Jim & Jennie and the Pinetops don't seem to care about popularity. Why else would they be making some hardcore original bluegrass music and carrying on a wonderful American tradition with some excellent original material? Walking in the footsteps of
Bill Monroe and
Ralph Stanley isn't going to make anyone rich, even when they do it as well as these guys. Jennie Benford herself is reminiscent of the great
Hazel Dickens in voice, but singing with Jim Krewson gives the songs an extra dimension, as on "My Grey and Fading Dreams" or the aching "Mourning Dove." There are even what might prove to be real classics here, "Elmore Mountain Road" and "Firetower," where the writing machine seems to ease back 60 years or so. And with the rest of the band absolutely on for every single note, the result is a bluegrass record to stand with the best -- raw, direct, and with a purity of emotion that's glorious. ~ Chris Nickson