Andy Hall - Red Wing
Review by Joe Ross, Roseburg, Oregon - email rossjoe@hotmail.com

Andy Hall, only in his mid-20s, is one of the many young up-and-comers who are carrying the bluegrass torch into the new century. When one thinks of resophonic guitar, most people typically recall a half dozen or so big names who are currently dominating the Nashville music session scene. It won't be long before Andy Hall is added to that list. A Berklee College graduate (who studied music production and engineering), Andy also has performance experience under his belt with Boston City Limits, The Ronnie Bowman Committee, Dolly Parton, Earl Scruggs and Andy's own band called Short Life of Trouble. His recording experience includes working with the likes of Dolly Parton, Ronnie Bowman, Charlie Daniels, Rebecca Lynn Howard, and various artists on the Rounder label's “Moody Bluegrass” project.

Andy's debut album is a very tasty introduction to this young man who is certainly not  wet behind the ears. Hall wrote or co-wrote nine of the twelve offerings, demonstrating equally high proficiency crafting instrumentals and vocals. “Last Chance Getaway,” “Humdinger,” “Lucky Shuffle” and “Narrows of the Harpeth” are favorites in the former category, while Hall's lead vocals shine really on “Letter from Prison” and “Don't Be Afraid of Love.”  Alan Bartram and Jeremy Garrett sing the nicely blended harmonies. Besides Hall, fourteen other stellar musicians provide some technically impressive licks and support. Banjo is ably picked by Scott Vestal or Bryan Landers. The guitar's rhythmic intensity and some spectacular flatpicking are imparted by Tyler Grant, Hans Holzen, Richard Smith, or Steve Thomas. The fiddling of Jeremy Garrett, Aaron Till, and Steve Thomas also adds plenty of spark to the project. The one instrument which feels a bit out of place are the drums on the closing number, “The Sunrise Ruby.” I'm not familiar with some of these names, but I suspect many are young, hot pickers who are leading the youthification of bluegrass movement around Nashville.

Already a very seasoned contemporary bluegrass player, Andy Hall is a name that we'll be hearing much more of. For a spicy album that showcases young Andy Hall's singing, songwriting, and resophonic guitar playing, “Red Wing” is certainly not just a kiddish endeavor. (Joe Ross)