Rock County (Rebel, 2002)

Raise your hand if you think this all-star supergroup and side project thing is getting out of hand. Rock County defies the law of diminishing returns, coming up with a solid 'debut' that sticks with the more melancholy, sad and blue side of traditionalbluegrass and a sound that leans more towards classic country.

Formed by Longview bandmates Don Rigsby and Glen Duncan, the band is completed with Ray Craft on guitar and most of the lead vocals, Dale Vanderpool on banjo and Robin Smith on upright bass.

The band's material comes from as many different places as the members do, with songs from Hank Williams, The Stanley Brothers and Tom T. Hall alongside originals from Craft and Duncan. Unlike a tossed-off spare time band, this feels like a group of like-minded veterans, all in the same place.