DARRELL WEBB BAND

DARRELL WEBB BAND
LOVER’S LEAP

Mountain Fever Records
MFR170210

Darrell Webb’s years with Wildfire, Lonesome River Band, Rhonda Vincent, and Michael Cleveland have served him well. The time spent with those groups enabled Webb to learn both sides of the business—the stage and the office. He took those learned skills and formed his own band and now with a number of projects under his belt, he introduces us to his latest release.

Webb on mandolin is joined by Jared Hensley (guitar), Tyler Collins (resonator guitar), Kameron Keller (bass), and Cody Hill (banjo). He is also joined by guests Aaron Ramsey (bass), Jeff Partin (resonator guitar), and Jake Joines (resonator guitar). Webb shows his songwriting strengths on the title-cut “Lover’s Leap,” “Nothing Like A Woman To Bring You Down,” and “Mountain Dan.” Other tunes include the old chestnut “Lost John,” the hot single “If You’re Thinking You Want A Stranger,” Norman Blake’s “Orphan Annie,” and Harley Allen’s “Daddy’s Drinking Shoes.” Also included are “Forty Acre Blues,” “Always On The Move,” “Diggin’,” and “I’m Going That Way.”

Webb’s mandolin is featured throughout, with lots of support and backup from the other members. He’s a great vocalist, backed by the harmonies of Keller, who also takes the lead on “Always On The Move.” “Lover’s Leap” tells the story of a farmer in love with a girl and follows their love to its tragic end. This is a very strong new release from an accomplished and successful artist. (Mountain Fever Records, 1177 Alum Ridge Rd., Willis, VA 24380, www.mountainfever.com.)BF