High Cold Wind
Self-Released, 2023
8/10
The banjo pickin’ extraordinaire and Chattanooga resident Randy Steele brings his emotionally robust songwriting to these energetic bluegrass tunes that welcome Faye Petree, John Boulware, Tyler Martelli and Justin Hupp.
“There’s A Part Of Me” opens the listen with much warmth, as Steele’s fluid singing and intricate picking is complemented by Hupp’s upright bass prowess, and “Nashville Drinking Song” follows with swift fiddle from Petree for the soaring, bluegrass fueled melodies.
“It Happened” occupies the middle spot, and use Martelli’s playful guitar splendidly via the mountain-esque interaction, while “A Golden Smile” is a more intimate moment of expressive vocals and meticulous banjo from Steele’s agile fingers.
The final track, “Eight Thirty Eighteen”, is the best selection, and meshes the dynamic strings with well timed backing vocals for the bright and timeless exit.
Steele has also released music as the frontman for the Slim Pickins Bluegrass Band, and his engaging storytelling and creative vision makes each piece here a first rate bluegrass tune.
Travels well with: The Freeway Jubilee- On The Horizon, Vol. 1; Damn Tall Buildings- Sleeping Dogs