NIGHTFLYER

NIGHTFLYER
FLIGHT

Pinecastle Records
PRC 1221

This is the third release from this southern Ohio quintet that features Rick Hayes (mandolin), Richard Propps (guitar), Tony Kakaris (bass), Ronnie Stewart (banjo), and Tim Jackson (resonator guitar). The band has a traditional approach to the music, but they can also put a more contemporary stamp on some of their arrangements. For this project, they’ve tapped into the catalogs of songwriters such as Paula Breedlove, Brad Davis, and Mark Brinkman. Other selections are from Hank Williams, Randy Travis, and Jerry Reed. Listeners will hear familiar tunes such as “A House Of Gold,” “Satan’s Jewel Crown,” “Guitar Man,” and “Send My Body Home On A Freight Train.” (“Six Days On The Road” is wrongly attributed to Boxcar Willie—the song was written by Earl Green and Carl Montgomery—but it’s given a good run, complete with diesel noises.)

The newer material includes “Ride,” “Be Leaving,” “Only God Knows My Name,” “Lighting Rod,” “The Old Rounder,” and “River Don’t Run Dry.” Really nice lead vocals and strong harmonies make this a good listen, not to mention the excellent musicianship. The band’s schedule has taken them to Minnesota, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Kentucky, so be sure to look them up if they’re appearing near you. (Pinecastle Records, 2514 River Rd., Ste. 105, Piedmont, SC 29673, www.pinecastlemusic.com.)BF