"The first of four album releases from the group's last lineup, "On The Boulevard" manages to tie the group's past to the group's future. Sam Bush, Bela Fleck, Pat Flynn, and John Cowan maintain all of the essential elements which made NGR successful....most critically their penchant for expanding the envelope of progressive bluegrass beyond limits they themselves had set. The selections found here may showcase their astounding range and innovative interpretation more than any other album they produced; Soul, Blues, Reggae, Gospel, Celtic, Rock and other styles are incorporated, which are a testament. From their chemistry and artistic presentation to their musicianship, there are no weak points in this incarnation of The New Grass Revival."
Jaw-dropping!!
J. Tatterson | Reedy, WV USA | 08/03/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"After discovering the NGR "Best of.." CD by looking for the songs that Garth Brooks covered (Callin' Baton Rouge and Do What You Got to Do) I fell in love with this ultra-talented group.Since I bought that CD over a year ago, I was anxious for some fresh music. Looking at the lineup here, this seemed to be one of their strongest efforts. I just received the CD today and it is even better than I imagined. Every song is catchy, just like you would want music to be...without seeming hokey. The title song is simply awesome!If you're having doubts...just buy it...you won't be sorry."
No weak points to this New Grass Revival CD
J. Tatterson | 04/15/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Some people have said that bluegrass is boring. When I've heard that, I usually force them to listen to this CD. Afterwards, they always admit that they were wrong. The appeal of this CD transcends the generations, and I can testify to that, mainly because I just recently discovered the disc. Not a lot of 15-year-olds are "into" bluegrass, but I know of at least one who is, and it's all due to these guys, and this CD."
A Variety Of Musical Styles Brought Together Into A "Newgras
Chris Luallen | Nashville, Tennessee | 02/17/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Being new to NGR, I expected this album to have a more cohesive sound. But, in fact, it's a virtual gumbo stew of musical styles, ranging from Bela Fleck's Celtic inspired "County Clare" to the gospel sounding "You Don't Knock". Of course, there is also some straight ahead bluegrass as well as songs drawing from blues, folk and rock. Heck, there is even a Bob Marley tune.
Like many bluegrass records, this album has more cover songs than originals. But the band manages to add their own "newgrass" flavor to whatever is being recorded. Top notch tunes like "One Of These Trains" and "Earth, Water, Wind And Fire" manage to propel this CD to five star territory. Another great song is "On The Boulevard" where Pat Flynn rewrites the lyrics to the Jackson Browne original to reflect life in Nashville rather than Los Angeles. Good album for fans of traditional music who don't mind a little "newgrass" innovation."
New lineup, great.
Chris Luallen | 09/19/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"After a few years together they record the first album with Bela and Pat.
Fresh, exciting, tasteful.
Remindes me of Nashville in the mid 80's.
Wonderful times.
The Beatles of Bluegrass."