Tennessee Moon (Pinecastle, 2017)
Ray Cardwell
Reviewed by John Lupton
The presence of Cowan makes for interesting comparisons because Cardwell's voice is reminiscent of the power and range that made Cowan's vocals a centerpiece of New Grass Revival's success. They sing together on eight of the dozen tracks with Cowan usually adding a tenor part above Cardwell's lead, and it works pretty well. Their voices blend nicely without trying to outshout each other.
Of the three gospel-flavored cuts, two ("Sailin' For Glory" and "New Jerusalem") are a cappella quartets that are also well done, in a way that would probably get a nod of approval from Doyle Lawson. The remaining gospel tune is the opening "His Will" (one of nine Cardwell originals) is done in a classic, straight-ahead bluegrass arrangement, while the rest explore more progressive territory, including the reggae-flavored "Sing It To The World," which highlights Cardwell's tendency as a writer to be on the upbeat side of things while not being saccharine or cliché-ridden.
Cardwell has a voice that commands attention, and while the songs and arrangements are decidedly toward the more progressive end of the scale, they should still resonate with the Monroe and Flatt and Scruggs crowds.
CDs by Ray Cardwell


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