MOUNTAIN HIGHWAY

MOUNTAIN HIGHWAY
TRADITION

No Label
No Number

Having emceed twice for this group, I’ve witnessed their rapid growth on stage and in their music over the last couple of years, therefore my objectivity may be slightly biased. However, I think my positive impression is well merited.

The bluegrass community is blessed with many family groups emerging all over the world. This family band from Lynchburg, Va., has released its self-produced debut album, which consists of ten covers of songs from the likes of Bill Monroe, Flatt & Scruggs, The Stanleys, and others bluegrass fans are likely to recognize. Victoria Glover plays banjo and contibutes lead and vocal harmony.Brother Jack plays rhythm and lead guitar, as well as lead and vocal harmonies. Sister Emily Glover handles the mandolin, vocal harmonies, and yodels when called upon. The fiddle work is provided by sibling Rebekah and she also contibutes lead and vocal harmony. Dad Joe Glover plays the upright bass. The band has matured noticeably and waiting until now to record should serve them well. Their voices are smoother and the instrumentation is tighter. They’ve developed a business-like approach to their craft while maintaining the friendly personalities fans have come to expect in the bluegrass community.

The project contains one instrumental, “Southern Flavor” from Bill Monroe, and the picking is top-notch. Jack contributes a guitar break, something not often heard on this number. Monroe’s “A Voice From On High” is also nicely arranged and performed so all the harmonies can be heard in a smooth and sound way. Even though it doesn’t contain the edge some bluegrass vocals have, this renditon is effective and Emily’s mandolin work salutes Monroe. He would be pleased.

This album provides more than just a recording to have at the band’s personal appearances. It marks a strong beginning of what hopefully will be a long career and something the band should always be happy to have recorded. (www.mountainhighway.com)BW