The Local Honeys
La Honda, 2022
8/10
The long running duo of Linda Jean Stokley (guitar, vocals, harmonium) and Montana Hobbs (banjo, vocals), as The Local Honeys the pair birth a very memorable version of bluegrass that welcomes grooves, harmonies and some ruggedness to the affair.
“The L & N Don’t Stop Here Anymore” opens the listen with much warmth, where the elegant strings are met with soaring vocals in the emotive climate, and “Last Mule In The Holler” follows with crisp drumming to complement the fuller delivery of playful banjo and expressive singing.
Elsewhere, the frisky, old time feel of “Dear Woodrow” mixes cozy strings with spirited guitar work for the nostalgic landscape, while “Better Than I Deserve” brings a breezy cautiousness that unfolds with charming vocal harmonies and gritty melody.
Approaching the end, the busy and dynamic “If I Could Quit” is certainly dance floor ready with its infectious energy of rural fun, and “Throw Me In The Thicket (When I Die)” exits the listen with a stirring on intimacy as much beauty surrounds the meticulous finish.
Also on hand are Rod Elkins (percussion), Craig Burletic (bass), Josh Nolan (guitar), Jesse Ray Wells (guitar, mandolin, fiddle), and Will Phillips (trumpet), and together with Hobbs and Stokley they carry on the rich tradition of music from Kentucky with this very well thought out body of work.
Travels well with: Riddy Arman- Riddy Arman; Brennen Leigh- Prairie Love Letter