Diamonds & Flowers

Oly Mountain Boys

The Oly Mountain Boys make their home in the city of Olympia, Washington, from where they get their name. The band is Tye Menser (banjo, vocals). Phil Post (bass, resonator guitar, vocals), Josh Grice (fiddle, vocals), and Eric Schweizer (guitar, vocals), and they are joined by guests Derek McSwain (mandolin, vocals) and Amy Elizabeth Shepard (vocals). 

Since forming in 2008, the group has become somewhat of a bluegrass institution around their home area, with a traditional bluegrass sound and original compositions which showcase their appeal. This new project is a collection of tunes by band member Menser, and infuses some rock influences into their arrangements. Menser handles all the lead vocals while the others take care of the harmonies. The two instrumentals are “Catfish Coma” with it’s interesting tempo changes, and “Evergreen Breakdown” with guest McSwain on mandolin, both cuts letting the players stretch out. 

There are a couple of spooky songs “House On The Hill” and “Ghosts In The Trees”, and Menser plays homage to the early bluegrass pioneers in “Like It’s 1946”. Other selections include title cut “Diamonds & Flowers”, “Dream Within A Dream”, and “Whisper Of Love”. Guest vocalist Shepard joins Menser on “All Join Hands (Good To Be Alive)”, and Grice’s fiddle is featured on the closing “Nelle’s Lullaby.”

Menser’s pleasant vocals and the bands tight arrangement make this a most enjoyable project with lots of new songs which others may consider. 

3142 Yew Trails Dr., NW, Olympia, WA 98502, web: www.olymountainboys.com, email: olymountainboys@olymountainboys)