New England may not be the first place you think of for bluegrass, but the Three Tall Pines may have you thinking they’re from much further south. Dan Boudreau and Joe Lurgio give the band a spark in their beautiful songwriting. Each tune feels like it could be out of a one room house from 100 years ago in the deep south. The leadoff track “Tie One On” is a perfect example.
The band uses this material and the outstanding musicianship to build their songs. This set is quite consistent throughout the first half. The mandolin and fiddle have a fantastic back and forth. The songs sound lived in and comfortable, the mark of a band who knows how to bring them to life.
The “Station Line” is one of the few slower bluegrass tunes on the album. It is actually a duet with Celia Woodsmith. The slow pace of the tune is a bit jarring and pulls the album back from the higher tempos of the other tunes.
After that track, the album gets back to where it belongs. Strong songs with beautiful rural images. “Black Sunday Blues” and “Metamorphosis” are particularly strong. Hope these guys come out my way this summer. Nothing like a good bluegrass show and they have the raw material to bring it.
About the author: Jeff is a teacher in the Boston area. When not buried correcting papers, Jeff can be found plucking various stringed instruments and listening to all types of americana music.