful, delicate and soothing style. Nichols' string arrangements
provide considerable spiritual glow.
The Bottomline Is: Newbury's songs deserve far more attention than they're received over the years,
and Kacey Jones gives them supple and radiant delivery on this generous 66-minute album.
Reviewed By: Joe Ross (Top 500 reviewer for Amazon)
CASEY & CHRIS and the TWO STRINGERS -
Get Along Girl
Arrandem AR-170
P.O. Box 160474, Nashville, TN 37216
Playing Time - 41:25
SONGS - 1. Two Hands on the Wheel (N. Pate), 2. Walkin' West to Memphis (C.B. Henry), 3. Going Back
to Old Virginia (D. McLaughlin), 4. Sound I Hear (S. Jones), 5. Leroy and Liza (C.A. Henry), 6. One
Foot in the Graveyard (C.B. Henry),7. Counting on the Stars (C.B. Henry), 8. Hold Back the Waters
(W. McLean), 9. Change of Heart (C.B. Henry), 10. Pass the Eagle (C.B. Henry), 11. Sad Woman from
the Country (C. Brashear), 12. Pitiful Life (C.B. Henry), 13. Got Sweet Heaven in My View (S.
McCandlish)
Who They Are: Casey was born in Florida, moved to Virginia at age eight, and now lives in Nashville.
She grew up playing bass with her family group Red and Murphy and their Excellent Children. In 2000,
Casey graduated from the University of Virginia.
In 2001, she recorded a banjo album called "Real Women Drive Trucks" and joined up as bass-player
with Tim Graves and Cherokee. She's also worked with Uncle Earl and Jim Hurst. In 2004, Casey
recorded with the Tennessee Heartstrings. In 2005, "Casey & Chris and the Two-Stringers" formed with
brother Chris Henry (mandolin), who previously had worked with Dave Peterson and 1946.
What They Do: Carefully calibrated traditional bluegrass with youthful exuberance and an original
focus.
The Songs: Eight of the 13 songs are originals with the others coming from David McLaughlin, Sally
Jones, Nancy Pate, Will McLean, and S. McCandlish. Chris' songsmithing shows considerable promise
and potential with the bluesy "Walkin' West To Memphis," "Counting on the Stars," "Change of Heart,"
an instrumental "Pass the Eagle," and "Pitiful Life." "Counting on the Stars" establishes a nice
traditionally-sounding groove (albeit without fiddle) as it recounts a fictionalized tale of a king
who bases his military decisions on astrology. "Hold Back The Waters" is a disaster story of a 1928
huricane and flood in Florida's Lake Okeechobee. Tyler has a fluid lead guitar style and he adds
some strong guitar rhythms to push the pulse in the band sound. "Leroy and Liza" is a peppy
instrumental that gets it title from the names that Frank Wakefield used for Chris and Casey. The
stimulating gospel song "Got Sweet Heaven in My View" is a favorite. Chris' apparent muse is Bill
Monroe, and he combines some fiery sixteenth notes on the uptempo pieces ("Too Hands On The Wheel")
with smooth downstroke and tremolo techniques on the slower numbers (the _-time "Pitiful Life"). If
Chris owes inspiration to Monroe, then Casey could also claim her crisp, consistent approach on
banjo owes to Earl Scruggs. Their duet singing shines luminously in Chris' song, "Walkin' West to
Memphis," that conveys some raw and rootsy sounds characteristic of a brother act like The Delmore
Brothers. But their crowning moment for both vocals and instruments could be "Pitiful Life."
The Musicians: In addition to Casey (banjo) and Chris (mandolin), the solid band is Tyler Grant
(guitar), Missy Raines (bass), and Shad Cobb (fiddle).
Any Recommendations: Casey and Chris could work on their vocal blend a bit more. Casey vocalizes
with an assertive lead that makes us sit up and pay attention on "Hold Back The Waters" and "Sound I
Hear." More tonal quality and dynamics in their voices will elevate them to the top of the
bluegrass game.
The Bottomline Is: Effective and convincing bluegrass with a heaping helping of tradition and a
profusion of enthusiasm.
Reviewed By: Joe Ross (staff writer, Bluegrass Now)
MICHAEL CLEVELAND -
"Let 'Er Go Boys!"
