Customer Reviews

Viridian

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4 star:		(3)
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Playing Time - 44:04 -- Warm, comforting and as smooth as suede, "Viridian" has shimmering music that is like rays of sunlight reflecting from a serene lake on a breezy summer day. From Australia and Great Britain, the spunky trio that now makes their home in Nashville (via Austin, Tx.) previously released two albums and toured with Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson in the 2000s. More than emerging troubadours, the mysterious and fascinating Greencards have arrived with an electrifying neotraditional alt-folk sound. They used to be more rooted in bluegrass, but their music is evolving into their very own sumptuous contemporary Americana styling. Perhaps that is why they call the album "Viridian," a durable bluish-green pigment. Because the trio has endured, they also display added cohesion these days.

Nominated by CMA Australia for "Best Female Vocalist," Carol Young has a torchy voice with seductive charm. She also plays electric bass. "River of Sand" and "I Don't Want To Lose You" are mesmerizing and crowning moments on this album. From Adelaide, Kym Warner has won four consecutive Australian mandolin championships from 1994-1997. He also plays bouzouki on this project. Warner's "All The Way From Italy" documents his family's emigration from Italy to Australia. From London, red-headed fiddler Eamon McLoughlin was classically trained at London's Royal School of Music and has toured with the Austin Lounge Lizards. McLoughlin based "When I Was In Love With You" on a English poem by A.E. Housman, and the song melds punk-era simplicity with the magic of classic folk traditionalism. Capturing their band's lineage and inspirations, original instrumentals "Su Prabhat" and "Mucky the Duck" trace roots and evolution of their band's signature sound through Celtic, old-time and newgrass genealogy.

Growing up on American roots music from Lefty to Loretta, these exuberant young folks decided to follow their muse to the U.S. where they have been able to further develop and harness the melodies, lyrics, harmony, dissonance and spirit that just needed an outlet for release. The band is joined by guests Doug Lancio, Bryan Sutton, Larry Attamanuik, Jedd Hughes, Andrea Zonn, and Viktor Krauss. Chris Carmichael arranged the string quartet.

The Greencards' music is delirious fun .... bright, brisk and full of brilliant musical vignettes. Their stirring original material is smart and introspective. Memories and emotions are interwoven with fantasies, observations, and interludes. Written by Kym Warner and Jerry Salley, "Lonesome Side of Town" shows that they haven't forgotten the rules and sideboards of straight-ahead bluegrass. "Shinin' in the Dark" is another from both writers. The songcrafting of "Who Knows" included collaboration with Ronnie Bowman, and that number with a jamgrass groove asks a poignant question about what tomorrow holds. A hint is that "in harmony we find the answer." While always tasteful, drummer Larry Attamanuik's beat could've been toned down a few decibels in the mix. With music that is rehearsed, flowing and expertly produced. The Greencards are carving out their own niche among listeners who enjoy a hybrid of styles and the fusion of classic folk balladry with a bluegrass consciousness. (Joe Ross, staff writer, Bluegrass Now)

The first two CD's were wonderful ( Five star ), but on a scale of 1 to 10, I would rate this CD a 11+. The Greencards just get better and better. This CD has about everything an album could ask for. Just enough slow material and then they crank it up with some great picking. The vocals are as perfect as you can get. Carol Young is one of the best female vocalist out there today, bar none. Emmon and Kim join in for great harmony and lead singing, plus their playing is incredible. This band is fast becoming the best of New Grass since the New Grass Revival split up. Buy this CD if you love great music. It will have you patting your foot and singing along.

Another solid album from this young and talented group. Delicate vocals with matched harmonies, driving bluegrass coupled with Americana roots folk music. The Greencards continue to evolve and attract new audiences, but this CD will continue to satisfy their dedicated fans around the globe. Hard to pick a favorite, but rest assured, you might find it eventually, but in the meantime keep listening to this great CD in its entirity...it's hard to imagine that anyone could get tired of listening to this CD over and over.

I first heard them on a folk station.

I found them under "Rock and Pop" at the record store where I bought the CD.

When iTunes pulls up the CD, they call it country.

A local venue where they're coming in concert (yes, I have tickets!) is calling them newgrass.

Confused yet? I'm calling them eclectic. Honestly, if you like the music of Alison Krauss and Union Station, Nickel Creek, and Fairport Convention, you're going to probably thank me for suggesting this CD. At least give the tracks a listen and make a decision for yourself.

Carol Young, the lead vocalist, has a light, sweet voice that some folks have likened to Sandy Denny, the late Fairport vocalist. The instrumentation is acoustic and flowing.

As for the tracks, "Who Knows" sounds like alternative country with the tight harmonies, swirling fiddle, and solid picking.

"All the Way from Italy" is a sweet tribute to an immigrant ancestor.

The Irish feeling instrumental, "Mucky the Duck," was nominated for the Grammy for Best Country Instrumental Performance. I challenge you to listen to this particular song without wanting to get up and dance a jig. Instrumentals don't usually get a lot of replay around here, but this is one happy tune that sees a lot of play here.

All the rest falls all around this basic matrix in varying speeds and keys. "Viridian" is a lot like Texas weather--if you don't like what you're getting, stick around, it'll change--and some of it could literally blow you away!

So many fine artists get lost or shortchanged because the powers-that-be feel the need to file all artists within narrowly defined categories. Are The Greencards a Bluegrass band? A Country band? A Folk band? How about Americana? (whatever that is) As you search the music racks around the U.S. you'll find them filed under all of these labels. Whatever kind of music you feel is your "style" go and buy this CD.
Two Aussies, a Brit and (recently added) a young guitar phenom from Atlanta make up the best band to come along in a long while. Comparisons are drawn between The Greencards and several current groups but they truly defy comparison and categorization. Buy Viridian and you'll also want their previous two. Then go see them live. They tour nationwide.

Anyone who is a fan of bluegrass or the Greencards should consider this a "must have" CD. There is no wonder the group is up for a Grammy award for their efforts on this album. Those of us who have seen them during the last few years at various bluegrass venues know what a dynamic group they are. They blend their superior individual talents to produce a unique sound and engaging performance. They stole the show! Having purchased their prior CDs and enjoyed them all, I can clearly say this is their best effort yet. If you like bluegrass ... just buy it!

The Greencards are a bluegrass band...sort of - maybe a folk band....sort of. To hell with the labels. If you like good acoustic based music then buy this CD immediately.

If anyone needs proof that two Aussies and a Pom can play great bluegrass just listen to The Greencards. While Movin' On and Weather & Water are great albums Viridian takes them to another level. The playing is superb, the songwriting terrific and Carol Young's voice is to die for.