Freedom, Love And The Open Road
Pinecastle, 2020
8/10
Listen to Freedom, Love And The Open Road
Although this is the debut from the quickly rising bluegrass family band Lindley Creek, you certainly wouldn’t know it based on the top notch songwriting of the Americana and gospel influences present on these 11 timeless tracks.
“I Gotta Go” starts the listen with dynamic instrumentation between the upright bass, fiddle, mandolin, guitar and banjo as harmony vocals highlight the very melodic, rural beauty, and “The Mockingbird’s Voice” follows with soaring vocals from Katie Greer as the warm bluegrass sounds move with deft precision.
Deeper into the listen, “Four Men Walkin’ Around” benefits greatly from Jase Greer’s rugged yet tuneful vocals in the very playful setting, while “Home To You” offers a very emotive and cautious landscape with gorgeous balladry. “Old Soul”, one of the album’s best, then recruits lap steel from David Spires into the soothing and agile climate.
Near the end, “Grounded” flows with thoughtful and universally embraceable musicianship, and “Sunshine Song” exits the listen with an upbeat approach amid crisp, intricate song craft.
It wouldn’t surprise me one bit if the Greer family, i.e. Lindley Creek, become the next big sensation in bluegrass, as they clearly have the chops and strong sense of song craft to make fans worldwide, as evidenced by this exceptional first record.
Travels well with: Gary Brewer & The Kentucky Ramblers- 40th Anniversary Celebration; Daryl Mosley- The Secret Of Life