Hardrive in Bluegrass Now Magazine
Melbourne band Hardrive's award-winning album Henry Lawson's Blues is reviewed in the top US Bluegrass magazine, Bluegrass Now!
One listening to the Hardrive Blue Grass Band, and it's clear the "grass is growing fine " down under." The Australians' sophomore efforts- Henry Lawson's Blues- is a smoking set of traditional bluegrass and mountain music.
Ah, but which mountains? Thru Train to Bluesville" and " Away on a Mountain" blossom from Bill Monroe's backyard, while " the Great Divide" and the title track emanates from eastern Australia's coastal mountains. Rather than merely pay homage to its heroes, the Hardrive Blue Grass Band blends a bit of Australia into its straight-ahead sound. At once familiar, yet always fresh, the mix fosters traditional music on the home front and invites out=of-towners to drop in.
Of course, hot picking is hot picking ( no matter where you are ). The band features a trio of veterans- Nick Dear ( mandolin and fiddle ), Mick Harrison ( banjo ) and Peter Sweatman ( guitar ): joined by Dear's son, Lachlan, ( bass ) and teen phenomenon Lachlan Davidson ( fiddle ). The quintet sizzles on " Hillhanger Breakdown" and shines on Janet's waltz".
Henry Lawson's Blues is Australia's first bluegrass album to take Album of the Year honors at the Victoria and National Country Music Awards. There's no argument here; the Hardrive Blue Grass Band is a definite winner! (TAW )
http://hardrive.bluegrass.org.au
Review - Henry Lawson's Blues
HARDRIVE BLUE GRASS BAND
HENRY LAWSON'S BLUES
BLUEGRASS CLASSICS CD 0201
PLAYING TIME 44:34