Here is quality new, vintage bluegrass. That is not as oxymoronic as it may sound; this band extends established traditions down the same path. Superb vocal harmonies, banjo, mandolin, and fiddle round out that high lonesome sound. Key in that vocal mix are the duets between Russell Johnson, with a voice for trad mountain music, and
Alison Krauss sound-alike Julie Elkins.
Sands of Time delivers the goods in solid acoustic bluegrass -- real, rustic stuff, not a popularization. Along with their upbeat originals, the group recasts in a bluegrass mold songs by
Kevin Welch and
Lyle Lovett. ~ Tom Schulte