Let The Steel Play
Self-Released, 2017
9/10
A collaboration between Andy Hall, who plays in The Infamous Stringdusters, and Roosevelt Collier, of the Lee Boys, the pair bring their vast talents to an instrumental album where Hall navigates a 1929 National Style 2 Squareneck Tricone, a Beard Mahogany Belle Beard Model Resonator Guitar, and Bear Creek Koa Weissenborn Style Guitar, while Collier brings a Asher Electro Hawaiian Lap Steel to the 10 tracks.
“This Little Light Of Mine” starts the listen with both Hall and Collier displaying incredible picking where bluegrass and blues sounds are both playful and precise, and “Maiden’s Prayer” follows with resonator guitar from Hall that integrates with Collier’s lap steel with much beauty.
Halfway through, the swift “Rosebud” recruits some rootsy qualities in its highly skilled setting, while “Reuben’s Train” brings plenty of soul into the reflective yet dynamic album highlight. “Remington”, another strong tune, then illustrates incredible interplay between the two as they mesmerize and captivate.
The album exits with the initially soft and sublime “Power In The Blood”, which builds into a warm, country flavored tune, and “Colfax Boogie” finishes the listen with Anders Beck on resonator guitar as Hall handles Squareneck Tricone on the rhythmic and indeed boogie friendly conclusion.
An extremely versatile effort, the pair flesh out very articulate rhythms and melodies on Let The Steel Play, where they produce a lot of creativity with just a few instruments present.
Travels well with: Alex de Grassi- The Bridge; William Tyler- Goes West