Search - Chris Brashear :: Canyoneers

Unfolding musical drama, where the stories are central

J. Ross | Roseburg, OR USA | 07/15/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Chris Brashear and Peter McLaughlin have worked together for over a decade. Some may recall their Tucson-based Frog Mountain Trio, formed in 1992. At present, both musicians also play in The Perfect Strangers, with Jody Stecher, Bob Black and Forrest Rose. On this project, McLaughlin plays guitar, and Brashear plays guitar, fiddle, mandolin (and even bass on one track, "Lost Canyons"). Many of the duets they sing are ballads, where the stories are the central items of importance.Combine simple melodies with some parallel vocal harmony and flatpicked guitar fills, and you'll be instantly drawn into the unfolding drama. Tune in and pay attention to the lyrics on a project like this. It's nice to see them included in a 12-page booklet with this CD. You hear tales about an emigrant girl heading to America, a breed of fearless river rats, a cheating wife who gets murdered, a warning to be fair and honest, and a sad country woman during the Depression. An environmental message permeates McLaughlin's "Lost Canyons," about the damming of the Colorado River and creation of Lake Powell. For instrumental respite, there are Brasher's "Little Gibson March," McLaughlin's "Brittlebush," and the traditional "McMichen's Reel." I was happy to see these musical "brothers" include a couple numbers from the repertoire of the Delmores -- "Remember I Feel Lonesome Too," and "Someday You'll Pay." The CD closes with a western gospel number, "Roundup Time in Heaven."Sparsely adorned, this album provides a wonderful jaunt through the West, with stories that hold a listener's attention until the last verses are sung. (Joe Ross, staff writer, Bluegrass Now)"