|
|
|
 |
Music ReviewsAug-Sep 2004 One Good ReasonMaple Creek with Emory Lester, MCR393
Edmonton bluegrass band Maple Creek has done exactly that, having played dozens of dates at major summer festivals across the nation while keeping busy in the winter months playing select concerts, writing new material, and keeping up the commitment to rehearsal in the winter months. Heading in the studio with new banjo player Darcy Whiteside in tow, Dawn and Brad Oviatt and bassist Jim Storey asked highly-regarded American mandolinist Emory Lester to produce this set. A great move as Lester's guidance is evident in arrangements that are slightly more adventurous than heard on the group's debut disc, and one would have to believe he pulled the best possible performances out of everyone involved, both vocally and on the instrumental front. Material is the other key here and a combination of originals from Brad Oviatt and Whiteside stand favorably against well-worn tunes from such bluegrass greats as Red Allen, Bill Monroe, and the Osborne Brothers as well as Alberta's own Ian Tyson. There's a controlled fire and spirit in Oviatt's fiddle solos and his wife's vocals project an emotional attachment to all the lyrics she sings. Highlights on this 13-song collection include Cry, Cry Darling, Promises To Burn which is painted in heartache, Brad Oviatt's romp through Tommy Jackson's Acorn Hill Breakdown and Don't Worry About Me. For more info on Maple Creek and this recording head to www.maplecreekbluegrass.com. |
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
Three years between releases is an ample amount of time for a group to tighten up, gain confidence and chisel out a more complete identity.