Prescription Bluegrass Reviews The Velvet Blue - Memories & Heartaches

_________________________________Reviewed by: W.J. Hallock 

When this CD arrived, I had no idea who this band was……. the only recognizable name was Steve Gulley, who produced and engineered this release at The Curve Recording Studio, Cumberland Gap, TN.

Steve also sings some harmony, plays some guitar and wrote the opening song, “I Think I’d Rather Fall.” As a fan of Steve’s song-writing, I was immediately drawn to listen to the first song, which is the only one Steve wrote on this project.

With my old ears, I tend to listen to music one way…. LOUD! After I listen to music in my truck, I always try to remember to turn the volume back down, that way I don’t scare myself to death when I put something new into the CD player.

Prescription Bluegrass Reviews - Idletymes—POOR MOUNTAIN HOME

Sometimes, it is challenging to decide which ‘measuring stick’ to use when evaluating the work of a group that is between the subjective parameters of being a very good regional group and those of a professional-level band that measures up to the artistic characteristics and standards expected by not only the critics, but also those of the paying consumer.

“Poor Mountain Home” bounces between those criteria. On the one hand, there are tracks where the standards could have been a bit higher.

Prescription Bluegrass Reviews - Larry Efaw & the Bluegrass Mountaineers - SHE LEFT ME STANDING ON A MOUNTAIN

This CD features genuine old-time, traditional Bluegrass music presented in a way most aficionados of that genre would appreciate.

The core sound is strongly reminiscent of Stanley Brothers recordings and, to a lesser degree, Larry Sparks and Bill Monroe.

Tom Isaac’s banjo playing is strong and the overall rhythm and feel is steady, correct and even a little pushy, at times—with emphasis on a Ralph Stanley-ish type of drive, as opposed to more modern rhythmic incarnations, such as that performed by many post-modern groups like Alison Kraus, for example. The harmonies are tight and the lead vocals are well-placed and well-suited for the chosen material.