Review - Blue Ridge at Historic Everett's Music Barn

Have you ever heard of a Bluegrass artist or group and failed to take notice, only to find out later that you had been missing out on some fantastic music? That's exactly the case for me when it comes to the now defunct Bluegrass band once known as Blue Ridge.

I recently stumbled on a web site called Bluegrass Roots TV and was delighted with high quality video samples from performances of various Bluegrass bands, including three videos from Blue Ridge that were recorded in October of 2005 at the Everett Brothers Music Barn.

It was the lead vocal singing of Junior Sisk that grabbed my immediate attention, emotionally charged with a soulful traditional sound that I can't get enough of. I had heard of Junior Sisk in the past but only in passing. Consequently, I paid no attention, and that was my loss. However, after viewing the video samples on the BGRTV web site, I didn't need much more convincing before I decided to contact Jack Poston from Bluegrass Roots TV to order a Blue Ridge DVD/CD set.

Junior is a very successful and accomplished songwriter, penning such songs as Game That I Can't Win and Tears Are Blinding Me, both which were recorded by the Lonesome River Band, and No Where Bound, which was recorded by Ronnie Bowman.

Since Blue Ridge has departed Junior has reformed his old band, Junior Sisk and Ramblers Choice. In addition to the great video samples at BGRTV.com, you can check Junior's myspace music page to hear some samples from this fine traditional Bluegrass performer.

The next attention getting aspect of Blue Ridge was the mandolin playing of Alan Bibey - this time, a name that I had heard quite a few times, but still failed to pay much attention to. After seeing the video samples I began to pay a little more attention. Alan Bibey is now part of Grasstowne. Alan also has a solo project available on his own web site and has an instructional DVD and tablature book available from Acutab Publications.

Next in the the Blue Ridge line is Alan Johnson on fiddle and bass vocals, now with Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver. A one-time member of Larry Cordle & Lonesome Standard Time, Alan has also played with several mainstream country artists, including Lorrie Morgan and Terri Clark.

Also on this DVD is Blue Ridge member Eddie Biggerstaff on bass and tenor vocals. Eddie has played and recorded with some of the top bluegrass and acoustic performers in the world before joining Blue Ridge including Larry Rice, Junior Sisk and Rambler’s Choice and Herschel Sizemore.

Last but not least on the Blue Ridge DVD is Joey Cox on banjo. At the ripe old age of 22 years Joey was already well on his way to becoming a seasoned pro on the banjo. He has appeared on both of the Huber banjo CD's, Team Flathead and 'Cuppa Jo, and is making quite a name for himself in the banjo world. Joey is currently playing with Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver.

DVD Quality
I was suitably impressed with both the video and audio quality of the Blue Ridge DVD, especially considering it was shot at a live performance in a small venue. During the second set of the performance, the upright bass appears to be on the verge of feedback which can be a bit distracting, and in fact, there are a few times where you hear a small amount of feedback during the performance, but nothing too serious. Regardless, this DVD is well worth $20.00 and if you desire, you can purchase a DVD/CD set for $25.00. You cannot purchase a CD by itself.

One thing I really like about the audio quality is that it has a raw sound - meaning the instruments are very natural sounding - you'd think you were standing right beside the performers. It is not over-produced.

There are several Bluegrass selections on this DVD that I had never heard until now. Any fan of traditional Bluegrass music should have a copy of this DVD. Contact Jack Poston at Bluegrass Roots TV to order a copy.

Other DVD/CD sets available from BGRTV include (descriptions provided by Jack Poston):

• David Parmley & Continental Divide: Three Cameras. Fabulous show, great singing and playing.
• Steep Canyon Rangers: Two Cameras (But they sing into one mic, so that's all that's necessary.) Quite entertaining, great original songs.
• James King: Three Cameras. Some classic James King and Kevin Prater songs.
• Aubrey Haynie: Premier fiddler backed by some great musicians including Barry Bales and Alan Bibey.