Ida 2

Ida Clare offers a new project of original material that blends their mix of bluegrass styles. The band is based in Louisville, Kentucky and includes Lea Cockrell (vocals, guitar), Jim Wheatley (vocals, mandolin, harmonica, guitar), Robin Thixton (vocals, banjo), and Nick Stevens (bass, piano). Others include Rob Edwards (percussion), Jeff Guernsey (fiddle, resonator guitar), Todd Hildreth (accordion), and Odeen Mays Jr. (Hammond D, marimbas). 

Wheatley is the primary songwriter with the exception of “I Still Cry,” co-written with Thixton, and “One Paper Kid” from Walter Cowart. The other selections by Wheatley include “High Ground,” “Too Much Talkin’,” “Sad Souvenirs,” “I’ll Keep Singing,” “Second Hand World,” “Last Time It Rained,” “Lonesome Time,” and “Magic In The Air.”  

Cockrell’s pleasant and powerful lead vocal shines on most of the songs, with the others taking the leads. Instrumentally the group is very accomplished with lots of interplay from the various members, resulting in a good bluegrass sound throughout. Listeners with certainly enjoy this second outing from Ida Clare. 

www.idaclareband.com