Uncut Grass

The last few months have been eventful and very busy, moving review writing to the back of my priority list. But one thing that sure helped me through is some good, heartfelt bluegrass music. I'm sure that the followers of Uncut Grass know exactly what I mean. This new record was definitely one that kept my spirits up. So without further ado let me share my thoughts on Tina Adair's “Here Within My Heart.”

Adair performs ten impeccable and insightful songs about the different conditions of the heart and all the faces that love can take on. And trust me, there's not one weak track. She had some great writers contributing songs, along with some great covers and a soulful version of 'Lonesome Valley'. But let me start with the two original songs that she co-wrote with her producer team Glen Duncan and Adam Engelhardt, 'Bad Intentions' and 'Bridge You're Gonna Burn'. The latter is the opening track and it raises the bar for the entire collection. It kicks off with a hard-driving banjo and an up-tempo beat that leaves nothing to be desired for a bluegrass fan. Such a strong song. It really has it all: great banjo performance by Scott Vestal, solid rhythm with Cody Kilby and Pat McGrath on guitar and Dennis Crouch playing the bass, superb dobro fills by Rob Ickes, fluorescent mandolin work by Jesse Brock and a fiddle soaring in and around it all like a bird, performed by Tim Crouch.

With a crew of musicians like that and producers like Adam Engelhardt and Glen Duncan you almost can't go wrong. The next song I'd like to point out is the latest single 'Bad Intentions', also an original. With a more modern and bluesy approach this song is still as bluegrass as can be because of the lyrics. A great song about not letting go even though you know better. Then finally drawing the consequences. A great example for Tina's writing skills but even more for her soulful, powerful and most expressive vocal delivery.

The second track 'Some Things You Can't Undo' is worth mentioning alone for its beautiful intro by the fiddle and banjo. I would also like to mention track number seven: 'Seasons Of Love' by Glen Duncan, Adam Engelhardt, Don McAfee and Eddie Sanders. A sweet and easy going banjo driven bluegrass gem about how love starts and ends just like the seasons.

Tina closes this undeniable hit album with an awesome rendition of the classic 'Lonesome Valley'. One of the songs that never gets old and add in the brilliance of Tina Adair and it takes on yet another exciting life. A very heartfelt version sitting comfortably between blues, gospel, soul and bluegrass. And the perfect end complement for this album all about the depths of the heart. Thank you Tina Adair, and thank you Engelhardt Music Group.

Reviewed by:
Severin Theinert for
Uncut Grass
July  2023

So, here it is… the long awaited sophomore album by New England Bluegrass Band, Rock Hearts. Forming a decade ago, these guys had enough time to evolve their unique sound with modern day bluegrass. Since their first album in 2020 (Starry Southern Nights),  Billy Thibodeau on mandolin and Austin Scelzo on fiddle have joined the band. They are great additions to the founding members Alex MacLeod (guitar), Rick Brodsky (bass) and Joe Deetz (banjo).

This new album, “Wanderlust” has it all! Hard-driving banjo licks, heartfelt fiddle melodies, dynamic mandolin playing, stunning harmony vocals, and superb arrangements in a fine selection of songs. All with a rock solid rhythm and bass foundation. If all that wasn't good enough, we get some guest appearances by none other than, Michael Cleveland on the title track 'Wanderlust'. The great Dale Ann Bradley also adds vocals on 'Driving Nails'. And last but not least, Alex MacLeod is joined by Jonathan Edwards on his song, 'Don't Cry Blue'.

The song selection is remarkable. The band managed to form an album of ten tracks that are very consistent. These tracks in the sequence given draw and intertwine an elaborate picture all together with your own imagination, which makes the album even more enjoyable. They're not after the quick success of the first ten seconds on Spotify. Not just a random selection of songs, but a real album.

I think you’ll agree, just try the title track 'Wanderlust' by Alex McLeod and you'll get an up-tempo, hard-driving bluegrass song with great vocal arrangements. Or take, 'Cotton, Corn and Hay' by Thomm Jutz and Tom Minner. This one is a laid back tune about life on a farm with a bluesy feel. There’s also a very nicely done Merle Haggard cover, 'Today I Started Loving You Again'. The Rock Hearts definitely make it their own and fit it into the whole picture of this album, along with the instrumental, 'Butter In The Mustache' by Bill Smith.

Of course bluegrass music is a to be performed live and spontaneous in front of an audience. From the stage, the music unfolds the dynamics and drive from this genre we know and love. But still, there is something about a great and well thought out studio album. And this is exactly what these guys have managed to deliver. With the help of Stephen Mougin and Ned Luberecki and the Dark Shadow crew they have recorded a solid and conclusive album which is pure joy to listen to, straight from the first note to the last.