Terrific John Lowell review in Bluegrass Unlimited

Throughout is Lowell's voice, a bit folksy but pleasant to hear. And his guitar playing is a rich fluid stream upon which the multitude of guests float. Raines' bass is the other constant here, as is the level of excellence of the 12 strong original songs. Gathering a wide range of musicians to make it work is an interesting concert. Claire Lynch and Ron Block are among those who show up, but all of these folks never overshadow Lowell and his songs. They expertly add to each song, lending something of themselves, enriching the project as a whole.

Chris Coole adds his distinctive clawhammer banjo and harmonies to "Velvet Western Sky"/"Black-Eyed Susie." Joe Walsh adds some find mandolin to this track as well. Darol Anger's fiddle peppers "New Phase of the Moon." The trio of guitar, bass and fiddle remind us that's all need to really jam. Each song is a gem and the talented guests are matched to the songs that make the most of their talents. This is a minor masterpiece in its conception and execution. Some tracks are outright bluegrass, others are just outrageously good music and stories.

< Go Back