JOSH GRIGSBY AND COUNTY LINE

JOSH GRIGSBY AND COUNTY LINE
RUBY LANE MEMORIES

No Label
No Number

This pleasant release by the Virginia group Josh Grigsby and County Line is highlighted by the fine lead singing of Grigsby and the excellent harmonies from the rest of the band. On their second release as a band, the group shines on cuts such as “Till Each Tear Becomes A Rose” and Vince Gill’s “One More Last Chance” on which Grigsby’s vocals are truly reminiscent of Gill’s high-lonesome sound. “I Hung My Head And I Cried,” “Our Old Home,” Crystal Grigsby’s “Ruby Lane Memories,” and Josh Grigsby’s gospel composition “It Happened To Me” are all very strong efforts and are indicative of the nice variety on this release. At the same time, the inclusion of a few warhorses like “Fox On The Run” and “White Freightline” seems a little out of place, given the strength of most of the rest material here.

The instrumental work is fairly solid, although there are a few spots where the rhythm/timing is a little shaky. Chris Westcott contributes lead guitar, Frankie Ballowe mandolin, Judge Parker banjo, Robert Kidd on bass, and Grigsby on rhythm guitar. All do a good job of supporting the vocals on these 12 songs. It’s the vocals, however, both lead and harmony, that really shine for this band. The harmonies by Crystal Grigsby, Westcott, Ballowe, and Parker are both powerful and polished, and combined with Josh’s great lead vocals produce a winning combination for this group. (www.myjgcl.net)AW