TOWN MOUNTAIN, "New Freedom Blues," no label. 11 tracks
Jesse Langlais sums up Town Mountain's sixth studio album, "New Freedom Blues," saying, "This album illustrates the fact that bluegrass music will continue to be an ever-changing genre."
It's the 11-year-old band's first album with drums and pedal steel _ two instruments not associated with bluegrass.
But even with its rock intensity, the bluegrass roots are very visible.
Every track is uptempo, hard-driving and full of energy.
All 11 songs are penned by band members.
The title track is about a man who has lost the woman he loves and finds sadness in his new freedom.
"North of Cheyenne" finds a Southern boy too far from home on a road that goes on and on.
"One Drop in the Bottle" is about a gambling man who loses his soul in the desert.
"Underdog" is about a man who keeps losing but keeps coming back to the table for the thrill of the challenge.
"Way I'm Made" finds a man always alone at the end of the night.
Strong album by a band that's been making good music for more than a decade.
It will be available Oct. 26.
Can't find it in stores? Try TownMountain.net.
