All God’s Children

With four lead singers, East Nash Grass has a lot of flexibility and the band uses it well.  Winner of the 2024 IBMA “New Artist of the Year” Award, East Nash Grass employs its division of labor on their latest album much as it did on its previous release, Last Chance to Win, and with similarly fine results.

Mandolin player Harry Clark, as both a singer and a writer, brings a delightfully old-timey feel to songs like “Bend In The Road” (which he co-wrote with banjo player Corey Walker) and a heartfelt remake of a Jimmy Driftwood oldie called “Git Along Little Yearlings.”

Fiddle player Maddie Denton handles lead on the wistful “Following You” (cowritten by guitarist-vocalist James McKee and Christian Penn Ward). Denton also shines on the soulful “Redbird” (written by Amanda Fields).

James Kee, who has a rich, smooth baritone, does the lead duties on the title tune (penned by Clark and Walker) and “In Such A Short Time.” Bass player Jeff Partin takes his turn on his original “The Love That We Gave Up.”

The band really unwinds on a gripping rendition of the traditional “Jump Through the Window,” demonstrating once again, that these are some of the best young pickers around.