This is the debut recording from a young acoustic band that hails from
Charlottesville, Virginia. The band produces mellow folk rock
with a light and easy acoustic presentation. Lead vocals sound
similar to Livingston Taylor. The band is comprised of guitarist
Jess Harper who writes many of the songs and sings, Pete Frostic on
mandolin, Ben Krakauer on banjo, Nate Leath on fiddle, and Darrell
Muller on bass. On the tunes with vocals, they are accompanied at
times by a nice harmony and just float along. Sound quality is
fantastic with instruments that are easily discernible and spread out
in the soundstage. The music ranges from dance tracks
(country/New Orleans style), bluegrass, Celtic, to even a little Bossa
Nova. Track two has some serious fingerpickin’ action and would
be a great track to use as demo material. There is clearly a lot
of passion and enthusiasm in the music this band makes aside from their
obvious skills—just take a listen to their cover of Stevie Wonder’s
“Superstition.” Low key vocals mix well with the fast and furious
music style. The band has put together a pleasing collection of
tunes that will undoubtedly make some new fans and the last two tracks
are a strong finish for the record. Definitely worth a
listen!
Run; Lookee Here; Drama Queen; Superstition; Tango Chutney; Broken
Pieces; Mr. Parshif’s Jig; Louisiana 1927; Trick Dog; Henry Brown;
Euridice; Dance.
-Brian Bloom
