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Scratch Gravel Road
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Barnes and Noble
Scratch Gravel Road
Current price: $17.99
Barnes and Noble
Scratch Gravel Road
Current price: $17.99
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Size: OS
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Banjo picker
has been leading
for more than 35 years, and they're still as eclectic and polished as ever.
started the band to feature his take on roots music by blending bluegrass with blues, swing, newgrass, and country music. The current lineup features
on mandolin,
on standup bass, and
on guitar; all three trade off on lead vocals and harmonies. They don't waste any time, either on-stage or on record, and kick the album off with four of the album's strongest tracks. "Old New Straitsville Moonshine Run" is a traditional showcase for the band's speed and picking with
' strong vocal supported by blazing solos from
,
, and
that mimic the velocity of a moonshiner driving down a moonlit road. "Monroe," an homage to the father of bluegrass performed in his style with former bandmembers
and
adding their solid harmonies.
sings lead on "Sea of Heartbreak," the
hit reinvented as a midtempo ballad. "A Good Problem to Have" may well be the album's standout; a song that reminds us to count our blessings, even when they include minor problems like flat tires and cranky bosses.
delivers its inspirational vocal without sounding overly sentimental. Other standouts include "Jacklene," a
instrumental featuring producer
on banjo. She plays a fancy harmonic lead with
before breaking away for a concise jazzy solo. "On My Way to the Kingdom Land," an old hit for
, is given an a cappella reading that shows off the group's strong vocals.
's "Trouble Let Me Be" gets a bluesy arrangement with a hint of ragtime in its arrangement while "Sunday Morning Without You" is a strong country/folk tune with a hint of pop in its tune and delivery. ~ j. poet