From the August 2004 issue of Bluegrass Now Magazine (unedited)

Jeff Barbra & Sarah Pirkle

Barb Hollow Sessions

(Barb Hollow Music) 38:30

Jeff Barbra and Sarah Pirkle are mainstays of the Tennessee bluegrass and songwriting scenes. Recorded over the last two years at their home in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, the duo has produced a disc in which they can take pride.

On "Only Home I've Had" Barbra reveals himself as a lonesome singer singing a most pitiful song in a mid-range register that fairly drips with country soul; on the eve of his release from prison, a convict prays not to be released from the only home he's ever known. Barbra also sings a strong gospel themed number, "Thank You Father For My Dad," chronicling positive paternal memories.

An equal number of songs feature the boldly gentle lead voice of Sarah Pirkle. "My Baby Rocks The Cradle and Cries" is a mournful circle of life ballad of acceptance and warning. More upbeat is her duet with Barbra, "Bury Me In The Red Clay," a number that clips along while revealing a tale of betrayal, retribution, and consequence. The banjo presence of Floyd Bailey propels this number with a tempo that is most satisfying.

Little on the Barb Hollow Sessions would be out of place among the best of Robin and Linda Williams, featuring fresh voices and competent acoustiblue musicianship. The album does suffer from a lack of sound diversity, a point realized when one considers that banjo is featured on but one cut, likely the strongest on the disc.

With its embracing message, "Prayer For My Friends" is a suitable choice to close the album; celebrating those who surround us with the comforts of companionship, the song most appropriately features one of the fullest band performances on the set.

Wildfire's Darrell Webb contributes fine mandolin touches on a half dozen of the eleven tracks while Eric Lewis contributes Dobro in a couple places. For the most part, the disc is a guitar-based, songwriter album with even Pirkle's fiddle limited in its appearances.

Comprised of original compositions, one seldom encounters a project that radiates such warmth. Those who enjoy folk-country sounds within soft bluegrass repertoires should welcome Barb Hollow Sessions. www.jeffandsarahonline.com