Search - Blue Moon Rising :: On the Rise

BMR's creativity & aptitude give them an unconditional and t

J. Ross | Roseburg, OR USA | 09/17/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Playing Time - 39:24

SONGS - 1. This Old Martin Box 2 PawPaw Taught Me 3 The Next Big Thing 4 The Crime I'm Guilty Of 5 Cold Kentucy Night 6 He Arose 7 I keep Callin' 8 Sling Blade 9 The Old Time Preacher Man 10 Modern Day Outlaw 11 Far Away From Home 12 Holy Manna 13 Big Wheels Turnin'



"On the Rise" marks the third highly successful release from Blue Moon Rising, a lively Tennessee-based bluegrass group. This emerging band only has about five years under their belts, and their 2002 "Where Wood Meets Steel" CD (Crosscut CR 1133) brought the national spotlight in their direction. Now, "On the Rise" is sure to launch them to an even higher level of international attention and acclaim. BMR is Chris West (guitar), Keith Garrett (mandolin, guitar two tracks), Randall Massengill (tenor vocal, guitar one track), Justin Jenkins (banjo), and Tim Tipton (bass). Jenkins' banjo-playing shows his strong influence of the styling of J.D. Crowe. BMR also added guitarist/tenor singer Randall Massengill within the recent past. Randall spent 9 years playing guitar and singing with the bluegrass gospel band, New Road. On this project, the band's third album, guest dobro-player Randy Kohrs joins in on three song, while award-winning fiddler Ron Stewart provides just the right touch on seven tracks. Jenkin's and Garrett's original instrumental "Sling Blade" gives all the picks a chance to shine. Stewart also engineered this album.



Like "Where Wood Meets Steel," this album emphasizes originals, mostly written by band members. Chris West has a flair for songsmithing, and he contributes some fine material to the bluegrass canon. Tipton and Garrett also get involved in the songwriting. It's a good team and collaborative approach to build the band's peerless sound. Lead vocals are also passed around between Garrett, West and Massengill. The band's quartet is featured on "Holy Manna," with Jenkins handling the baritone vocal harmony. This album offers plenty of highlights, and a radio programmer can't go wrong by airing any of the songs. Some personal favorites are Modern Day Outlaw, PaPaw Taught Me, The Crime I'm Guilty of, I Keep Callin', and He Arose.



I like the many diversified and sundry influences in this band's music. It's tricky to write, arrange and record a healthy body of original material that reflects both a traditional consciousness and contemporary innovativeness. The creativity and aptitude of Blue Moon Rising give them an unconditional and thoroughly enthralling sound. Bluegrass fare with significant flair! Based on their high potential and cohesive sound, they've got my vote for emerging artists of the year. I predict that it won't be long before they're headlining the biggest bluegrass festivals in the world. (Joe Ross, staff writer, Bluegrass Now)

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