The Road Not Taken

It’s always nice when a familiar bluegrass face that’s been lying low for a while returns to the scene.  Well-regarded Darren Beachley, who pulled service with Bill Harrell and The Virginians, Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver and fronted his own Legends of the Potomac (as well as some other groups) is back with a new album.

Beachley has released The Road Not Taken, his first solo project in more than 10 years. It’s a mix of solid covers and some new material and the album is packed with well-known bluegrass talent.

The first single off The Road Not Taken is “New Ballard Branch,” but “River Full of Blues” is strong as well.   One of the highlights is Eric Clapton’s 80s hit, “Forever Man” and Mike Phipps steps in to take lead vocals on a nice cover of Marty Robbins’ “Big Iron.” One of the catchiest is the well-done Rick Bartlett tune, “Memories of My Younger Days.” Bartlett also wrote “River Full of Blues.”

Beachley lined up a star-studded cast for support which is to long to list here, but is highlighted by Scott Vestal (banjo), Clay Hess (guitar), Alan Bibey (mandolin), Stephen Burwell (fiddle), Sam Bush, Marshal Wilborn, Josh Swift, Shawn Lane and Wyatt Rice.