Della Jane’s Heart
[Editor’s Note: Two of our reviewers sent in reviews for this album. I decided to run them both.]
Review #1 byMichael K. Brantley
Readers of a certain age might remember an episode or two of The Beverly Hillbillies when the characters would pour Granny’s moonshine into the family truck, and it would take off like a bolt of lightning.
The music version of that is an Appalachian Road Show performance, or it seems, album. Their new release, Della Jane’s Heart, had to follow the incredible Jubilation from 2022, and does not disappoint.
The title track has been out for some months and rode all the way to #1 on several bluegrass charts. While the album is a joy from top to bottom, a few tracks do merit special call-outs.
“Della Jane’s Heart,” a cover of a Steel Woods song written by Wes Baylis and Jason Cope, is destined to be one of the band’s all-time greatest songs. They also tear it up on “Hell Broke Loose in Georgia,” an instrumental that reminds listeners why this group won IBMA Instrumental Group of the Year not so long ago.
Also not to be missed is “Rosalee McFall” and the haunting “Long Time Traveling.” “Possum Up a ‘Simmon Tree” is as old school as it gets (it ends with ‘shave and a haircut,’ after all), and “Big Eyed Rabbit” is the perfect cut to end on.
The band is loaded with talent: Grammy winners Jim VanCleve (fiddler) and Todd Phillips (bass); Grammy-nominated Barry Abernathy (banjo); longtime showstopper Darrell Webb (mandolin); and rising star Zeb Snyder (guitar). It’s no surprise that they’ve been finalists for IBMA Entertainer of the Year twice, in addition to capturing New Artist of the Year.
Della Jane’s Heart is the group’s fourth album since their formation in 2018. Those who have stomped along to “LaLa Blues” and “Dance, Dance, Dance,” among many other hits will find this another essential add to the catalog.
The only issues that linger are when will the group record Webb reaching the rafters with his signature “Little Maggie” and will they not make the bluegrass world wait four years for another release.
Review #2 by
Bill Foster
The region of the Eastern United States known as Appalachia has been the birthplace of much of the country’s roots music, such as bluegrass, country, old-time, and folk. Many of the musicians and bands who grew up in that area have embraced the traditions and influences that the music instilled in them. The Appalachian Road Show is such a band.
Founded by Barry Abernathy (banjo, vocals) and Darrell Webb (mandolin, vocals), they were soon joined by Jim VanCleve (fiddle, vocals), Todd Phillips (bass), and Zeb Snyder (guitar). This new project also includes Ron Stewart (banjo) and Victor Furtado (clawhammer banjo).
The band has become quite popular with fans and includes award nominations and number one songs on various music charts. This new release continues their dedication to the source of the music influences with their own contemporary innovative arrangements and storytelling that cover a range of emotions and life experiences.
Selections include the title cut “Della Jane’s Heart,” along with “Won’t Be Long,” “Virginia Soldier,” and Charlie Moore’s “Rosalee McFall.” There are ballads “Me Against The Mountain” and “New Harmony.” The instrumental “Hell Broke Loose in Georgia” is a salute to the late Charlie Daniels. Then there are “Possum Up a ‘Simmon Tree,” “Step Stones,” and “Big-Eyed Rabbit,” and the project ends with a real nice a cappella version of “Long Time Traveling.”
The group has become known for its excellent approach to the music, with great vocals and lots of interface between the instruments. This is another great project from this popular band.
