20
Pinecastle, 2021
9/10
Deeper Shade Of Blue have now been a band for two decades, and this aptly titled 7th album shows that Jason Fraley (mandolin/vocals), Troy Pope (guitar/vocals), Frank Poindexter (dobro/vocals), Scott Burgess (bass/vocals), and Steve Wilson (banjo) sound better than ever, as their three part harmonies and flowing bluegrass is spread out across 12 well thought out tracks.
“Broken Lady” starts the listen with soaring vocal harmonies alongside Wilson’s warm banjo and Pope’s smooth guitar work in the timeless bluegrass delivery, and “Blue Was Just A Color” follows with the strings interacting with much beauty, where the vivid storytelling and Fraley’s mandolin skills make an indelible impression.
“Blue And Broken Hearted” lands in the middle and emits much eloquence that’s packed with soothing harmonies and sublime string interaction, while “Jared’s Rag” moves swiftly amid meticulous bass from Burgess and Poindexter’s stunning dobro, as the instrumental displays incredible musicianship. “If You Only Knew”, a late album highlight, then offers a cautious and folk influenced landscape that’s handled with the utmost care.
“Promises We Made” arrives near the end and resides in ballad territory, where soft strings highlight the heartfelt singing, and “Four Wheel Drive” exits the listen with no shortage of energy as the quintet allow each member’s respective talents to shine in the stunning bluegrass finish.
North Carolina is home to a lot of exceptional bluegrass, and Deeper Shade Of Blue are right at the top of that list. Capable of stirring, calm moments and fast, dynamic song craft that embraces all the hallmarks of the genre, 20 is yet another first rate effort to add to their glowing body of work.
Travels well with: Lorraine Jordan And Carolina Road- I Can Go To Them; Andrew Crawford- The Lonesome Season