THE McCLOSKEY BROTHERS BAND
self-titled (Sunny On Top)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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Brothers David (banjo, guitar, organ) and Todd (mandolin) McCloskey front a bluegrass inspired quartet from their homebase in Aspen, Colorado, but they've traveled far and wide in the process of learning to play the music that they first heard as teenagers who made the scene at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival for the party, and came away with a love for the sounds.

In their quest to reproduce those sounds, they've traveled to Ireland, studied at Berklee and jammed with dozens of luminaries from the bluegrass and jamband worlds. Along the way they've crafted their own sound, rooted in the tradition with their choice of instruments and their vocal harmonies, but moving beyond tradition with a rhythm section featuring electric bass (provided by Steve Roseboom) and a drum kit (manned by Dan Menchey). They craft fine original songs, often with an obvious but not invasive spiritual content. In the process, they've created a music that invokes the high mountains of Colorado through the language of the rolling hills of Kentucky. It's a winning combination.

Track List:

Together Home * Hurricane * Son's Going Down * Angel * Dream * Sunny On Top * Rocked * Waiting * Who Are You * Let The Party Begin * Coming Of The Winter * Jahbute * San Juanita * Seasons Change * Peace With God

[Pick this up at www.tmbb.net.]

© 2002 - Shaun Dale