From the Winter 2004 issue of That High Lonesome Sound

 

Tim Tolliver & Friends

I Am What I Am

(Self-released)
 
  Tim Tolliver, a former coal miner and native of Richlands, Virginia, sent me this album for review much too long ago. My negligence in reviewing the album was simply selfish- I wasn't certain I could capture, in a few brief sentences, the quality, breadth, and depth of his lyrics and music. Tolliver's songs are organic, natural products of a life lived close to the ground; nothing pretentious or affected is allowed to intrude upon the base rhythms and straight-forward method of instrumental interplay. The man lives with the soul of a storyteller and in stories he is wealthy with insight. Making the mundane significant seems to be Tolliver's greatest gift as his songs-of regret, the mines, social outcasts, and personal failures as well as gospel subjects- take on three-dimensional elements within only a few well-chosen lines. This album, which will need to be ordered directly from the artist, is sure to find a welcome place with a wide cross-section of bluegrass fans including those who appreciate the music of Larry Cordle, Larry Sparks, and Ron Thomason's Dry Branch Fire Squad. (Tim Tolliver, PO Box 189, Raven, VA 24639 or www.timtolliver.com)
 

Tony Williamson

Sessions at McBane Mill

(Bonfire BONF-8003)
 
  A mandolin player held in very high regard, Williamson's album may be one of the better sounding releases I have encountered this year. Recorded within a 19th century grain mill located on the Haw River in North Carolina, the sound acoustics of the solid wood interior lend a bright warmth to the overall aural experience of the disc. An additional bonus for purists is that the album contains no overdubbing, minimal editing, and it is primarily the first or second take that was captured for posterity. An entirely instrumental album featuring guitar, bass, fiddle, banjo, and Williamson's very clean and polished mandolin playing, the music is likely less bluegrass than new acoustic music. The bass sound is definitely more jazzy in feel and tone than one finds on most bluegrass ensemble recordings. Williamson's feather-light fills are sparkling in their clarity. This is an intricate recording that sounds more high falutin' that it actually is- the songs are accessible and can be equally enjoyed by those who are musically proficient or instrumentally challenged. (Bonfire Records, 1130 Cherry Lane, Graham, NC 27253 or www.redeyeusa.com/bonfire/)
 

Jim Hurst and Missy Raines

Synergy

(Pinecastle PRC 1130)
 
  I have never met either Jim or Missy, although I recall having the pleasure of listening to them accompany Claire Lynch at Blueberry a few years ago, but they are among my favourite performers within the wide-ranging world of bluegrass. They seem to be genuine, personable individuals who love what they do; their second duo album bares witness to these characteristics. From the (not surprisingly) bluesy tones of Jim's first lead vocal number, "I Ain't Got The Blues," and Missy's treatment of a karma-telling song called "Cold Hard Business," adventurous bluegrass fans will likely enjoy the varied sounds contained within this excellent disc. The duo limit their songwriting to three very fine instrumental numbers but their selection of songs from outside songwriters is very impressive. Among these are story songs that capture wonderful human qualities as in "Reverend Brimstone," (imagine selling your soul to play like Huskey!) "Old Blind Dog," and "Mist of Memory." Missy Raines is one of the most recognized (and awarded) of bluegrass bassists and Jim Hurst's guitar playing is renowned within the same circles. No guest musicians appear as Missy and Jim handle all the instruments- she the basses, he the guitars. Their vocals are not 'slick 'n' sweet' as many of those found in bluegrass today but are simply natural and ideally suited to the- by turns- mystical, touching, and genuine songs. (www.pinecastle.com or http://missyraines.home
 

Chatham County Line

Chatham County Line

(Bonfire)
 
 

Original, modern bluegrass has seldom sounded as fresh as on the debut album from these youthful musicians. With nods to the forebears of the music they love (the memorable "WMS 650" and the heartfelt "Song for John Hartford") as well as the traditions of bluegrass music- murder ballads that go beyond the bare facts, train wrecks, misused authority- Chatham County Line have produced a tremendous album that should appeal to both bluegrass purists and those closer to the fringes. The musicianship is exemplary and the vocals are lonesome and mountain authentic. There is not a weak moment on the album. Dave Wilson is a terrific songwriter as witnessed by "Brings My Tears," a traditional-sounding ballad that has a twisted ending, "Tennessee Valley Authority," a three minute history lesson, and "Wichita Central," a new hobo song.

Scruggs-Watson-Skaggs-The Three Pickers (Rounder) Contrived events seldom live up to billed expectations; this extravaganza, captured before an audience on a stormy winter night, truly represents three of the finest musicians to ever grace a stage playing mountain music and bluegrass. Appearing as an unaccompanied trio as well as with their respective bands and guests, the hour-plus concert disc shows a binding of friendship, respect, and music that too seldom occurs. Earl Scruggs has infrequently sounded better adorned by the trappings of family, Ricky Skaggs is reserved and focused in his delivery, and impeccable Doc Watson is simply the understated elder statesman that he has been for the last couple decades. Alison Krauss guests on a pair of numbers to very good effect.
 

WhiteHouse

WhiteHouse

(Pinecastle PRC 1131)
 
  There have been many bluegrass supergroups over the years with Longview and the Bluegrass Album Band being but two of the most notable. Add to the list Whitehouse, a conglomerate of bluegrass super-powers all living within the seemingly comfortable confines of the Nashville suburb, White House, Tennessee. Jason Carter (fiddle- Del McCoury Band,) Charlie Cushman (banjo & guitar- Osborne Brothers, Benny Martin,) David Parmley (guitar- Continental Divide, the Bluegrass Cardinals,) Missy Raines (bass- Eddie & Martha Adcock among others,) and Larry Stephenson (mandolin- the Bluegrass Cardinals, Larry Stephenson Band) are among the most familiar of names to liner note junkies. Their debut self-titled bluegrass album could not be more enjoyable. From start to finish the disc is 35-minutes of solid 'grass- nothing on the edge or new acoustic, just bluegrass the way I like it to be played- full of speed, soul, misery, and life. Unlike on other albums of standards and older songs, WhiteHouse's performances breathe freshness into the performances so one never says, "Gosh, another rendition of…who needs it?" The vocals feature traditional bluegrass harmony styles and wonderful lead work from Stephenson and Parmley. This album should be experienced by all fans of bluegrass. (www.pinecastle records.com or PO Box 456, Orlando, FL 32802)