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 Shenandoah
Blue's music is anything but gloomy and dreary. In fact, their bluegrass is
lively and spirited, and the band appears to have a natural inclination towards
rollicking songs with a fresh contemporary sound. The quintet of young hotshots
has an affinity for love songs, Gospel material, and they even serve up a
smoldering instrumental called "Rabbit Dance" written by their banjo picker.
About the bluest they come is on "Blue Frame of Mind," one of four originals
written by guitarist Jeff Presley and his father, Dean. The songwriting team
also contribute "Our Love Will Never End," "When Fall's Coming Down," and "I'm
Afraid I Forgot the Feeling." Jeff Presley is also one of two lead singers in
the group. The other is David Propst (mandolin) who originally formed the group
with banjo-player Scott Walker. Both Presley and Propst are robust singers who
deliver with considerable passion and personality. Presley's voice really shines
on a slower, triple-time number like "When Fall's Coming Down." He delivers each
lyric with intensity and convincing emotion. Propst's best vocal showcase is on
"That Certain Someone."
The other members of Shenandoah Blue are Dave MacGlashan (bass) and Kevin Mallow
(fiddle). Dave's bass playing provides a rock solid foundation for the band, and
Kevin's twin fiddles on "When Fall's Coming Down" are a highlight on the
project. The band choses cover material from Merle Haggard, Jason Owen, David
Marshall, Paul Adkins, Joe Isaacs, and A.P. Carter. David Propst did a stint
with Paul Adkins & the Borderline Band, and that may be where he learned the
song "Lay it on the Line." All of the band members have considerable experience
in many bands based in that region of the country. On the MasterShield label
since May, 2003, they are poised for an excellent and successful future.
Shenandoah Blue gives us a total bluegrass package built around their
distinctive, contemporary material that is arranged in a way that also features
their singularly impressive talents. (Joe Ross)
MasterShield, no number
6683 Vista Heights Road, Bridgewater, VA. 22812
www.mastershieldrecords.com
Playing Time - 42:51
Songs - Our Love Will Never End, Holding Things Together, Blue Frame Of Mind,
I'm On My Knees, Rabbit Dance, Lean Upon His Word, That Certain Someone, When
Fall's Coming Down, Lay It On The Line, I'm Afraid I Forgot The Feeling, Pressed
Through The Crowd, Foggy Mountain Top |
