Crazy House
Pinecastle, 2020
8/10
The Kentucky bluegrass stars Turning Ground are back with 11 new, original tunes, where traces of outlaw country enter their esteemed Appalachian roots
“Outlaw” starts the listen with a quick pace of string acrobatics in the ultra melodic bluegrass setting, and “Loving Wife” follows with a bouncy spirit as Nathan Arnett’s soaring pipes guide a thoughtful landscape.
Near the middle, “Reverend Jackson” moves with a soulful quality as gospel nods enter the warm climate, while the title track glides with dynamic interplay between the sublime sounds as the vocal harmonies soar high. “Devil In The Dark”, an album standout, then recruits Americana influences amid the strong singing as the band illustrate incredible chemistry.
The band’s country influences are present on “Strongest On My Knees”, which is both stirring and memorable, and “Little Mountain Girl” exits the listen with strategic banjo in the exceptional finish to a first rate effort.
Certainly a bluegrass record at its core, but not without plenty of variety, too, Crazy House solidifies Turning Ground as an outfit worthy of the attention of anyone with an ear for bluegrass, country, roots and Americana ideas.
Travels well with: The Dillards- Old Road New Again; Robert Hale- Blue Haze