Rounder 11661-0561-2
www.mikecleveland.com
Playing Time - 54:36
Songs: Old Brown County Barn 2. Night 3. Bright and Early 4. Old Man and His Fiddle 5. Durham's Reel
6.
Montana Cowboy 7. Dark as the Night, Blue as the Day 8. Sugar in the Gourd 9. Stone's Rag 10. Hello
City Limits 11. Hopelessly in Love 12. Old Mountaineer 13. Flower Blooming in the Wildwood 14. Old
Joe 15. Sugar Tree Stomp 16. Miller's Cave 17. Cacklin' Hen
Who They Are: Michael Cleveland has been in 3 top bluegrass bands fronted by women (Rhonda Vincent,
Alison Krauss, Dale Ann Bradley). Now he's poised to launch his own band, Michael Cleveland and
Flamekeeper featuring Audie Blaylock. The three-time Fiddle Player of the Year has the musical and
business acumen to take it far.
Little Known Facts: Michael Cleveland hails from Louisville, Kentucky. Blind from birth, he began
playing fiddle at age 3. In
1993, he gained national attention at age 12 when he appeared at the IBMA Awards Show with Chris
Thile, Josh Williams and other youngsters. There he met Alison Krauss, who invited him to perform on
the Grand Ole Opry that same year. Also at the 1993 IBMA events, he jammed with another blind
performer, Doc Watson, which became a highlight of the documentary film "Gather at the River." His
hobby is collecting pocket knives. In 1999, he graduated from high school and began performing with
Dale Ann Bradley and Coon Creek. In 2000, Michael joined Rhonda Vincent and the Rage. In 2001, 2002,
won IBMA award for Fiddle Player of the Year. In 2001, re-joined Dale Ann Bradley and Coon Creek. In
2002, won IBMA award for Instrumental Recording of the Year ("Flame Keeper"). In 2004, won IBMA
Award for Fiddle Player of the Year and Instrumental Album of the Year ("Live at the Ragged Edge"
with Tom Adams).
The Songs: With this 17-tune collection, Michael has assembled some fine talent to guest. Whether
sawing the strings with banjo pickers Pete Kelly ("Durham's Reel") or with Charlie Cushman ("Stone's
Rag"), Michael knows that making it upbeat and danceable is what it's all about. Then, a carefully
cultivated love song like "Hopelessly In Love" (co-written by Cleveland with noted Michigan
songsmith Pete Goble) is as compelling as the others are danceable. The inspired and inspiring
musicians include Audie Blaylock (lead guitar) and Rob Ickes (dobro). Auspicious moments on the CD
occur when lesser-known Bill Monroe instrumentals, "The Old Brown County Barn" and "The Old
Mountaineer" are served up. Michael showcases his consummate mandolin skills. Knowing that bluegrass
fans expect top-notch vocals too, he invited some critically-acclaimed singers to the party on
"Montana Cowboy" (Del McCoury) and "Old Man and His Fiddle" (Larry Sparks) and "Dark As The Night,
Blue As The Day" (Vince Gill and Dan Tyminski) and "Night" (Dale Ann Bradley, Jeff White, Audie
Blaylock).
The Bottomline Is: Michael's fast playing is potent and thrilling, but it can also offer beautifully
slow melancholic moments.
Reviewed By: Joe Ross (staff writer, Bluegrass Now)
JIMMY STURR -
The Greatest Hits of Polka!
Rounder 11661-6113-2
SONGS: 1. Beer Barrel Polka 2. Tavern in the Town 3. Papa, Won't You Dance with Me 4. Pennsylavania
Polka
5. Tic Toc 6. Champagne Polka 7. Yellow Rose of Texas 8. Lichtensteiner 9. Blue Skirt Waltz 10. Hoop
Dee Doo 11. Charlie Was a Boxer 12. San Antonio Rose 13. Metropole 14. Just Because 15. Apples,
Peaches, Pumpkin Pie 16. She's Too Fat Fro Me (Village in Polka) 17. Julida 18. Helena Polka
Playing Time - 46:55
Who They Are: By his junior year in high school, Jimmy Sturr, a young man of Irish descent, was
fronting his Orchestra in Florida, New York, a fertile area to where European immigrants brought
their culture, music and farming skills. Now, 14 Grammy Awards later, the big band is still
primarily a polka band although its repertoire includes songs from rock 'n' roll, country, Cajun and
western swing works also.
