Keeper of the Flame (Lendel, 2006)

Randy Waller recorded a fine album that easily bridges the gap between country-western and bluegrass. The slickly produced songs range from bluegrass instrumentals to waltzes to story-songs. There�s even some gospel.

It�s a treat to hear Waller�s voice, which is mellow and has more of a country twang than his father Charlie, who was one of the original members of the Country Gentlemen. �Old Railroad Track� and �He Was a Friend of Mine� capitalize on the group�s tight vocals, while �Cowboys and Indians� and a bluegrass version of �Mrs. Robinson� show off the groups instrumentals. The whole CD is covered with tasty banjo licks and some great guitar picking.

�One More Voice Singing in Heaven Tonight� is a moving gospel tribute to Charlie Waller, which makes you listen. But songs like �Hearts and Flowers� show how mixed and produced this album is. In it Waller sings both lead and bass, a feat impossible live.

For fans of Blue grass and older-style country tunes this CD is worth a listen. (9188 James Madison Highway, Warrenton, VA 20186, 540-347-2496) - JP Tausig