Off The Shelf

The ‘collective’ was formed by John Gray (banjo, guitar, mandolin) and Bailey Warren (fiddle), who are both alumni of Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. After performing by themselves for a while, they decided to expand the band and were joined by some other alumni of Belmont, including Ali Vance (vocal), Jonny Therrien (guitar, resonator guitar), and Rico Wallenda (mandolin). Joining the group in the studio is Eli Broxham on bass. 

The project is a seven-song extended-play (EP) release. The songs were written or co-written by the band members and others. Selections include “Daylight Breaks,” “Days Don’t Stop,” “Dead To Me,” “Walls,” “Lonely Mountain,” and “Tennessee Thunderstorm.” Vance offers her own “Wasted Time.” The group combines their influences of folk music and some more modern acoustic music approaches to create a contemporary feel to their appreciation for bluegrass which drew them together to form the band. 

With Vance singing the lead, they present a nice sound of backing harmonies and instrumental arrangements that gives the players equal time and makes this new project a pleasing listen.