Restless Soul

The world of bluegrass music can certainly expect great things from Amanda Cook, who brings us her earthy and wildly artistic album Restless Soul. This is her fifth record from Mountain Fever where she’s worn many hats; recording artist, engineer, and now CFO.  Her fourth studio album Changes debuted #1 on the Bluegrass Billboard Charts last fall and the two singles from this album are already getting top ranking play on SiriusXM. 

The Amanda Cook band echoes the massive talent of their leader, as you might imagine. Carolyne Van Lierop picks a mean banjo, adding wonderful texture with her playing and singing to match Cook’s soaring voice, along with Troy Boone on mandolin and backing harmonies. Stand up bassist Josh Faul, ETSU alumni Brady Wallen and fiddler George Mason bring even more magic with their expertise. Mason has played fiddle for numerous acts of the Grand Ole Opry, Faul and Wallen have rich musical backgrounds as well.

The musicianship of the group offers the perfect canvas for the songs of Restless Soul. The album’s title is from the first song “New Star.” To quote: “a restless soul is bound to go when the calling comes.” 

There’s a feeling of longing to explore, pains of life and the many experiences that make life great. The whole record has a great flow and feels of Virginia and the Appalachian mountains. “Goodbye” flies away with wonderful fills from Carolyne Van Lierop’s banjo and Troy Boone’s mandolin. “Mitchell Mullins” is a fiery tune, wonderfully sung by Cook, with great rhythm from Wallen’s six string and Faul’s standup bass. George Mason’s experience speaks for itself on every song with tasteful playing that shines and compliments the musical efforts of the group.

As leader of the Amanda Cook band for nearly a decade, we can only think there’s more to come from Cook, her group, and the other talents she produces at Mountain Fever Records.