Leftover Salmon (Compendia, 2004)
Leftover Salmon
Reviewed by Ken Burke
Consisting of fiddler/mandolinist Drew Emmitt, guitarist Vincent Herman, bassist Greg Garrison, pianist Bill McKay, drummer Jose Martinez and banjo-master Noam Pikelny, the group is at their rootsy best winging through such bluegrass ditties as "Down in the Hollow," the wistful "Mountain Top" and "Weary Traveler." However, Leftover Salmon's departure songs are what makes this disc most interesting. Social commentary is lightly touched upon in the folk tribute "Woody Guthrie," and a banjo-laden equivalent of Jimmy Buffett's sound is tapped into with "Everything is Round." The semi-classical interludes contained in the nostalgic bluegrass of "Whispering Water," would surely appeal to the Fresh Air crowd. Moreover, the Hammond organ-drenched "Just Keep Walkin'" (with Payne on vocals), is as convincing as modern day soul gets.
Traditionalists may balk, but those who like their music full of deft musical surprises will cherish this one. www.leftoversalmon.com.
CDs by Leftover Salmon
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