Search - Open Road :: In The Life

Good Ol' Traditional Bluegrass!!

M. Ross | The Hills of Western PA | 06/29/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I first saw these guys playing live on the Cumberland Highlanders Show!! I was really taken by their demeanor, not to mention their outstanding musicianship!! These are "just regular guys"(Bradford is a farmer, and Caleb wears what appear to be horned rim glasses) having fun playing bluegrass, and that's how they sound!! I am a bluegrass musician, and, until hearing them do "Bald Knob Arkansas", I never heard anyone other than the Louvin Brothers, or myself perform that song!! A real "Chestnut"!! Another awesomely strange tune is "Mandy Jane", even though it's about a father losing his daughter, it will have you dancing or at least tapping your toe with its infectiously intense drive and groove!! I respect the fact that Open Road keeps within the traditional music style(and dress), while still able to write some great originals, all somewhat paying homage to their forefathers! I am hard to please when it comes to new "bluegrass" bands, especially after hearing all the "wannabee" bandwagon jumpers, after the "Oh Brother Where art Thou" craze!! These guys aren't jumpers, they are "The Wagon"!! Their music will have you jumpin'!!! If you like this cd, check out The Vern Williams Band!! It will also cure your need for a "Real" bluegrass "fix"!!! Yee-Haw!!!"

Classic twang

Michael R. Nothstine | Wilmore, Ky | 02/04/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

""In The Life" is a pre-modern authentic bluegrass sound that will have traditionalists raving. I must admit I am tired of the blue jeans and vest, "third time out of the closet" acts. They dress how bluegrass musicians are supposed to dress. If you want more than an over produced slick sound check these guys named "Open Road" out.



The instrumentals on this album are top notch and innovative. The vocals of the lead singers, especially Brandford Lee Folk is a throw back and still equally unique for his profession and genre. I love the high lonesome twang! The music is driving and powerful, with plenty of breaks to show off the impressive vocals and tight harmonies.



This entire album is great. I feel the best stuff showcases the powerful nasal twang of the lead singing, especially on "One is a lonely number," yikes that is the sound I have been waiting for. Another dynamic and sad song is the hard driving "Mandy Jane" about a father who loses his young daughter. I love these guys. I admire how they pay homage to the history of their music and really display how professional and authentic their sound is. This is amazing, classic, and unique hard bluegrass twang for the traditional bluegrass fan!



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