Long Hill To Climb

Wolfpen Branch is a Kentucky-based quintet formed by former members of the Wooks, 23 String Band, and Vince Gill’s band. The group includes Arthur Hancock IV (guitar, vocals), Chris Shouse (mandolin, vocals), Roddy Puckett (bass, vocals), Jeff Guernsey (fiddle), and Aaron Bibelhauser (fiddle). 

Focusing on tight harmonies and driving arrangements, the five artists present a collection of original material and a few others. Selections include Bibelhauser’s “Long Hill to Climb” and “Burning The Midnight Oil.” From Hancock there is “Then I’m Gone,” “Sewanee,” and “Roger’s Song,” and Shouse offers “Don’t Have A Clue,” “Nary” and “Alone And Insincere.” 

Others songs include “Born Again,” “Darlin’ Corey” and Tom Petty’s “Square One.” The project is pretty straight-forward bluegrass with lots of sold musicianship, good lead vocals, and nice harmonies. A very pleasant first outing for Wolfpen Branch.