|
REVIEWS
Seven Days, 4/29/09
by Robert Resnik
Bluegrass Gospel Project, The Blue Morpho
One of the most alluring creatures of the tropical rainforests in Central and South America is the blue morpho.
The iridescent butterfly is known both for its striking beauty and for the abrupt color changes that mark its life
cycle. As such, the animal is the perfect namesake for the fifth album from the Bluegrass Gospel Project, one of
Vermont’s most talented acoustic bands...
Read the full review here.
Vermont Guardian, 12/22/06
by Alan Lewis (excerpted)
Bluegrass Gospel Project, Makes You Strong
Bluegrass Gospel Project was originally a one-shot ensemble, brought
together only for First Night Burlington 2001. But instead of then
breaking up, the Project has picked up steam. The band’s Wander On CD
was among the Vermont Guardian’s “Best of 2005” picks, and 2006 has to
be the band’s biggest year yet, with a great tour through the Northeast
including a memorable outdoors appearance on Boston Common. The new
Makes You Strong CD improves on the 2005 release, starting powerfully
with great interpretations of Peter Rowan’s “Revelation” and “Is That
You,” a Buddy and Julie Miller creation. It will be interesting to see
whether Bluegrass Gospel Project can top 2006.
Seven Days, 11/8/2006
by Robert Resnik (excerpted)
Bluegrass Gospel Project, Makes You Strong (Vital Records 404)
On their fourth album, Makes You Strong, Bluegrass Gospel Project
solidifies their legacy as one of the greatest acoustic bands ever to
spring from northern Vermont. It's no small wonder, as each of the
band's six members is a seasoned player.
It's not just high talent level that makes this band special. The
sextet has created a mighty, unified sound that honors tradition, while
taking the music in exciting new directions.
Read the full review here.
Seven Days, 3/23/05
by Casey Rea (excerpted)
Bluegrass Gospel Project, Wander On(Vital Records 303 CD)
Vermont's merchants of traditional music, the Bluegrass Gospel Project,
return with their third release, Wander On. Recorded live in concert
throughout the Northeast between December '03 and November '04, the
disc is a fine overview of the group's homey sound. Blending old-time
styles such as folk, bluegrass and gospel with subtle pop sensibility,
the six-piece has become one of New England's premier concert acts.
The group weaves effortlessly between winsome harmonies and impassioned
instrumental work. The traditional track "A Beautiful Life" is a
terrific example of the band's harmonic blend -- a soulful stack of
complementary vocal tones. It's this juxtaposition between
foot-stomping licks and sonorous singing that make the group so
compelling.
"Come Let Us Go Back to God" brings the band's gospel influence to the
fore; the tune's a cappella harmonies are gorgeous and authentic.
Meticulously arranged, the track showcases Bluegrass Gospel Project's
reverence for their source material.
Sin, heartache, worship, redemption -- it's all here. Wander On is
another fine release from a group that deserves every accolade it gets.
Vermont Life, Spring 2003:
"This group is a force to be reckoned with onstage … their voices and
harmonies can make you see the light, and tremble."
|
