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This is a family group who chose their band’s name because they just wanted to ‘be themselves’ – Just Us. They are of course, located in Kentucky around the town of Glasgow. This is the O’Neal family with mom Shelane, dad Terry, son Caleb, and daughter Kacey. Terry manages the group, drives the bus, and runs the sound system during their shows. Shelane plays the bass, with Caleb and Kacey playing mandolin and fiddle. On this new project, they are joined by Jesse Meador on banjo and Justus Ross on guitar. Their music comes from their deep love for folk, country, and bluegrass and is reflected in their songwriting. They have performed across the country and earned many positive recognitions. 

The album features the group’s songwriting talents with selections that include “Blue Kentucky Morning,” “Sing For Me Whippoorwill,” “Last Train,” “The Oak Tree Shade,” “Bluegrass Music,” and “I’m So Thankful For You Daddy.” Banjoist Meader provides “Wild Blue Violets” and “Homeward Bound,” and there are covers of Tom T. Hall’s “That’s How I Got To Memphis” and the Bryants’ “Georgia Mules and Country Boys.” The vocal harmonies are tight as is found with most family groups, and the leads are shared amongst the singers, and overall, the arrangements and playing are quite strong. A good one for Kentucky Just Us.