THE BLUEGRASS UNIT

THE BLUEGRASS UNIT
SETLIST VOL.1

No Label
TBU-1

This Canadian band has a great vocal trio and lots of hot licks to back it up. Everyone is a fine singer, and they sing their parts with lots of drive in a powerful delivery. Their picking is just as solid, with Justin Nauss on banjo, Kenny Collins on bass, Jeff Nauss on guitar, and Waylon Robicheau on mandolin. They receive some mighty fine support from Ray Legere and Matt Hayes on fiddle and Franky Doody and Andrew Sneddon on resonator guitar. Their instrumental touches add the splash that fills out the arrangements and turns the music up a notch.

The material reflects their influences—Tony Rice Unit, Bluegrass Album Band, J.D. Crowe & the New South, and the Bluegrass Cardinals. They update older pieces such as Flatt & Scruggs’ “Foggy Mountain Rock” and “Why Don’t You Tell Me So.” They bring new life to Paul Simon’s “Leaves That Are Green” and Chad & Jeremy’s “Yesterday’s Gone” and they reveal yet another influence, Boone Creek, with their cover of “One Way Track.”

There is a wealth of newer material here, as well, including their instrumental “Saulnierville.” The brothers Nauss bring that harmony that only siblings share, while also sharing banjo and guitar roles. This is a highly talented band that should be a real find for those looking for something new, refreshing, and at once familiar. Great singing, strong material and powerful presentation make this a mainstream must for the avid bluegrass fan. (www.thebluegrassunit.ca)RCB