What They Do: This hard-working and prolific band tours extensively and has appeared in some very
prestigious venues. Their music is spirited, energetic, infectious and stimulating. His creative
approach has been to adapt hits from other genres to the polka tradition. So the American melting
pot is also reflected in his own simmering musical cauldron.
Any Recommendations: "Blue Skirt Waltz" provided a nice rhythmic change in the set. A few more
waltzes would've been nice.
The Songs: Opening with "Beer Barrel Polka," this sampler from various Jimmy Sturr albums gives both
the common and obscure. There well known tunes like "Tavern in the Town," "Yellow Rose of Texas" and
"San Antonio Rose" and others that you think you've never heard of ("Apples, Peaches, Pumpkin Pie")
but you somehow instinctively know. Includes Jimmy Sturr's classic renditions of "Pennsylvania
Polka," "Helena," and 16 others
The Musicians: Jimmy fronts a full orchestra, but most pieces have featured musicians - vocalist or
instrumentalist. Myron Floren's accordion is spotlighted on five selections. His most alluring
moment might be "Champagne Polka" with its intricate, but uplifting, key work. Boots Randolph's
supple sax jazzes up "Tavern in the Town." Willie Nelson is tapped to sing a couple swing numbers
("Yellow Rose of Texas" and "Just Because"). Other featured vocalists are The Rocco Sisters, Mel
Tillis, Jordanaires, Cathy Rocco, Johnny Karash and Frank Urbanovitch.
The Bottomline: The music is lively and upbeat, and it's certainly infectiously danceable. Hoop Dee
Doo, I hear a polka and my troubles are through!
Reviewed By: Joe Ross (Top 500 reviewer for Amazon)
JIMMY STURR -
POLKA IN PARADISE
Rounder 11661-6115-2
Playing Time - 36:19
Who They Are: By his junior year in high school, Jimmy Sturr, a young man of Irish descent, was
fronting his Orchestra in Florida, New York, a fertile area to where European immigrants brought
their culture, music and farming skills. Now, 14 Grammy Awards later, the big band is still
primarily a polka band although its repertoire includes songs from rock 'n' roll, country, Cajun and
western swing works also. Special kudos to those key band members who have been with Jimmy for over
two decades: Johnny Karas (tenor sax, vocals), Eric Parks (trumpet), Dennis Coyman (drums), and
Frank Urbanovitch (fiddle, vocals).
What They Do: This hard-working and prolific band tours extensively and has appeared in some very
prestigious venues. Their music is spirited, energetic, infectious and stimulating. His creative
approach has been to adapt hits from other genres to the polka tradition. So the American melting
pot is also reflected in his own simmering musical cauldron.
Any Recommendations: "Dance With Me" and "Sweet Memories of Yesterday" provide nice rhythmic changes
in the set. A few more waltzes would've been nice. Jimmy's albums seem to be getting a little
formulaic. I wonder if they'd consider arranging and recording an album of more obscure, folk and
ethnic selections. Include a Polish Krakowiak, a dance from the Polish state of Krakow. It would
also be a blast to hear them draw repertoire from Czech, Slovak, Hungarian, Croatian, Serbian,
Macedonia, Bulgarian, Moldavian, Romanian, Ukrainian and Russian material. I'd love to hear them
really tear up a Sicilian Tarantella, a Grecian Hassapiko, or Ukrainian Kolomeyka! Although you've
been highly successful, Jimmy, why not think outside the box to develop a creative, innovative
release of traditional material from Europe?
The Musicians: Jimmy fronts a 14-piece orchestra, and most pieces have featured musicians - vocalist
or instrumentalist. Steve Swiader and Al Piatkowski's accordion solos are spotlighted on "Acoordions
on Fire." Mickey Raphel guests on harmonica on "Miss Molly" and "Sweet Memories of Yesterday." The
former never loses any rhythmic intensity when it modulates between keys. Bobby Vinton is the
special guest vocalist on "Polka in Paradise." Louis Nunley (of The Jordanires) sings "Sweet
Memories of Yesterday." Other featured vocalists (from the band) are Gennarose, Johnny Karash, Frank
Urbanovitch, and Jack Calhoun. The Jordanaires incorporate their fine background vocals into the
mix.
