Come Along With Me

Once upon a time, bluegrass bands had fairly simple names like the Seldom Scene and the Bluegrass Cardinals. In the 1990s, however, bands decided to opt for more complex names like Rice, Rice, Hillman & Pedersen, ensuring that reviewers everywhere had to explain each member's illustrious background. After releasing Common Ground under the Blueridge moniker, Terry Baucom, of Quicksilver fame, and Alan Bibey, from IIIrd Tyme Out, re-formed the group and expanded its name. The results on Come Along With Me, however, run true to the band's previous effort. Junior Sisk handles most of the lead vocals and the band excels at four-part harmony, which is precisely what is called for on gospel-drenched pieces like "Gonna Travel On," "Prayer Bells of Heaven," and "My Lord's Going to Set Me Free." There's also a fun a cappella piece, "Shifting Sands," and a hot instrumental, "Vandriver." Of course, previous fans will be familiar with Bibey's excellent mandolin chops and Baucom's solid banjo picking. Add to this Sisk's flatpicking, and both Ron Stewart and Dewey Brown's fiddling, and Blueridge exhibits a rock-solid acoustic sound. Baucom, Bibey & Blueridge dig deep into tradition on Come Along With Me, add a few contemporary touches, and come up with a fine bluegrass album. A change in names, it seems, has done no harm. ~ Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr.