Living In The South

Rebel Records

Now based in Danville, Virginia, Starlett Boswell Austin and “Big” John Talley have become quite an impressive new pair of faces on the bluegrass scene. Having met in 2019, they soon found common ground and formed a band. On this new project for Rebel, Starlett (bass, vocals) and Big John (guitar, vocals) are joined by David Carroll (banjo), Johnathan Dillon (mandolin), and Ron Stewart (fiddle, resonator guitar). Stewart also produced and engineered this outing. 

Both Starlett and Big John became interested in bluegrass music at an early age and over the years have played with a number of organizations before getting together three years ago. This new project is a mix of original songs and a few covers, which all feature both Starlett’s and John’s vocals backed by excellent playing by the others.  

Selections include “Straight 48,” “The Ties That Bind,” “Quit Quittin’ On You,” “Clean Slate,” “Back Away Little Heart,” “Making Tracks To Macon,” and the title “Living In The South.” Also include are a few familiars like “Settin’ The Woods On Fire,” “The Dirt That You Throw,” “My Brown Eyed Darlin,” and “Deepening Snow,” and, there is the Gospel “Safely In The Arms of Jesus.” 

Over all this a great new project for these folks, with super solid vocals, from both Starlett and Big John,’ along with nice harmonies, and all backed by excellent picking from the group. 

starlettandbigjohn.com