TOMMY WEBB

TOMMY WEBB
BLUEGRASS BOYS

Kindred Records
19001

Banjo/fiddle/vocalist Ron Stewart had this to say about Tommy Webb: “Tommy is one of those rare down-to-earth, no sugar-coating talents that comes along once in a great while, that grabs you and makes you listen.” Stewart produced and plays banjo, fiddle, mandolin, guitar and provides harmony vocals on Webb’s latest offering, Bluegrass Boys. Webb, who plays guitar, clawhammer banjo, and does most of the lead vocals, also got help from Chris Goble on banjo and harmony, Harold Nixon on bass and harmony, and Sherri Stewart on harmony.

The title-track sets the bluegrass tone for the album, but Webb branches out with a country leaning “Doing Her Wrong” and the gospel number “If We Believe,” all three of which are targeted for radio. “Honey In The Rock” is a nice fast-paced gospel addition, while one of the most catchy tunes is the Webb-penned “I Depend On You,” a cut that’s bluegrass through and through. Webb wrote or co-wrote eight of the 12 songs here, maybe the most powerful is “Jesus Rescue Me.” Those who have followed Webb for years won’t be disappointed, he has stuck to his strengths on Bluegrass Boys. (Kindred Records, 65 Scott Hill Rd., Irvine, KY 40336, www.kindredrecords.com.)MKB