Across the Bridge

Drew Emmitt | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 19, 2005)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Compass Records
• ASIN: B0009WFFMW
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #223,729 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Tightly crafted with a visceral quality that is both intense and profound, October 24, 2005

By 

J. Ross "a-music_fan" (Roseburg, OR USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Across the Bridge (Audio CD)

Playing Time - 55:38 -- Somewhat like Tim O'Brien, mandolinist and singer Drew Emmitt has a contemporary style all his own. Unlike Tim who incorporates electric guitar, drums and percussion into his arrangements, Drew Emmitt prefers to keep his music fully acoustic. Drew is best known for his work with Leftover Salmon, a Colorado electric "jamgrass" band (actually their own genre moniker was "Cajun slamgrass") which broke up in 2004. Drew then assembled a band, The Drew Emmitt Band, which has returned to a more traditional sound. His musical compadres include some first class musicians -- Matt Flinner (banjo, mandoin, bouzouki), Greg Garrison (bass, harmony vocals), and Ross Martin (guitar). Guest artists appearing on this CD include Del McCoury, Ronnie McCoury, Sam Bush, John Cowan, Stuart Duncan, Paul Barrere and Jim Lauderdale. Barrerre (of Little Feat) sings lead vocal and plays slide guitar on his own composition, "All That You Dream."

"Across the Bridge" is actually Drew's second release, and it's largely original material. It would've been nice if the CD jacket had included lyrics. Emmitt is the sole composer of "Reach Out For Me," "Silvanite," and "Out in the Woods." The former is ¾-time is an offer of love, friendship and support in tough times. Over 7 minutes in length, the latter is a fluid piece that gives equal footing to instrumental improvisation and the song's message in a similar way to how Leftover Salmon performed it. Once the groove is established, each string wizard gets to strut their stuff. Three songs were written by Emmitt and Jim Lauderdale ("Up Where We Are," "The Awakening," and "This House"). Emmitt's collaboration with Ben Galloway resulted in two numbers, "All Night Ride" and "Cross That Bridge." "Big Ice" is a snappy instrumental written by Flinner. The nearly 7-minute cover of Dylan's "Meet Me in the Morning," gets a tad bit tedious and could've potentially been arranged.

Emmitt's multi-genre exploration takes us into steaming bluegrass ("All Night Ride"), engaging country ("Reach Out For Me"), gripping instrumental ("Silvanite"), and even some ethereal new acoustic territory ("The Awakening"). His music is tightly crafted with a visceral quality that is both intense and profound. (Joe Ross, staff writer, Bluegrass Now)

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Drew Emmitt Rides Again, September 16, 2005

By 

Lori B. Hoffmann "Jedi Master Hoff" (Grafton IL) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Across the Bridge (Audio CD)

It doesn't get any better than this. Drew's voice and John Cowan's harmonies are a perfect blend. The musicians are phenominal. A 5 star choice.

5.0 out of 5 stars Drew Rulz, September 6, 2007

By 

R. Stotts "jack straw from wichita" - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Across the Bridge (Audio CD)

I love Drew Emmitt. I have loved his music and contribution to Leftover Salmon, and have all of the Salmon albums. And seeing this guy live is amazing and a must. This is a terrific bluegrass album, with some excellent songs. If you know nothing about Leftover Salmon, start with "Ask the Fish", and if you know Salmon, but not Drew's solo music, start here. Drew Rulz! Peace.