Young Man, Old Soul (Rural Rhythm, 2009)

From the first line of Brandon Rickman's Always Have, Always Will to the closing lines of Wearin' Her Knees Out Over Me you're never in doubt that you're listening to bluegrass, even with a couple of numbers featuring a snare drum playing a backbeat (which could as easily been omitted). It's not Monroe or Stanley bluegrass but Rickman's voice is solidly in that niche of bluegrass - country and his acoustic backup puts him solidly in the bluegrass slot.

Rickman, who does most of the lead singing for the Lonesome River Band, co-wrote most of the songs and put extra effort into the instrumental work, playing multiple instruments. Other artists appearing include Aaron McDaris, Randy Kohrs, Larry Cordle and band mates Andy Ball and Mike Anglin.

He touches on a variety of subjects. Rain & Snow is a bluesy number about troubles with a woman while Dime Store Rings tells a story of hard work and undying love. Rest For His Workers and the old Carter Stanley song, Let Me Walk, Lord, by Your Side are his gospel touch . He includes some humor in I Bought Her a Dog, turns reflective with What I Know Now and tells of lost love in Always Have, it's clear know why Sammy Shelor keeps him out front of LRB.