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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A real kick if prog-grass is your bag, February 14, 2007
Playing Time - 53:51 -- Record execs are always in search of the next big act to create a tsunami in the fairly stodgy and conservative bluegrass community. Ricky Skaggs heard Cadillac Sky and has decided to take a chance on them and their fresh, progressive brand of bluegrass. Penning all of their own material, C-Sky clearly has some country, Celtic and even rock influences. Only in existence since late-2002, the band doesn't have a long-tenured track record of success, but it's very likely that their supercharged vocals and novel sound will touch a nerve with younger listeners. At least, Skaggs thinks so. What he probably heard was their ability to be both precise and reckless, controlled but spontaneous, happy yet lonesome....in other words, the perfect ingredients for a young, unique bluegrass group. I think you'll agree with me. They're a real kick if prog-grass is your bag.
Bryan Simpson plays a pivotal role in the band's songwriting, lead singing, and mandolin playing. Simpson's songs have been recorded by George Strait, Martina McBride, Gretchen Wilson, Diamond Rio, Jo Dee Messina, Neal McCoy, and Kenny Rogers. He even bows fiddle on one track, "Never Been So Blue." The other stellar band members are Mike Jump (guitar, vocals), Matt Menefee (banjo), Ross Holmes (fiddle, vocals), and Matt Blaize (bass, vocals). National championship fiddle and banjo wins at Winfield, Kansas only add to the mystery and romanticism of this group.
The band's creativity and wild, boyish exuberance are a product of their familiarity with traditional bluegrass. In the CD jacket, one photo shows Simpson proudly displaying his Monroe T-shirt. This 13-song debut is certain to draw comparisons to the ground-breaking directions of Nickel Creek, New Grass Revival, Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, and others. It's important that bands follow their inner muse. If band members can all share a common vision and have fun together while they're collaboratively moving ahead, then we'll have a strong purpose-driven group like C-Sky....what a fantastic futuristic name for such a band. But even if they're "mountain boys" at heart, they're motivated and eager to solidify their own musical persona. Already with this 13-song debut, I can tell you that it's characterized by considerable talent, maturity, and charisma. National press coverage, widespread airplay, extensive touring, a record contract, and a 2004 showcase at the IBMA World of Bluegrass Trade Show have people talking .... about an innovative progressive band that's easy to embrace. They're not out to reform bluegrass music but merely nudge it into the new century. They know about the lonesome soul of the genre, and in "Never Been So Blue" they eulogize Bill Monroe with "the twin fiddles play and the whippoorwill sings .... the bluegrass has never been so blue." Do you think they included this song, respectful of his music and legacy, just to appease those staunch traditionalists who think C-Sky is blasphemous? I doubt it.
And thanks guys for not including percussion in the mix...you don't need it. Sonya Isaacs' guest vocals on "Homesick Blues" are a nice touch, as is Kenneth Soper's didgereedoo on the title cut. When asked a standard canned interview question once about their influences, the band's reply was something to the effect that their music is just something that feels necessary. If the bluegrass genre is going to continue to grow and prosper with younger folks, then I think you'll understand that C-Sky is on somewhat of a mission to fulfill a purpose and need. (Joe Ross, staff writer, Bluegrass Now)
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9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A nice blend of the new and respect for Tradition, February 1, 2007
From the CD cover, and some of the titles of the tunes I expected Frank Zappa meets Bluegrass! Should I mention the Proust Quote about new landscapes and new eyes?
Yet, the music is expectly played with a soulful feeling. Some is close to tradition bluegrass and celtic music. On other tracks they "add" a dash of the new, as in the ending of "Sinners Welcome." Both work very well, and I find myself enjoying their creation of new landscapes.
Not all bluegrass CDs can maintain this balance between the old and new, and some leave the genre expect for classification for sales.
Highly recommended.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Cadillac Sky Rocks!, April 22, 2007
I love this album. It is full of rocking bluegrass energy and the lyrics are poetical and evocative and fun. It is fun to sing along with and to dance to. These guys know how to write both with words and with their music. I've listened to it many times now, have yet to be tired of it. I can't wait until their next cd. I saw Cadillac Sky at Wintergrass this February, 2007, can't wait to see them live again!
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