I know the members of Crucial Smith probably cringe every time their band is compared to New Grass Revival, but being compared favorably to one of the most accomplished and exciting musical acts of the last decade can't be a bad thing. And the two bands do include many similar elements: the soaring lead vocals; the rock and roll electric bass; the dazzling instrumental skills and tight arrangements; and the penchant for writing and producing memorable original tunes and cleverly arranged traditional numbers. Of course, the fact that former NGR guitarist and vocalist Pat Flynn produced this CD further adds to the comparisons.
But on Morning Light, the members of Crucial Smith easily define their own sound in the progressive bluegrass genre. Kyle Wood's soulful, skybound vocals perfectly suit the band's energetic sound. Chris Joslin's especially gifted on both banjo and Dobro, and sings strong lead and harmony vocals. FGM readers already know about guitarist Tim May, who's been profiled in these pages earlier for his taste- ful, clear-toned flatpicking. Throughout this CD, his guitar provides harmonic counterpoint in tight instrumental arrange- ments or powers the band along in consort with Dave Holladay's electric bass.
Like the new Lonesome River Band album with Kenny Smith, the guitar is not center-stage here. May plays intricate, musical breaks on most of the tunes here, displaying a ton of tone, taste and talent without needing to blow away listeners with his speed and technique. But just wait until you get to track 7, where his breakneck guitar intro sets the tone and tempo for his warp-speed original tune "Slow It Down."
Kyle Woods' lickety-split mandolin break here will turn many heads, too. Later, May's haunting lead in to "St. Anne's Reel" reminds us all how gorgeous and delicate this ancient melody truly is.
Morning Light captures one of America's top new bluegrass bands at the height of their talent. There's plenty of great playing here, so many FGM readers will probably want to have a look.
