JEFF SCROGGINS & COLORADO, WESTERN BRANCHES

JEFF SCROGGINS & COLORADO
WESTERN BRANCHES

No Label
No Number

Jeff Scroggins heads up a wonderful and talented group that includes himself (banjo), son Tristan Scroggins (mandolin), Greg Blake (guitar), Annie Savage (fiddle), KC Groves (bass), and guest Sally Van Meter (resonator guitar). Lead vocals are primarily performed by Blake, but Savage and Groves contribute a couple.

Jeff Scroggins may not be a household name, but he should be. His accomplished banjo style has won him a number of awards and he has performed with such artists as Andy Owens, David Peterson, Peter Rowan, Sam Bush, Stuart Duncan, and the Dixie Chicks, among others. Tristan is also an award-winning instrumentalist and has been playing since he was nine. Blake is another award winner having been named SPBGMA Guitarist and Vocalist Of The Year. Savage spent six years with The Mayflies and Groves was a founding member of Uncle Earl. All the bandmembers are involved in teaching music.

This project includes selections from a variety of sources, from traditional to modern to folk: “Wheels” from Gram Parsons, “Fallen Leaves” from Grandpa Jones, “Things In Life” from Don Stover, “Redwood Hill” from Gordon Lightfoot, “Bramble And The Rose” from Barbara Keith, and “By The Time It Gets Dark” from British artist Sandy Denny. Originals include Tristan’s instrumental “Lonesome George,” Jeff’s instrumental “Cat And Mouse,” and KC Groves’ “New Mexico.” There is also the traditional “One Morning In May.” This is a very good project with strong vocals and harmonies and nicely arranged instrumentals. There is more to come from this group for certain. (Jeff Scroggins, P.O. Box 372405, Denver, CO 80237, www.jeffscrogginsandcolorado.com.)BF