The Bottomline: Another excellent production of lively, upbeat, infectious and danceable music.
Reviewed By: Joe Ross (Top 500 reviewer for Amazon)
LEON BIBB & ERIC BIBB -
Praising Peace:
A Tribute to Paul Robeson
SPCD 1318
www.stonyplainrecords.com OR www.ericbibb.com
SONGS: 1. Prelude (Ol' Man River) 2. Joe Hill 3. Praising Peace 4. Put on Your Robe Son 5.
Motherless Child
6. Home in That Rock 7. Weepin' Mary 8. House That I Live in 9. Shenandoah/The Water Is Wide 10. On
Our Journey 11. Danny Boy 12. Deep River 13. Ol' Man River 14. Friend Like You
Playing Time - 43:27
Who They Are: A father-son duo, Leon and Eric Bibb sing with much sentiment. Eric was raised in the
1960s in New York City, and his friends and influences included the likes of Odetta, Pete Seeger,
Son House. He's a self-professed "bluesy troubadour" who views Paul Robeson as a great role model
and man with a big soul.
What They Do: A strong tribute to Paul Robeson and his impact as a singer, actor, peace activist and
champion for racial equality
Little Known Facts: A Princeton native, Paul Robeson lived from 1898-1976. He was a star football
player at Rutgers, held a law degree and starred in movies. Robeson is godfather to both Eric and
his twin sister. Leon Bibb did some concerts in the 1950s with Belafonte, Poitier and others to try
to help Robeson get his passport back after he had travelled to Russia.
The Songs: Big Paul Robeson's signature song "Ol Man River" is followed by 13 songs (all but 4 from
Robeson's repertoire). Various classics ("Danny Boy" and "The Water is Wide" and "Joe Hill") and
spirituals ("Weeping May" and "A Home In That Rock") make up the set that conveys many moods. Many
are given lean and soothing arangements with accompaniment by Bill Sample's piano or organ, but a
handful of others have full ensembles.
The Musicians: Leon and Eric do all the singing. Eric also picks some acoustic guitar. Other
contributing musicians from the Vancouver, B.C. sessions include Bill Sample, Miles Hill, David
Sinclair, Tom Keenlyside, Finn Manniche, and Jingles. Four other songs were recorded withothers in
Arkansas, Sweden or London.
Of Special Note: Eric Bibb's own composition "Put on Your Robe, Son" is an uplifting alusion to the
inspiring qualities of Paul. "On Our Journey," inspired by Paul's presence, was co-written by Eric
and Paul. The album closes with Eric's "A Friend Like You," written for his 84-year-old father.
Any recommendations: There are liner notes from Paul Robeson, Jr. but very little bio information
included about his father. Not many know that he was targeted in the 1950s as a suspected Communist
by the House Unamerican Activities Committee.
Their Bumpersticker Might Say: Let's celebrate the human spirit and kinship
The Bottomline Is: The sweet melodies and uplifting messages of these superb folk and spiritual
songs are an aural celebration of Americana that is every bit as good as Robeson's own "Ballad for
Americans" and "The Power & The Glory" releases.
Reviewed By: Joe Ross (Top 500 reviewer for Amazon)
THE DEL McCOURY BAND -
The Promised Land
McCoury Music MCM 0003
www.delmccouryband.com
SONGS - I'm Bound For The Land of Canaan, I'm Poor As A Beggar, It's Surprising What the Lord Can
Do, Jesus Carried Me A Cross, Five Flat Rocks, I'll Put On A Crown and Walk Around, Don't Put Off
Until Tomorrow, Led by the Master's Hand, It's An Unfriendly World, Gold Under My Feet, Ain't
Nothin' Going To Come Up Today, We Know Where He Is Sit Down With Jesus, The Lord Is Writing Down
Names
Playing Time - 42:51
What They Do: They're on the top of the bluegrass game and play songs full of warmth and passion to
celebrate the spirit of God. Del delivers each song with convincing emotion, and his lonesome highs
are always piercingly clear.
Little Known Facts: This is the band's first all-gospel project, and I'm told that Del McCoury has
never recorded a gospel music album in his five decade long career.
