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Sam Bush
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Laps In Seven
Sugar Hill Records
Release: 6/13/2006
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Rated:
Review by:
Dustyn Rae
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I realize not everyone grew up with Kentucky Bluegrass growing out of their ears. As the child of a bluegrass devotee I'd memorized John Hartford songs at an early age. However, if you don't know who Sam Bush is, you should. And none of this "I don't like country music" either. That's a lame excuse because Sam Bush is an unbelievably talented musician. His albums, as well as his live shows, showcase the tremendous talents of so many musicians, some you've heard of and some you haven't. His latest release, , is no exception. You can't possibly go wrong with a Sam Bush track. With the "newgrass" style he helped pioneer in the 80s, Bush and his fellow musicians incorporate all kinds of electric instruments without sounding like they're cheating on old school bluegrass. Then again, he's been pulling this off for years.
Laps In Seven kicks off with a bang with the rumbling "The River's Gonna Run," aided by the incomparable Emmylou Harris, whose haunting melody makes this song especially stunning. Julie Miller, whose husband Buddy plays acoustic and electric guitar on the track as well, penned it. A dream collaboration for any recent bluegrass enthusiast.
Bluegrass purists are done proud with the classic "Bringing in the Georgia Mail" with its toe-tapping banjo and rambunctious mandolin solos brought to you by Sam himself. If you're not dancing like a fool during this track, just wait. There's much, much more merriment to be made. "Ridin' that Bluegrass Train," for example. Sam co-wrote this one and he and his jam band bring it to fruition with their awesome pickin'. Robbie Fulks (the "F*ck This Town" guy, but that's another story for another time) lends his writing skills on the rousing "Where There's a Road." Once again, the picking followed by the crisp and perfect harmonies and you've got yourself the perfect driving song.
The disc takes a bit of a nosedive with "White Bird." Its dreadful 70s sound is reminiscent of those awful educational videos they made you watch in public school. You know the ones. Where a girl gets her period for the first time or a boy is faced with peer pressure. The vocals are lovely but the picking takes a turn for the bizarre.
A flawless mix of songwriting and accomplished vocals peppered with classic bluegrass as well as the popular newgrass style, Laps In Seven is nothing short of brilliant. All in all, Sam Bush and his jam band bros have done it again. Throw on this disc at your next BBQ and I promise you won't be disappointed. Oh, and if you want to know why the title Laps In Seven was chosen, I guess you'll have to buy the record. |
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