A Virginian country band providing great musicianship, decent vocals and a lot of fun. Banjos, fiddle, mandolin, guitar, drums, washboard and a double bass that all 5 band members had a go on at some point or other. Old early 20th century songs and tunes, from the country, bluegrass and ragtime traditions, self penned songs in the same idiom.
They're fronted by Josh Bearman whose singing might not be note perfect, might not have the greatest of ranges, but does have an authentic country tone and and real feel for the genre. Ed Brogan also sings lead, a stronger voice technically, but lacking Bearman's plaintive sound. There's far less to criticise in the music. 5 excellent musicians, strong arrangements with their own signature, plenty of virtuosity demonstrated in the solos. An exciting bit of ragtime, a cover of a song by the great Jim Croce (why don't more people cover his material?), an anti-Trump number, slow songs and fast tunes, a real mixture and a well balanced set. Add in a few laughs, a bit of banter between band members, and some informative introductions and you have a truly enjoyable gig that gets the feet tapping and the audience leaving with a smile on their faces.
Worth catching if they come your way.
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