One Lonely Shadow

Album review

Though usually classified as a bluegrass trio, Blue Moon Rising are the kind of bluegrass group with a contemporary slant that will also find some favor among fans of creative country music and No Depression-type alt-country-folk. One Lonely Shadow is divided between group originals and outside material, some of which isn't often associated with the bluegrass repertoire, like Townes Van Zandt's "Marie" and Bruce Springsteen's "Youngstown." Embellished by eight other musicians and singers over the course of the CD, the trio members sing tastefully and play tightly within uncluttered arrangements highlighting the harmony vocals of Keith Garrett and Chris West. Such is the nature of the material, in fact, that it sometimes sounds like folk singer/songwriters doing bluegrass, rather than bluegrass musicians interpreting singer/songwriter material. It adds up to a solid set, though one that has perhaps a more resigned and weary air than most bluegrass albums.
© Richie Unterberger /TiVo