Lonely Street has been a real eye-opener for me, since I was very unfamiliar with Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver beforehand, and it turns out that this CD makes an excellent introduction.
Given this “starting from square one” review, I know what I like to hear. Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver completely meet the definition of traditional bluegrass, but at the same time manage to bring a contemporary sound and spirit to their music. The CD opens with a tribute called Monroe’s Mandolin that cranky old Bill himself would be proud of. Halfway though the CD is a song called The Human Race, with lyrics that could have been written twenty years ago… or yesterday. While the rest of the CD well covers the ground between these two points, the instrumental highlight must be Down Around Bear Cove which gives a grand tour of the bands fine playing; Doyle on mandolin, Darren Beachley on guitar, Carl White on bass, Joey Cox on banjo, Josh Swift on resophonic guitar.
“Ain’t A Woman Somebody When She’s Gone”
Doyle’s vocals fit like your favorite old jacket, well worn and comfortable, while Darren Beachley ably trades leads with Doyle and Carl White brings in the high lonesome sound and Josh Swift holds down the bottom end of their award winning harmonies.
All in all this CD would make a fine addition to anyone’s collection.
Rounder Records
