Kane's River (Doobie Shea, 2000)

Montana-based Kane's River sets out to prove there is great bluegrass music west of the Mississippi River on their label debut. Kane's River combines the ample musical and songwriting talents of its four members.

Julie Elkins' angelic voice and driving banjo sets the tone right from the first cut, "This Whole World." The soulful voice of guitar player John Lowell brings several tunes to life such as the wonderfully written "Billy Austin" by Steve Earle. Mandolin player Jerry Nettuno, maybe best know for co-writing the IBMA song of the "Three Rusty Nails," contributes four tunes including the driving "All That's Left For Me" and the beautiful gospel song "In Your Hands." Holding the band together is bass player, and band co-founder David Thompson. Add in the immense talents of guest artists Rob Ickes on dobro, Jason Thomas on fiddle, Ronnie Bowman and Dan Tyminski and you have the ingredients for something special.

Seldom does a first major project have all the elements of polished and seasoned professionals, the talent, energy, drive and creativity. Kane's River brings all of these elements to its music and proves to us that bluegrass music is alive and well west of the Mississippi.