Northern Flyer is the self-titled debut release by a foursome of Vermont musicians, and while the band may be new the members have been around the music scene plenty long enough to establish solid credentials – band members are: Andy Sacher (mandolin and vocals), Mark Struhsacker (guitar, vocals, and song writing), Andy Greene (banjo, vocals, and song writing), and Kirk Lord (bass).
This release is an EP of five songs, and I hope it’s just the opener for the main set. I have to say that when I came across Northern Flyer I wondered if Vermont bluegrass had it’s own sound (as Kentucky or Colorado), what I found is that the sound is very traditional but backed by the Vermont sense of humor.
The self titled opening track “Northern Flyer” would not be out of place at a top-end bluegrass festival, if bluegrass is fine picking and tight harmonies these bluegrass boys have it all.
By the time you get to the third track (“May I Borrow Some Sugar From You”) you just might detect some comparisons to The Dillards, the fine songwriting, picking, and vocals are all coming together in some fine, down-home traditional bluegrass that can’t be beat.
“May I Borrow Some Sugar From You”
This short set closes out with “Vermont Winters,” if you think of the dry Vermont humor combined with The Dillards meeting a Vermont winter you have it, and upstate NY winters are not far away, so it will ring a bell that will bring a smile to your face.
I don’t know if Vermont has an official state bluegrass band, but here’s one nomination for Northern Flyer!
This short set closes out with “Vermont Winters,” if you think of the dry Vermont humor combined with The Dillards meeting a Vermont winter you have it, and upstate NY winters are not far away, so it will ring a bell that will bring a smile to your face.
I don’t know if Vermont has an official state bluegrass band, but here’s one nomination for Northern Flyer!
