Patriots release "Springtime in the Rockies"

2/24/2004

The Bluegrass Patriots’ long-awaited new release, Springtime in the Rockies, finds its greatest strength in traditional interpretations of quite an eclectic group of selections. Some of the material is gathered from early Americana (“Down in the Valley” and “Why Do You Weep Dear Willow?”) to early 20th century Western (“Springtime in the Rockies” and “Trail of the Lonesome Pine”). Depression-era Gospel is also featured with “Eat at the Welcome Table” and “Just as I Am/Country Boy.”

Sprinkled throughout are a few bluegrass standards of the 1940s and 1950s, such as “Sparklin’ Brown Eyes,” “The Girl I Left in Sunny Tennessee,” and a rollicking version of the old Carter Family tune “Winding Stream.” Folklorists and children will enjoy “Paul Bunyan Love” an endearing rendition of a lively tale from our common oral history.

“Indian Council,” a haunting instrumental, evokes the sufferings of our native culture, while “The Streets of Baltimore,” a country hit from mid-century, bespeaks the ageless and endless sorrow of the refugee. “Free Me from My Misery,” written by the Patriots’ own Willie McDonald is a classic bluegrass lament, and “Wave Goodbye,” from the hand and heart of Elliott Rogers, is a real gem - a lyrical, peppy original take on the bluegrass train song.

The complete presentation is one of magical charm owing not only to the superior material, but also to the earthy, intuitive talent of the Bluegrass Patriots. Fresh, polished, and replete with happy surprises, Springtime in the Rockies bursts into bloom.

Buy it now!