Search - Front Range :: Silent Ground

Not a bad song in the bunch

08/24/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Front Range is a wonderful find for bluegrass tradtionalists or those looking a little more forward. Like the Seldom Scene they are able to subtly combine the tradtional bluegrass sound with modern references and influences to excellent effect. "Silent Ground" is, to my ear, their best effort yet, with rollicking instrumentals and heart-rending ballads. If "Montana Girl" doesn't make your toe tap, and "Sing Me a River" doesn't move you with its lyrics and harmony, then you need a visit to the doctor. This album is a must for bluegrass fans and a great introduction for those who'd like to give it a try. Not a bad song in the bunch and a number of true standout performances."

Bluegrass Heaven

Lee Armstrong | Winterville, NC United States | 01/17/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a marvelous bluegrass album. The songs are consistently strong, the banjo picking is fierce and the mandolin is sweet. The album starts with beautiful vocal harmony on "Montana Gal." It moves to a strong song "Leave Me to Cry" where the banjo and mandolin trade off riffs. "Sing Me A River" is a gorgeous banjo ballad where the soaring vocal harmonies reflect deep love with the "one light eternal" lyric giving the song a timeless feel. "Cowtown Boogie" with its call and answer vocals "Ready?," "Ready!" makes it a western swing bouncy delight. The title tune "Silent Ground" is one the band calls "paranormal bluegrass" and is a sad ballad about a 'dream of Laura'. There are a couple great instrumentals here too, "Dust Devil" whirls up the banjo picking and "Silver Plume" is one of the happiest little tunes you're likely to run across. The traditional western tune "Let Me Rest at the End of My Journey" and the beautiful harmony vocals on "My Lord, What a Mourning" give the set a good emotional depth. "Sweetest Flower of My Heart" is pretty love song. And finally, "Roll Call" is a bluegrass/activist sweet dream with the lyric, "Before we hear the roll call up yonder, we must answer to the roll call down here." Bluegrass music strikes a chord with me because its traditional roots offers a sense security in this changing world. This collection has great variety: it speeds up and slows down, makes you feel and makes you think, and does it all with great musicianship and songwriting. I recommend it for all bluegrass maniacs!"

Solid

TheHighlander | Richfield, PA United States | 05/15/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is a solid project by a group that continues to churn out solid projects. Front Range is a very good group from the western U.S. that has been churning out fine CDs for years. Bob Amos is a very good songwriter and he has become known for writing songs of mystery and death (life after death) and "Silent Ground" is one of his best. This song was written in the tradition of "Long Black Veil" and it is great. Telling a story of a love that has died and the eternal love that still lives between them. "Dust Devil" is a great instrumental that showcases the band. This is a good CD and if you like bluegrass you will enjoy this band."