Written by Bill Whiting
The Travelin’ McCourys team up with fellow bluegrass troubadour Keller Williams on the dazzling recording, Pick. Beginning with the sweet sounds of “Something Else,” Williams and The Travelin’ McCourys create a potent formula of high lonesome harmonies, razor sharp musicianship and engaging humor. It’s all performed tongue in cheek with a full, rich sound that breezes through without the assistance of percussion. Rob McCoury stretches his banjo flourishes alongside Alan Bartram’s anchor driven bass lines on “What a Waste of Good Corn Liquor.” Ronnie McCoury shines on mandolin, fleshing out the inner nuances of the Steve Earle penned, “The Graveyard Shift.” John Hartford’s “Sexual Harassment” receives a subtle workout from the gently moving passages of fiddle maestro Jason Carter.
But, Pick really takes off as Williams and The Travelin’ McCourys set sail for uncharted waters on the hilarious, beguiling gem, “Broken Convertible.” It’s a trip worth taking. My Morning Jacket’s “I’m Amazed” is reworked in jamming, bluegrass tones. With bracing improvisation and unique,laser focused adaptation, Keller Williams and The Travelin’ McCourys have taken their compositional skills to a new level on the wide ranging masterwork, Pick. It makes you smile while your toes are tapping, and you can’t ask for more than that. It’s definitely one of the best albums of the year.
DELLOWEEN featuring The Del McCoury Band with The Hackensaw Boys and Larry Keel is on Wednesday, October 31 at The Madison Theater in Covington, Kentucky. A Must See.
