Press

From the liner notes by TIM STAFFORD
I met Greg Blake a few years ago when he was playing and singing with Jeff Scroggins and Colorado, and I was immediately impressed with his warm, personal singing style, steady rhythm guitar playing, and just by his wonderful personality. The guy seemed like he was born with a smile on his face!

As he’s progressed to play with groups like Special Consensus, Greg has developed quite a reputation beyond his western and midwestern base, and now he has a new record out with his own band. His promotional material says “This is a Midwest band with a traditional, Midwest flavor performing primarily for Midwest audiences,” but the band itself is also getting a richly-deserved reputation far from their home.

Another guy I’ve known for many moons is bassist Grant Cochran, who played with Greg in midwestern stalwarts The Bluegrass Missourians along with GBB mandolinist Brian McCarty. Grant’s also one of the nicest guys ever and a good bass player, as well as a songwriter—borne out by the fine “In the Wind,” (co-written with Monica Cochran) that lilts like wheat in the wind over a Kansas field.

Blake’s unmistakable vocals and rock-solid rhythm brand the band’s sound, but Cochran, mandolinist McCarty and banjoist Todd Davis immediately prove that this IS a “band”, and a fine one at that. At times they are reminiscent of the Lost and Found, one of my favorite bands of all time. They display their instrumental chops, especially on Jesse McReynold’s “Stoney Creek,” including Greg’s tasteful, toneful leads. Greg shows why he’s such an affecting, powerful singer with fine performances throughout this project, including “Since My Baby’s Gone,” which showcases his ability to stop an audience dead in its tracks on a slow-medium tempo ballad with smooth vocal tone and a delivery that seems intended for each person individually. It’s a rare talent and Greg know how to use it effectively. It doesn’t hurt that McCarty is a really good tenor singer, and his duets with Blake are highlights, although the trios with Todd Davis’s baritone are first-rate as well.

It was a joy to listen to this debut record from Greg Blake and Hometown. I sure hope they expand coast to coast soon and you’re able to experience their talent and smiles up close and personal!

Tim Stafford
Kingsport, TN
April 2022