Search - Hot Buttered Rum :: Well-Oiled Machine (Dig)

Rob H. from KEY WEST, FL
Reviewed on 3/28/2009...

Great bluegrass!

What a joy!!!

Jay L. Jylkka | Novi, Michigan USA | 03/27/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a band hitting their stride! This release is a BIG jump from their last (and only) studio release. Every song is played by musicians having FUN! Every song is strong. Retro, bluegrass, folk....kind of Leftover Salmon, kind of Blue Highway, kind of Mountain Heart, kind of Yonder Mountain String Band, kind of Cornmeal,......kind of FUN, FUN, FUN. By the way they include flute (not your typical bluegrass instrument) for some added character."

Enrich Your Soul!!

Russell M. Gullo | Derby, NY | 10/28/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Regrettably I have only known of these guys for about a year now. In that time though, they have supplanted others such as String Cheese Incident as my current favorite band. If you've never heard of Hot Buttered Rum before, or are curious, don't delay in picking this up. These guys are truly amazing, both in instrumentation and vocals, with all five members singing. Their music will enrich your soul, and for some define you, as it does for me. I picked this album up at one of their shows in Cincinnati, and listened to it on loop the entire seven hour drive back to Buffalo. It is that good.







Firefly - written by Aaron, the fiddle (and sometimes mandolin) player, this is one of my favorite songs of theirs. I originally got into HBR because of their stunning instrumentation, but the vocals on this song cut through me right to my soul. Aaron writes some real deep lyrics, such as: "Often it's the case you find a stranger in a place living out the life you left behind. So wade into the streams that lead you to your dreams; fireflies will mark your way..... Well it's quite a pleasant site, you fireflies at night; illuminate my soul with your convictions. I think I'll close my eyes and up into the skies, thunder guide me down to the river."





Guns or Butter - written by Erik, the banjo/flute/accordion player, this is a powerful anti-war song that flows nicely. All five trade of nice solos throughout the song.





Idaho Pines - written by Zac, the mandolin (and sometimes fiddle) player, this song is so sad, yet so happy at the same time. It features stunning vocals by Zac, with his unique voice, such as: "Well lately I found new roads traveled. These ones aren't paved nor laid in gravel. Time won't stay still or stay the same. I guess I'll be my way. I must be on my way. To the cemetery sunrise on a brand new day." Erik does some great work with the flute on this song too. This song has a lot of Buddhist undertones too, speaking of impermanence, inevitable suffering, and reincarnation. Turn this song on, sit back and close your eyes, and be fulfilled.





Poison Oak - written by Nat, the guitar player, this is a song about environmental conservation. The band is very environmentally conscious, and this is a perfect example, as Nat sings of poison oak's revenge against those that cut down the redwood forests. They don't come off preachy at all though, and like in Idaho Pines, the song rings an essence of truth. The song features some stunning harmonies too.





Waterpocket Fold - written by Nat, this is a great six-minute instrumental. The polyphonic sound these guys create is second to none. I'm a big bluegrass/jamgrass/jam band fan, and I've never heard a group of players as talented as them.





Always Be The Moon - written by Aaron, this song is very slow and moving. Again, his profound lyrics shine here, as he sings of the absurdity of society with its constant fighting people engage in instead of taking care of their own. These guys are true bodhisattvas and it shows in their music.





Well-Oiled Machine - written by Nat, a very catchy, upbeat, and happy song. The band tours the country in a bus fueled by used cooking oil, and he sings about it here. You'll love the banjo work by Erik here, and appreciate the excellent harmonizing on this song.





Waiting For A Squall - written by Erik, who has a penchant for intense, somewhat uneasy songs, this song speaks of general discontentedness. He sings: I'm out here in my tiny boat just waiting for a squall. Well I'm trapped, my darlin', like a rabbit in a cage." The beat is fairly quick, as they trade off solos, and it features some good jamming in its six and a half minutes.





Butch & Peggy - written by Nat, this song will really touch you. Of course all the instrumentation on their songs is top-notch, as they are on this song, but the lyrics are what will really get to you. The song flows so well and makes you think of the happiness and fulfillment of being in love.





Sweet Honey Fountain - written by Zac, this is one of the best damn bluegrass songs you'll ever hear. Not only is the instrumentation amazing, the lyrics are great too. This is one of their most complete, unimpeachable songs. Zac has a love for the mountains, and it comes through on this song. One of my favorites!





Wedding Day - written by Erik, this has a real old time bluegrass sound to it. Very upbeat, it's a happy song about marriage and being in love. You can check this song out on their myspace page.







I hope this helps some of you out. I recommend this to all bluegrass, folk music, and jam band fans. If you're a fan Of String Cheese/YMSB/Railroad Earth/Grateful Dead/Leftover Salmon, you'll love these guys. This is the best band out there that you've never heard of. I know my review might sound like blind praise, but it's only because they are that good. I can't say enough about them, and have gotten many of my friends and family hooked on them. Like I said, they are true bodhisattvas, making great music and living life to the fullest.

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