There Was A Time
Self-Released, 2020
8/10
A long running bluegrass outfit with a penchant for vocal harmonies and acoustic prowess, Barry Long, Mike Johnson, Chuck Price, Andy Smith, Mike Mullins and Dwayne Brown comprise New River Bluegrass, and here they offer a dozen tunes where they all sing and invite plenty of gospel ideas into their timeless song craft.
“Shadow Of The Mill” starts the album with chunky banjo as soothing vocals enter the vibrant bluegrass setting, and this continues to the string acrobatics of “My Mind’s Made Up”, as well as the emotive and agile “Faith Of A Little Seed”.
Deeper cuts bring us the warm balladry of “Welcome Home”, while “There Is A Time” moves swiftly with plenty of sublime rural melodies alongside soaring vocals. The album exits on “Living Water”, where the band’s strong faith is referenced lyrically amid memorable and dynamic bluegrass musicianship.
Fans of music from the Pinecastle label or even the Bonfire label will want to pay attention here, as New River Bluegrass bring us all the hallmarks of the genre in spades, and their execution is nothing short of flawless.
Travels well with: Lindley Creek- Freedom, Love And The Open Road; Flashback- Blues Around My Cabin