First-Rate Kentucky Talent
New River Line, based in Southeastern Kentucky, is a first-rate bluegrass band with an impressive debut project. If this is any indication of things to come I can hardly wait for their next recording. These men obviously love bluegrass and are committed to carrying the banner of traditional bluegrass. Their sound is tight, their harmonies are on the money and their musicianship is excellent.
Dave Carroll, guitar and lead and baritone vocals, contributes seven original songs. Ronnie King, mandolin and lead and baritone vocals, contributes four more originals. Jerry Wayne Chaney, Dobro and lead and tenor vocals, penned the remaining track.
Rounding out the band are Josh Hymer on banjo and vocals and Mike Parker on bass and baritone vocals. Ronnie Stewart, guests on fiddle for seven tracks. I especially enjoyed his bow work on Carroll's "Another Love Gone Bad" and King's tragic coalmine accident, "The Roof Is Coming Down."
Highlights include Chaney's exciting instrumental, "Crazy Horse," Carroll's poignant "Good To See The Homeplace Again," "Father's Family Tree," and "Scorcher Carroll's Farm," and King's powerful civil war story, "My Brother Paul and Me," and the title track which speaks to the difficulties and demands of a musician on the road.
For more information go to www.newriverlinebluegrass.com.