The Songs: The set draws heavily from the material of Oklahoma-born Albert E. Brumley, the most
popular white gospel composer among rural southernerns in the 1930s. His songs present visions of a
caring, personal Savior and of an abundant, pastoral Heaven where old acquaintances would be
renewed. "I'll put on a crown and walk all around all over God's Promised Land." The album opens
with Brumley's "I'm Bound For the Land of Canaan" and "It's Surprising What The Lord Can Do" has Del
switching to his soaring tenor on the choruses. In fact, a number of their vocal arrangements have
Del jumping up to the higher harmony on choruses. Halfway through the set, the band supercharges
the music with Brumley's "Led By The Master's Hand" and the band's remarkably distinct vocals.
Following that, in "It's An Unfriendly World" a beggar asks for some guidance in a world full of
sorrow and sin. Other classics from Brumley include "I'll Put On A Crown and Walk Around"and the
album closer "The Lord is Writing Down Names."
A beautiful duet with Ronnie and Del is is presented in the _-time "Gold Under My Feet," while the
band's splendid quartet is illustrated in "Five Flat Rocks," that also showcases Ronnie McCoury's
consummate guitar skill. A strong nod to tradition is Pete Pyle's "Don't Put Off Until Tomorrow"
that kicks off with Ronnie's tremolo and downstrokes on his eight strings of fame. From Mississippi,
Pete Pyle had been a soloist on the Opry who also was member of Bill Monroe's band. Del McCoury and
Jerry Salley co-wrote "Ain't Nothin' Gonna Come Up Today" that suggests we fight Satan on our knees.
Instrumentally, you won't find a band that is much more solid than Del's. The band's newest
addition, Alan Bartram on bass, is rock solid and also contributes to some of the vocal harmonies.
The Musicians: Del sings and picks guitar with his sons Ronnie (mandolin) and Robbie (banjo), as
well as with Jason Carter (fiddle) and Alan Bartram (bass)
The Bottomline: The 67-year-old Del McCoury shows no signs of slowing down. McCoury musical magic is
first pew.
Reviewed By: Joe Ross (staff writer, Bluegrass Now)
DARRELL SCOTT -
The Invisible Man
Full Light Records FLR-0601
www.darrellscott.com
SONGS - 1. Hank Williams' Ghost, 2. There's A Stone Around My Belly, 3. Shattered Cross, 4. I'm
Nobody, 5. And The River Is Me, 6. Let's Call It A Life, 7. The Dreamer, 8. Do It Or Die Trying, 9.
The Invisible Man, 10. Goodle, USA, 11. Looking Glass, 12. In My Final Hour
Playing Time - 50:17
Who They Are: A bit of a rogue and maverick, Darrell Scott's a Grammy nominee and ASCAP's 2002
Songwriter of the Year.
What They Do: He's assembled an impressive team of players to present his originals on his sixth
album
Little Known Facts: Born on a tobacco farm in the coal-mining center of London, Kentucky, Scott
moved as a young child to East Gary, Indiana, a steel-mill town on Lake Michigan near Chicago. His
father is a musician, and he grew up around music and creativity. By 16, he was playing roadhouses
in Southern California. After some dues-paying years in Toronto and Boston, where he attended Tufts
University, studying poetry and literature, Scott finally made the move south to Nashville. Darrell
is currently an active member of Steve Earle's Bluegrass Dukes.
The Songs: "And The River is Me" presents some of Scott's self-assessment: "They had this test back
in high school / Said I had a career in forestry / Had aptitude for isolation / Yeah, I could live
without T.V. / But me, I took the low road / My soul flies up into the night / I don't live in a
tower on some fire road / But the human view is out of sight." As central as Scott's own songs are
to the project, the spirit of the CD is also captured in the only cover "Shattered Cross," from his
friend Stuart Adamson. The powerful song was recorded within a month of Stuart dying.
The Musicians: Recorded live in Scott's home studio, he has a familiar core of distinguished and
experienced players like bassist Danny Thompson (Richard Thompson, Rod Stewart) and drummer Kenny
Malone (JJ Cale, Johnny Cash). The album also features Richard Bennett (guitar), Dan Dugmore (pedal
steel, guitar), as well as many others to a lesser degree (John Cowan, Sam Bush, Gabe Dixon, Andrea
Zonn, Tim O'Brien, Minton Sparks). The Invisible Man was mixed by award-winning engineer Gary
Paczosa.
