The Kickin Grass Band
On The Short Rows
© 2006 The Kickin Grass Band (616892677628)
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Fresh original bluegrass with traditional roots
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Riding the wave of an ear-catching debut release, extensive Southeast touring and the addition of a talented new banjo player, Kickin Grass teamed up with Jerry Brown of the Rubber Room in Chapel Hill, NC to produce this delightful sophomore album. Fresh original songwriting is a hallmark of the band's unique sound, and On The Short Rows explores the full range from tap-your-foot instrumental Cloverleaf to ballad Ain't Got Nothin. With rich vocals, skilled fiddle and a banjo that lives in the perfect space between Scruggs and Fleck, Kickin Grass brings traditional music to the forefront of modern bluegrass and to a new generation of music fans.
FEATURING: Nine Fresh originals, two new covers and two traditional songs; guest artists Rick Keen on dobro (The Churchmen) & Cousin Gil McNeill on clawhammer banjo.
"The Kickin Grass Band blends old-time high lonesome sounds and cool hooks throughout On The Short Rows. Once you listen...you'll find yourself returning to it and appreciating its nuances." Chip Withrow - The Muse's Muse
LYNDA WITTIG DAWSON: Guitar, lead vocals, harmony vocals, songwriting
JAMIE DAWSON: Mandolin, lead vocals on Fairest Rose and
Hello It's Me, harmony vocals, songwriting
BEN WALTERS: Banjo, harmony vocals on Hello It's Me
PATRICK WALSH: Upright bass, lead vocals on On The Short Rows, Dear Sarah and Rock Island Line, harmony vocals
MATT HOOPER: Fiddle, songwriting
reviews
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Awesome!
author: Stacy HumphreyThis CD was just as good or better than the first. I can't wait for a 3rd!
On the Short Rows is another great album by Kickingrass
author: Jim PeckOn the Short Rows is another very enjoyable Kickin Grass effort. The group as a whole is even better on Short Rows than their great Backroads CD. Lynda is my favorite BG female vocalist, bar none.
super great
author: dennis wilsonlove the cd...great...just as good as the other cd...keep up the great work
Considerable dynamism on a large body of original material
author: Joe RossPlaying Time – 42:50 -- The five musicians who kick grass on this project include Ben Walters (banjo), Patrick Walsh (bass), Matt Hooper (fiddle), Lynda Wittig Dawson (guitar), and Jamie Dawson (mandolin). Akin to their song and the “Pot Liquor” that remains after boiling a large kettle of collard greens, Kickin Grass fuses their old-time and bluegrass sensibilities in a simmering cauldron of healthful and nourishing music. The band formed to accompany the Apple Chill Cloggers in Chapel Hill, while Walsh was using pickup musicians for gigs under the Kickin Grass band name. Lynda was enlisted to bring some powerful original material and vocalizing to the collaboration. From Alabama, banjo-player Ben Walters was found studying linguistics and music at UNC-Chapel Hill, and North Carolinan Matt Hooper had studied classical violin and played with a country band called Dakota Rain. In fact, Lynda also played with a country roadhouse group called The Kydells, and they have an invigorating, lively bluegrass sound that also taps into their understanding of folk, old-time and country music. Their first album was called “Backroads,” recorded with the $2,000 prize for being named the 2003 Best Band In Raleigh competition. The set on this, their second album, incorporates considerable dynamism, and their large body of original material is a definite strength. At times on the faster numbers, they push and challenge their instrumental abilities. Also, their best lead vocals are presented by Lynda, on her original country numbers like the title cut, “Ain’t Got Nothin’,” and “Change Your Mind.” Those songs are the memorable ones and characterize Kickin Grass’ signature sound, especially with Rick Keen’s guest dobro-playing. The seductive “When My Days Are Full of Sorrow” was wisely arranged with guest Gil McNeill’s clawhammer banjo. “Molly” demonstrates Lynda’s ability with a mysterious, lofty, uptempo number. Jamie’s and Patricks’ lead vocals are pleasant enough but nothing special, but they work on a novelty number like Leadbelly’s “Rock Island Line” or those with a hook like “On the Short Rows.” The album also has faster pieces such as “Fairest Rose,” “Dear Sarah,” “Hello It’s Me” and the instrumental “Pot Liquor.” On an impulse, the band picked up a 32-foot long shuttle bus off Ebay for $4,000, and they hit the road. After the bus’ transmission went out a month later, the rig was sold. Despite hasty decisions like that, Kickin Grass shows that they’ve put considerable thought into their music. With a little more attention to detail, they’ll be ready for trips even further afield from their North Carolina home. They’re serious about their music and want to introduce it to new audiences. They just plan to be who they are, be true to themselves, and to keep at it. Like family, they enjoy each other’s company, and that will work in their favor. (Joe Ross, staff writer, Bluegrass Now)
One word...Awesome!
author: Tim BoomhowerBackroads used to be my favorite bluegrass CD but now I have to choose between it and On the Short Rows. Tough decision to say the least. Jamie, Lynda, Matt, Patrick, and Ben along with their guest Rick outdid themselves with this new release. Way to go guys (and gal)! Y'all keep up the good work and I'll keep on listenin.