Search - Nothin Fancy :: Album #7

Fresh sounding bluegrass with multi-hued tonal and rhythmic

J. Ross | Roseburg, OR USA | 01/30/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Playing Time - 37:08 -- The seeds for Nothin' Fancy were planted in a band calling themselves The East Coast Bluegrass Band which formed in 1986 and won the East Coast Bluegrass Band championship in Crimora, VA. From the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, Nothin' Fancy's first album for Pinecastle Records ("Once Upon A Road") was released in 2002. A couple more years have passed since Nothin' Fancy release in 2004 called "Reflections" (Pinecastle PRD-1139).



With twelve years together, Nothin' Fancy knows what it takes to achieve success. They manage to keep the energy level high, and their music is fresh-sounding. They accomplish the former by continually changing the tonal and rhythmic colors of their bluegrass. There are lyrical lullabies like "I Can't Say Hello" and playful romps like Tom T. Hall's "I Washed My Face n the Morning Dew." Their robust, novelty can be directly attributed to the excellent songwriting of mandolinist Michael Andes who penned two vocals and one instrumental for this project. Mike is also the band's primary lead vocalist, although newest bandmember and bassist Eli Johnston also does a fine job singing "Tupelo County Jail," and guitarist Gary Farris sings lead on the fun country classic from Johnny Rodriguez, "Pass Me By." The band also looks for unique material that fits their style, such as a song that was recorded by Steve Wariner, "What I Didn't Do." Nothin' Fancy now hosts two annual bluegrass festivals in their neck of the Virginia woods. If you hear them do a song you like, let `em know. "Walk Through This World With Me" was recorded on this project in response to fan requests.



The rest of the band is Mitchell Davis (banjo) and Chris Sexton (fiddle, violas, cello). Two cuts, "I Can't Say Hello" and "Nearer My God to Thee," have the added low bow-work of Chris' violas and cello in addition to his violins. Rhythm guitarist Dave Parmley guests on this project. Mike Andes' mandolin playing shows the influence of John Duffey, Jimmy Gandreau and Doyle Lawson. The melodic "Two Little Boys" is actually a piece written by Duffey with Charlie Waller. Mitchell Davis was the primary producer of the band's four self-released albums prior to their signing with Pinecastle. Tenor vocalist Gary Farris started singing in church and in a glee club as a boy, but he didn't take up the guitar until about age 35. Chris Sexton joined the group in 2000. Classically-trained and holding a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Performance, Chris, like Mike and Mitchell, is a former member of the East Coast Bluegrass Band. Chris was nominated as IBMA's Fiddle Player of the Year in 2006.



With a smooth contemporary style that appeals to those who aren't ready for a full-blown high lonesome sound, Nothin' Fancy's well-executed music has a heaping helping of originality. Their seventh album overall solidly holds them a place as one of the more engaging and dynamic acts on the current contemporary bluegrass scene. After listening to their extraordinary "Album #7," it all makes sense that the band was nominated for the IBMA's Vocal Group of the Year in 2006. Who says bluegrass has to be high and lonesome to turn heads? (Joe Ross, staff writer, Bluegrass Now)

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Nothin' Fancy

Levee | Oklahoma USA | 01/04/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"First heard this group at Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri. I was very impressed with the musical talent and originality of the entire group. The CD I purchased on Amazon did not disappoint at all. I highly recommend the CD for Bluegrass fans and also those fans who are not neccesarily heavy into Bluegrass but just like good music."