Of Special Note: In his own "Looking Glass," we gain some more insight into Scott's head. He sings
"Me and this song we got a lot in common / Neither knows quite how they end / Just follow along like
a leaf on the river / Believe we always can begin again."
If I Could Change One Thing: If I were producing his music, I'd like to hear a little more fiddle,
pedal steel, resophonic guitar, and even more vocal harmonies in his music.
His Bumpersticker Might Say: Darrell Scott's got his head in a song and a song in his head
The Bottomline Is: Darrell's stirring songs "come riding in on the wind" and they are "rainbows in
the sky"
Reviewed By: Joe Ross (staff writer, Bluegrass Now)
VARIOUS ARTISTS -
Harlan County USA:
Songs of the Coal Miner's Struggle
Rounder 11661-4026-2
One Camp Street, Cambridge, MA 02140
www.rounder.com
SONGS - Coal Tattoo, Shut Up in the Mines of Coal Creek, Come All You Coal Miners, Blue Diamond
Mines, The Yablonski Murder, Last Train from Poor Valley, Black Lung, Dark as a Dungeon, Trouble
Among the Yearlings, Lawrence Jones, Coal Black Mining Blues, Coal Miner's Grave, Death of Harry
Simms, Mannington Mine Disaster, Cruel Willie, Hard Working Miner, Dream of a Miner's Child, And Am
I Born to Die, Clay County Miner, One Morning in May, Which Side Are You On?, They'll Never Keep Us
Down
Playing Time - 70:50
Who They Are: The songs (largely self-penned) are sung or played by Hazel Dickens, Old Home String
Band featuring Tracy Schwarz, Sarah Ogan Gunning, Jim Garland (Sarah's brother), Johnson Mountain
Boys, Country Cooking, Norman Blake, Merle Travis, Phyllis Boyens, Nimrod Workman (Phyllis Boyens'
father), Doc Watson, Connie and Babe, J.P. Fraley, and Florence Reese
What They Do: This CD has songs featured in Barbara Kopple's Academy Award-winning film "Harlan
County USA" along with additional material from Doc Watson, Norman Blake, and the Johnson Mountain
Boys
The Songs: All but two of the songs (Hard Working Miner, The Death of Harry Simms) have been
previously issued on Rounder (or Flying Fish) album releases. This is a nice thematic compilation
with a strong traditional flavoring and edge. Si Kahn's "Lawrence Jones" was a splendid cover choice
sung by Phyllis Boyens, accompanied by Pat Enright (guitar), Blaine Sprouse (fiddle), Mark Hembree
(bass), Roland White (mandolin), Jerry Douglas (dobro) and Bela Fleck (banjo). Yup, three cuts
feature these guys who were known as The Dreadful Snakes. There are also plentyof songs with leaner
arrangements presented a cappella or with minimal instrumental accompaniment. And there's even
"Trouble Amonst the Yearlings," with just mandolin and fiddle, as well as "One Morning in May" with
only fiddle.
Of Special Note: Some of the strongest and most expressive emotion is evoked by those who have lived
the tumultuous life below gorund where pitch black by the ton is mined.
Any Recommendations: Reckon I'd try to mix out the sneezing and coughing in the background of the
song "Come All You Coal Miners" sung a cappella by Sarah Ogan Gunning.
The Bottomline Is: A generous collection of chilling lyrical tales about those places and
hard-working men who toil where the sun never shines. I wonder how a similar thematic CD would sell
of disaster, tragedy and weather event songs.
Reviewed By: Joe Ross (staff writer, Bluegrass Now)
DON RENO & RED SMILEY with
BILL HARRELL & THE TENNESSEE CUT-UPS -
Together Again
Rebel Records REB CD-1789
PO Box 7405, Charlottesville, VA 22906
www.rebelrecords.com
SONGS - Highway 52, Somewhere Someday Again, A Dime Looks Like A Wagon Wheel, Emotions, Buck Ryan
Rag, Flowers Are Like People, Mule Skinner Blues, Could I Stop Loving You, Riverdale Flash,
Soldier's Last Letter, True Or False, Shine Hallelujah Shine
Playing Time - 33:12
Who They Are: Don Reno came from Spartanburg, South Carolina. An innovator and early master of
three-finger style bluegrass banjo, he had learned to play (like Earl Scruggs did) from Snuffy
Jenkins. Reno began his pro music career at age 12, playing banjo with the Morris Brothers. By the
mid-1940s, he was playing banjo with Arthur Smith and the Carolina Cracker Jacks when Bill Monroe
invited him to join his band. Reno declined in order to serve in the Army, and Monroe hired Earl
Scruggs instead. In 1948, after his discharge from the Army, Reno replaced Scruggs in Monroe's band.
