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REVIEW

By: Dan Levenson
Banjo Newsletter
October 2009


By now many of you are probably familiar with Erynn Marshall’s fiddling, from her previous CD “Meet Me in the Music” with banjoist Chris Chool (reviewed in the Jan. 08 OTW). And readers should be familiar with banjo builder Jason Romero, who makes him playing debut here, along with Erynn’s longtime friend and now Jason’s wife, Pharis. From the playing on this album one can also begin to understand how Jason builds such fine banjo[s].

The reality of old-time music is that there is more to it than just fiddle tunes and crooked tags. This CD shows that in fine style. Yes, there are a good number of songs in this one, and I am glad to say they are well sung. The singing is in tune, the voices strong and the keys appropriate for the singer. Lowe Bonnie features a beautiful duet between Jason and Pharis, as does Milwaukee Blues, Riley the Furniture Man and Bob McKinney. When the Good Lord Sets You Free is also a vocal, and that is the tune that lends the phrase “Shout Monah” to the title of the CD.

There are a good share of well-done instruments on this one too, which feature that able banjo playing – finger style as well as clawhammer – of Jason. The Devil’s Dream/Last Chance features some superb clawhammer playing, as does the banjo-only accompaniment to Pharis’s vocal on Charming Betsy.

All in all this is a wonderful album and shows off both Jason’s talents as a banjo player, and the growth in Erynn’s own style and strength as a fiddler. Pharis is a wonderful bonus both as a musician and a vocal talent, and together they are one of the best new bands in a world of old-time music. The CD is well recorded, nicely documented, and finely played, if a bit mellow in its overall tone. Don’t miss it!