2011-09-07
This is the second time around for this Boston-based bluegrass outfit, named for the '30s radio station where the Monroe Brothers were often heard (WJKS--Where Joy Kills Sorrow), and this set takes the bluegrass basics and adds a variety of other influences, from jazz to rock to blues. More experimental than JKS's debut, one finds songs of dark, light and in-between, book-ended by Matthew Arcara's picking (he's an award-winner in that category) and Emma Beaton's vocals. Bassist and main composer Bridget Kearney has a John Lennon Songwriting title under her belt, so the lyric-music interplay is seamless. Check out "Reservations," "New Man" and "Eli." And for a mood-evoker, sample "Somewhere Over the Atlantic." Laudable and applaudable. 09/11 Michael J. F-AmericanaWeyes Blood
Front Row Seat To Earth
Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder
Honoring the Fathers of Bluegrass : Tribute to 1946 and 1947
GRETEL
The Dregs
ELVIS PERKINS
Elvis Perkins in Dearland
IKE REILLY
POISON THE HIT PARADE
JILL HENNESSY
Ghost in My Head
The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.