Laurie Lewis & Her Bluegrass Pals
Fiddler and vocalist Laurie Lewis has gone about assembling an exceptional and wide-ranging catalog while earning relatively few laurels outside of hardcore folk and bluegrass circles.Her Bluegrass Pals, Lewis's resolute return to sounds that first inspired her to take up music as a teen, is one more title deserving of greater acclaim. Working with a backing quartet spearheaded by longtime sideman Tom Rozum and in-demand bassist Todd Phillips, Lewis exhibits uncommon expertise and taste while tackling traditionals and expanding the repertoire with select covers (Gillian Welch's "Acony Bell,"Hazel Dickens's "Beyond the River Bend") and distinctive originals. Fans of contemporary bluegrass who aren't already aware of Lewis and her Pals would be well-advised to make their acquaintance.--Steven Stolder