By 1949, he had his own band, "The Tennessee Cutups," a group he would head up the rest of his life.
A very popular and influential band throughout the 50s and 60s, they were never as commercially
successful as Flatt and Scruggs or Bill Monroe. Reno & Smiley worked numerous radio and television
shows across the south, including the Old Dominion Barn Dance in Richmond, VA and the "Top of the
Morning" TV show in Roanoke, Va. in the mid-1950s. They also made guest appearances on the old
Arthur Godfrey TV Show. Reno & Smiley incorporated elaborate comedy routines and skits into their
act. As comedians, they were known as "Chicken and Pansy Hot-Rod and the Banty-Roosters."
IBMA Hall of Honor 1992 inductees Don Reno and Red Smiley provide close harmony singing and
personalized guitar and banjo styles as their primary stylistic elements. Recording for the King
Record label, their popularity spread throughout the Mid-Atlantic states until the early 1960s. Don
and Red dissolved their act in 1964, and formed separate groups.
What They Do: Despite the group disbanding, they reunited in 1970 as Don Reno and Red Smiley with
Bill Harrell and the Tennessee Cut-ups.
Little Known Facts: Their last album recorded together was in May, 1971, "Letter Edged in Black"
(Wango Records). Smiley died on January 2, 1972. Bill Harrell replaced Red for about a dozen years,
and Don kept the Tennessee Cut-ups together until his own death on October 16, 1984.Reno and
Smiley's personal manager for many years was Carlton Haney, organizer of the first bluegrass
festival in the United States (1965 in Fincastle, VA).
Don Reno was the banjo player on the original recording of "Dueling Banjos". The tune was written by
Arthur Smith and recorded under the original name "Feudin' Banjos," using a tenor banjo played by
Arthur and a 5-string played by Don. The tune was later re-named "Duelin' Banjos" by The Dillards
and recorded by Eric Weissburg for the hit movie "Deliverance."
The Songs: The album opens with Dave Evans' "Highway 52." Buck Ryan is on fiddle, Jerry McCoury
played bass, and the mandolin player is unknown. Smiley's lead vocals blend nicely with Reno's tenor
harmonies. Seven of the 13 songs were written by the duo, and Buck contributed "Buck Ryan Rag."
During his lifetime, Don Reno is credited with a total of 457 songs (although most were never
recorded.) "Emotions" might be his best known piece on this recording, but there are six others
here.
Red's warm baritone highlights "Somewhere, Someday Again," and Bill Harrell joins Don and Red in
another original tune, "A Dime Looks Like A Wagon Wheel." "Buck Ryan Rag" and "Riverdale Flash" give
the instrumentals a chance to shine with fiddle and banjo taking strong leads. "Muleskinner Blues"
features Don Reno on the high lead vocal, guitar and banjo with Bill and Red part of the guitar
trio. Their voices blend on Bill Monroe's "Shine Hallelujah Shine" with Red singing the low bass
vocal in the gospel quartet and Bill singing the lead. The group's bright promise was not to be
fulfilled; Red Smiley died just three months after the record was released.
The Musicians: The new band included Bill Harrell on guitar, Buck Ryan on fiddle and Jerry McCoury
on bass. The songs from their October 1971 album on Rome Records are reproduced in this new CD.
Of Special Note: The 36-page well-illustrated CD booklet with copious liner notes by Eddie Stubbs is
worth the price alone.
Any Recommendations: A tad bit short at 33 minutes, and I'd like to see reissues today start to
include two historic albums from yesteryear. Sound quality is also not up to today's standards.
The Bottomline: This reengineered CD is a worthy addition to the library of those wanting to
discover or enjoy a pioneering first-generation bluegrass band.
Reviewed By: Joe Ross (staff writer, Bluegrass Now)
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