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You Gotta Dig A Little Deeper (Rounder)

Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver

By Bob Mitchell

The past several years have been troubling for those of us who love traditional bluegrass as envisioned by Bill Monroe. An increasing number of musicians have been stretching the boundaries beyond anything that might legitimately be considered bluegrass. Yet, these musicians release and promote projects that claim to be bluegrass. Hogwash! What happened to truth in advertising?

Well, my friends, there are still bands that respect the original format and one of them is Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver. Their latest recording is a ray of sunshine for fans of authentic bluegrass. "Deeper" is Lawson's first disc for Rounder and it is another outstanding release in a thirty-year string of first-rate projects. His latest effort is a work of genius - a picture perfect example of bluegrass in its purest form.

DL&Q's trademark soaring harmonies and jaw-dropping virtuosity has earned them four consecutive and well-deserved Vocal Group of the Year awards from the International Bluegrass Music Association. Already legendary among modern bluegrass artists, Lawson continues to dig deeper and set the bar higher with what is arguably the best-ever edition of Quicksilver. These men know how to deliver a punch and they do so from the first note to the last.

With riveting singers Jamie Dailey (guitar) and Barry Scott (bass) trading high leads and even higher harmonies, the driving banjo of Terry Baucom (an original band member returning after a decades-long absence) and the enthusiasm of fiddler J. W. Stockman, listening satisfaction is guaranteed.

Every track is a compelling demonstration of incredible talent and commitment to this unique American music. Some of my favorite selections include an original from Scott and Dailey, "Heartbreak Number Nine;" a feisty new instrumental from Lawson, "Rosine;" the bouncy title cut; a new cover for the classic "Four Walls;" and Pet Goble's straight ahead arrangement of "When I'm Knee Deep In Bluegrass." The most poignant cut is the heart-breaking ballad, "Saving Grace," a story of Alzheimer's inability to end a man's forty-year love for his wife.

For more information go to www.doylelawson.com or www.rounderrecords.com