CUMBERLAND RIVER

THE LIFE WE LIVE

LABEL: RURAL RHYTHM

Comments: Cumberland River’s first national release is excellent. The band’s roots are in Harlan County Kentucky and they are the real deal. Early on, they decided they would have to write their own material to ensure their music would appeal to both the younger generation as well as the fans of more traditional, bluegrass music. The material is therefore all originals by band members and each song tells a great story. The vocals are incredibly tight. Music from this recording has been featured on the hit FX television show “Justified”. The band is very talented instrumentally thus presenting a complete package to the listener. Veteran singer, songwriter, performer and producer Steve Gulley has taken the reigns to produce a sure winner. Highly recommended.

Andrea Bradstreet, 8/18/11

SPRING CREEK

HOLD ON ME

LABEL: SPRING CREEK

Comments: Spring Creek is based in Lyons, CO and this is their fourth recording. Dan Booth on bass has joined Taylor Sims (guitar), Chris Elliott (banjo), and Alex Johnstone (mandolin & fiddle) to create a solid, unique sound. The material showcases this group‚s diverse talents. A modern arrangement of “With Body and Soul” pays homage to Bill Monroe (who would have been 100 years old in September). The material ranges from traditional to progressive in style and content. Eight of the thirteen tracks were written or co-written by band members. Sally Van Meter, Jamie Stone and Gabe Witcher lend their considerable instrumental talents. Producers: Spring Creek and Sally Van Meter. Highly recommended.

Andrea Bradstreet, 8/18/11

Album reviews by Andrea Bradstreet on behalf of KRFC.

ERNIE MARTINEZ BLUERANGE
Comments: Ernie Martinez is a Colorado artist who can play any instrument
with strings. On his second solo CD, Ernie blends his love of Bluegrass
and Western music resulting in a most excellent recording. The songs are
mostly familiar but Ernie‚s virtuosity brings new life to these gems. He
is joined by various artists including Chris Daniels, Sandy Raey, Gordon
Burt, Johnny Neill, and Chris Strongle. Ernie does most of the vocal work,
and has several guest vocalists as well. Producers: Ernie Martinez & Jim
Ratts. Highly recommended.

FINNDERS AND YOUNGBERG FY5
Comments: Aaron brought this new CD by the station on Wednesday and it is
awesome. Ten of the 12 tracks are band originals. The harmonies have
tightened up considerably and the instrumental talent is impressive. I
like the variety of styles presented here. The material makes you
nostalgic and at the same time, refreshed. Every band member shines and
you can tell they had a good time in the recording studio, Swingfingers
Studio, Fort Collins, CO. Aaron Youngberg did a great job of engineering
and mixing. Producer: Finders and Youngberg. Highly recommended.

Album reviews were provided by KRFC’s own Andrea Bradstreet.