The modern theme for a 20th anniversary gift is platinum. That’s relevant because this year is the 20th year Chicago bluegrass group Henhouse Prowlers have been a band. They have a new album out, Unravel, and I’m sure they’d be happy to have it certified platinum. In this day and age, though, they’ll probably have to settle for something less. Nonetheless, it’s a darn good record.
One of the strengths of the band is their vocal harmonies. At least three of the 4 members sing on every song. Look Up To the Sky jumps right into it with a tune inspired by a van-life road trip guitarist Chris Dollar and his wife took. Another cut leaning toward the progressive style is Climb the Mountain, also motivated by a road trip, but this time a harrowing drive through a mountain pass in the ice and snow. Leaning more toward a traditional sound is Line the Avenues, a sort-of “thank you for your service” reminder that individuals are what matters, whether you’re for or against the war. Honey Will You Be Mine starts with an upbeat story of two people in love. The ending, though, will have your reaching for the Kleenex.
The quartet push the boundaries of the genre in a few places. Headin’ For A Heartache is a country blues two-stepper featuring mandolin and banjo about a friend whose relationships always end up poorly. Space Man grew out of a news story about an astronaut who spent almost a year in space. As for its style, I’m going to call it funk-grass and it’s just the right amount of goofy. In a modern take on the old high lonesome sound, “I’m sad, I’m blue” sets the tone right from the git-go on Too Little, Too Late. The CD closes with Land Of Confusion, a bluegrass protest cover of a Genesis tune from the 80’s. Sadly, it’s as relevant today as it was then.
In addition to two decades of joyous picking, Henhouse Prowlers have walked the walk giving back to the community. Their Bluegrass Ambassadors foundation has taken string band music to the multitudes across many other cultures, from south Asia to Africa to Eastern Europe (their Czech version of Folsom Prison Blues is a hoot). So whether you listen to Unravel or donate to their cause, there’s good reason to show them some love.
About the author: I've actually driven from Tehatchapee to Tonopah. And I've seen Dallas from a DC-9 at night.