Sourwood

One could say that Sourwood is truly an international band. While based in Ontario, Canada, other members are from Chicago and Los Angeles in the US.

From Ontario are Lucas Last (vocals, guitar), Larry Johnson (banjo), and Last’s wife, Aubrey (guest vocals). Liam Lewis (mandolin) and Olivia Briedenthal (fiddle) come up from Los Angeles, and Patrick Dinnen (upright bass) is from Chicago. Together they form this group whose music is based not only on bluegrass, but also features elements of Celtic, classical, and jazz. Many of the songs on this project are originals by Last, and the arrangements are tight but allow the improvisation that makes this a nice listen.

The session kicks off with instrumentals “Click & Clack” and the title “Deadline.” Another instrumental is “Coalminers Reel.” Other songs include “Sinner,” “When I’m Gone,” “On The Road,” “Blueridge,” “Hell of a Year,” “Wrong Carolina,” and “Worst Of It” with its explicit lyrics. While the songs are Last’s, it is the musicians that make this project a wholly worthwhile listening experience. A well-done effort from Sourwood.