The gap-toothed cousin of jazz, bluegrass, is in excellent form on these two swinging albums.
Legendary vocalist and guitarist Del McCoury is in excellent and vibrant form with his collection of family and friends on this latest release. The team of Ronnie McCoury/voc-mand, Rob McCoury/banj/voc, Jason Carter/fi-voc and Alan Bartramb-voc mix rich voices with foot stomping tempos as they’re off to the races on thewild “Ace of Hearts” and honky tonk during “Deep Dark Hollow Road.” Father Del has a gorgeous voice as he yodels to the easy pickings of “Build It Up” and the team twangs with guest Heaven McCloury on the toe tapping “Hot Wired.” Josh Shilling’s parlor piano evokes cozy images on “To Make Love Sweeter to You” while the band tells dramatic stories as on “I’ll Be On My Way.” Not a weak link in the chain.
The Travelin’ McCoury’s drop off dad and bring in guitarist Cody Kilby for their own album and it’s filled with earnest energy. Ronnie has a husky and strong voice, sounding like a ramblin’ man on “Lonesome, On’ry and Mean” while telling a tale of woe on the urgent “The Shaker” and travelling like a vagabond on “Freedom Blues.” The vocal harmonies are sorghum rich as on “Cumberland Blues” and the lovely “Let Her Go” with the band showing off its impressive chops on the jamming “Crowhop.” Dark blues fill the night on “Loser” while the team rocks the juke joint on the classic “Southbound.” The strings are flying!