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REVIEW:  Mountain Heir - Hands on the Plow

Together since 1997, Mountain Heir is a bluegrass gospel band from southeastern Kentucky. Current members are Rick Dye (mandolin), Jerry Morris (bass), Mitchell Williams (guitar), and George Marsee (banjo). Lead vocals are shared, and their harmonies blend well. The musicians have eclectic backgrounds, and their experience helps to shape Mountain Heir's poignant sound that keeps the vocals and their messages in the forefront. Young and talented banjo-player Jason Johnson is a guest on the album's three closing cuts, "Suppertime," "Authority," and "Shoutin' Time." The recording quality is crisp and clean, and my only production suggestion would have been to tastefully add some guest fiddle and/or dobro to certain numbers. Williams' guitar, Morris' bowed bass, and the band's trio make "Heaven Will Be Our New Home" one of the standout tracks on their debut release. An a cappella rendering of "Old Time Religion" is also an impressive showcase of their vocal abilities. The band also writes original material, with two songs from Jerry Morris and one from Rick Dye on this project. Of those three, "Song Silas Sung" is a favorite, is done without instruments and tells of the songs of praise that Silas sung as Paul prayed. "Authority" seems to be done at a tempo which is pushing the band's capabilities and causes some of the impact of the words to be lost.

Mountain Heir's ministry has realized considerable support and encouragement from friends, family and fans.  They play churches and festivals, and they hope that their songs will say, or do, something that will be a blessing to you. Besides their playing and singing, the band says that the most important aspect of their ministry is the spirituality and fellowship with their brothers and sisters in Christ. The CD is enhanced with a link to their website, biographical information, song lyrics, and a photo gallery. (Joe Ross)

MOUNTAIN HEIR - Hands on the Plow
No label, no number
Rt. #1, Box 31-C, Pineville, KY. 40977
www.mtnheir.com
Playing Time - 31:30