Album Review: Punch Brothers - The Phosphorescent Blues

The Punch Brothers have always been a leading force in progressive bluegrass and in their latest album, The Phosphorescent Blues, they are expanding the boundaries - perhaps too far. No one can ever question the musicianship of Chris Thile (mandolin),  Gabe Witcher (violn), Noam Pikelny (banjo), Chris Eldridge (guitar), Paul Kower (bass) and with the album having been produced by T Bone Burnette, the musicianship is tight. However, for my tastes, the songs are too pop-ish and theme, if there is one, too disjointed. It's not until Boll Weevil, when the group returns to their bluegrass roots, is there a song I enjoy. Fans of the Punch Brothers will no doubt add this one to their collection, but I'm waiting for a more bluegrass feel. Cheer.

Nickle Creek Returns with A Dotted Line

Photo by Brantley Gutierrez

I was completely surprised last week to learn that Nickle Creek has regrouped to release a new CD - A Dotted Line. I've enjoyed following the careers of Sara Watkins, Sean Watkins, and Chris Thile since the "tragic" disbandment - when was that, early 2007?  Each have proven that the prodigy label was no fluke, by continuing their solo careers and successfully fronting other bands.  Now they are back with a release that accentuates each performer's strengths - gliding between each of their instruments and then punctuated with stellar harmonies. The songs oscillates between traditional and non-traditional so this isn't the bluegrass you were accustomed from hearing from the 2000's era Nickle Creek. Just check out the punkish Hayloft or the gospel-ish 21st of May where Sean Watkins' guitar sounds a bit like Larry Keel. The album grabbed my attention with Destination, which has it all - Sara Watkins wonderful voice, tight harmonies, and catchy picking. They nail the two instrumentals (Elsie & Elephant in the Corn) and Thile fronts a couple sure winners in Love of Mine and You Don't Know What's Going On. The trio are touring all Spring in support of A Dotted Line so get your tickets soon as some venues have already sold out - like the Nightclub 9:30. Pair with Carlsbad California's Witch Creek Winery.

CD Review: John Reischman - Walk Along John

This week my work life spilled over to disrupt my family life so I was feeling quite grumpy. After two days of festering, I found relief: continuous mandolin playing from John Reischman's (The Jaybirds) new solo CD - Walk Along John. All acoustic - all the time; this CD soothed my pain whether he was jamming with Chris Thile in Itzbin Reel or pickin in Gold Mountain Blues and secret track  Other bluegrass legends join in such as Tony Trischka and Bruce Molsky as evident by some kickin' banjo and fiddle. See the old-time sound of Little Pine Siskin. All in all - a must listen CD.



John Reischman & the Jaybirds - SaltSpring from Matt Miles on Vimeo.