Red Camel Collective
Pinecastle, 2025
8/10
Listen to Red Camel Collective
The debut album from a bluegrass outfit who honor tradition but also bring creativity to the table, Red Camel Collective present both originals and covers for the collaborative and timeless 10 tracks.
The swift and harmonic “Roll On Mississippi” opens with Heather Berry Mabe’s soaring voice alongside Johnathan Dillon’s quick mandolin amid much energy, and “In Spite Of Me” follows with Tony Mabe’s fluid banjo and Jeff Partin’s animated dobro helping illustrate rootsy warmth.
Landing in the middle, “Leavin’ You And Mobile Too” benefits much from Curt Love’s precise bass and Dillon’s expressive lead vocals, while “All I Need” is an intimate moment of sublime beauty via Stephen Burwell’s eloquent fiddle and the poetic singing from Mabe.
Close to the end, “Half Way Down” blends the banjo, mandolin, bass, dobro and Mabe’s harmony vocals and guitar with a timeless bluegrass template that’s meticulous and memorable, and “Last Time I Saw Him” exits with harmony vocals from Sharon White and Suzanne Cox that complements the rich, heartfelt musicianship.
An excellent starting point for the outfit, the powerful vocals and first rate playing ensures a pleasant listening experience for anyone interested in bluegrass.
Travels well with: Troy Engle- Back Home; Wilson Banjo Co.- Memory Lane