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Bluegrass Unlimited Review
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http://bluegrassmusic.com/content/reviews/reviews-april-2010/
NONE OF THE ABOVE
For the second time in just a few years, a bluegrass band has
covered Journey’s ’80s rock classic “Don’t Stop Believing.” None Of
The Above’s version is less frantic and less imitative of the
original than that recorded by Pine Mountain Railroad, but is
arranged more intricately and is equally worthy. Either way proves
the song adapts well to bluegrass. The same can be said of NOTA’s
cover of America’s “Sister Golden Hair.” Both are album highlights.
Both also reflect a slight change of direction for the band, as
nothing listed on their first four recordings seems remotely like
these two songs.
There have also been some bandmember changes since the group’s last
recording. The two newcomers who join guitarist Tim Sands, bassist
Tim Harrison, and mandolinist David Crawford are vocalist Allison
Trogdon and banjoist Jon Cornatzer. Trogdon, a polished vocalist
with outside bluegrass influences, sings lead on two songs
(including “Don’t Stop…”) and contributes harmonies throughout.
Cornatzer takes the lead on Gordon Lightfoot’s “Ribbon Of Darkness”
and swings between tradition and contemporary on the banjo. He
contributes two instrumentals, the moody “Road To Bei Hei” (which is
a bit short) and the lilting “Tamara” (which would work better if it
were two minutes shorter).
Tim Sands still handles most of the lead singing. His expressive
voice brings great texture to Julie Miller’s “Midnight & Lonesome,”
Tim O’Brien’s “Turn The Page Again,” and Jeff White’s swinging
country “Blue Trail Of Sorrow.” He is at his best on “Sister Golden
Hair” and in a lively duet with Trogdon on Gillian Welch’s
“Wichita,” an oldtime number. The latter revolves around a nifty
instrumental riff and is arguably the best track on the recording.
There’s much to like about this CD. There’s variety with
wellconsidered and wellexecuted arrangements. The playing is good
and the harmonies tight. Keep an ear out for it. (None Of The Above,
1809 Brims Grove Rd., Pinnacle, NC 27043,
www.noneoftheabove.net.)
BW |
