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 Hit & Run
Bluegrass is a Colorado-based band that formed in late 2001. During their short
time together, they have already made history by becoming the only band to win
both prestigious band contests at Rockygrass and Telluride. Grammy winner Gene
Libbea (formerly with the Nashville Bluegrass Band) joined Hit & Run Bluegrass
as bass-player/singer for six months in 2003, produced their studio demo, and
served as a coach and mentor to them.
For their debut album, the band saved for over six months with the goal of
recording the highest quality album possible. In July 2003, they convened at
Doobie Shea Studios in Boones Mill, VA and now have a very impressive recording
called "Beauty Fades" under their belts to showcase their "authentic-yet-modern"
bluegrass. First class fiddler Aubrey Haynie appears as a special guest.
Todd Livingston is the 2001 Rockygrass Dobro Champion and the writer of "Get
Outta Town," a technically impressive instrumental that pushes the newgrass
envelope. John Frazier's mandolin playing and singing are very proficient, and
he contributes three well-penned and thoughtful original songs that he also
sings lead on (Trouble & Pain, Cold Iron Door, Goin' Back to Georgia). "Cold
Iron Door" was one that helped them win the Telluride band contest. Banjo
champion Aaron Youngberg hails from Fort Collins, CO., and he composed the
high-stepping instrumental "Coach's Stomp." Erin Coats, from Wyoming, may only
be 21-years-old but she's been playing bass since age nine. The stalwart
vocalist sings lead on two numbers (Old, Old House; How I Curse That Man).
Originally from Virginia, guitarist Rebecca Hoggan has expert command of her
flatpicking and singing abilities. She composed "Beauty Fades" and "How I Curse
That Man," and she sings lead on five songs that also include some selected
covers from Porter Wagoner, Rowland Salley, Lisa Aschmann & Mark Simos, and
Mitchell Jayne & Joe Stuart.
Among the most promising young bands in the nation today, Hit & Run Bluegrass
has clearly emerged as a major force in the market as they introduce a younger
demographic to their large body of original music. At the same time, they've
managed an enchanting magnetic sound that also thrills long-standing bluegrass
fans who simply know and enjoy good bluegrass. If these friends can keep it
together, stay focused on their band's goals, maintain their heavy touring
schedule, then their greatest is yet to come. They've already accomplished a
lot, more than many bands can in a lifetime.
This debut album shows that Hit & Run Bluegrass has their music and professional
presentation under control. Their business acumen is also top-notch, and
bookings will allow us to see them at festivals and venues throughout the west.
Pacific Northwest audiences will be able to hear them at the 2004 Bluewaters and
Mt. Hood Festivals in August. My only suggestions for them would be to book some
more appearances back east, include the lyrics for their originals in future CD
jackets, and use a larger font for their liner notes! Although my eyes may be
getting a little fuzzy with the fine 8-point print, my ears are still sharp
enough to tell me that Hit & Run Bluegrass is a band clearly marked for great
future success. (Joe Ross)
HIT & RUN
BLUEGRASS - Beauty Fades
HRB-01
4785 Ludlow Street, Boulder, CO. 80305
www.hitandrunbluegrass.com
Playing Time - 41:12 |
