In 1995
the Seldom Scene split apart and three of its members left to form the progressive bluegrass band
Chesapeake. The remaining members re-formed with Dobro player
Fred Travers, lead singer
Dudley Connell, and bassist
Ronnie Simpkins to record what would be
John Duffey's last album. The album begins with the spirited "Dry Run Creek" which tips its hat toward traditional bluegrass.
Connell's vocals have a more country flavor than earlier
Seldom Scene vocalists like
John Starling and
Phil Rosenthal, and this quality helps create a more traditional effort from a band known for its progressive tendencies. Despite these changes, the band retains much of its trademark sound and a good deal of credit for this should be given to
Fred Travers's excellent Dobro playing. The song choice is also solid, including an excellent version of
Jean Ritchie's "Blue Diamond" and
"Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Bad Moon Rising." There are lovely moments as when
Duffey sings lead on "The Boatman," though it should be noted that his voice lacks the range it once had. The harmony singing on "The Little Sparrow (Fair and Tender Ladies)" even recalls the earlier sound of
Duffey's first group,
the Country Gentlemen. It is perhaps tempting to use such comparisons to suggest that
Duffey is looking back over his long career on
Dream Scene; but it would be closer to the truth to say that
Duffey and the re-formed
Seldom Scene are only trying to make good music. Toward that end, they have succeeded.
Dream Scene is a fine effort for both old and new fans. ~ Ronnie Lankford