6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
It glows!, August 8, 2004
This review is from: Back Home (Audio CD)
From my nwbluegrass reviewing friend, Kathy Boyd:
Produced By: Todd Phillips
Released By: Glacier Records
Review By: Kathy Boyd, Ground Zero Sound & Promotions
Having had the opportunity to spend some time with the members of Alaska's Bearfoot Bluegrass at Wintergrass 2004 and having a deep conviction that Todd Phillips can do no wrong, it was a challenge to not just write a glowing review of this CD without even hearing it. I heard it. It glows.
The recording, mixing, mastering, and production of "Back Home" are all stellar. Every instrument and every vocal is clean and clear without sounding overproduced. It's hard to tell which is a bigger selling point for Bearfoot Bluegrass, their tight harmonies or their stellar instrumentalists. Both are shown off in their best light on this recording.
The majority of tunes on "Back Home" are slow and mellow. They do start the CD with an instrumental, which was surprising as it's common practice to kick off and end a recording with something that will really grab people's attention. It's the forth track that makes you sit up and take notice. The bluesy "Won't Be Long" shows off what really sets this group apart. They know how to put the blues in bluegrass!
Laurie Lewis' "Love Chooses You" sounds a bit too much like Laurie's rendition of the same tune. Angela Ouden sings this tune with emotion way beyond her years, and I'm sure will eventually make this tune more her own.
"I Know What It Means To Be Lonesome" gives us a refreshing male lead. This is another of the few upbeat tunes on the recording. The only other male lead song on "Back Home" is both written and performed by Mike Michelson.
Finishing off the recording is a tune that not only showcases the harmonies of the ladies in the band, but is also a great choice for an ending song. "Her Memory's Bound To Ride" is upbeat, well performed, and just plain FUN.
Not only great performers, the members of Bearfoot Bluegrass spend much of their time organizing and conducting Bluegrass Camps for Kids, where they teach and serve as role models for aspiring young bluegrass musicians. Watch for them at a summer festival near you, and grab a copy of this CD. (Kathy Boyd)
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