In the church of bluegrass, mandolinist and fiddler Sam Bush has long been a nonconformist--or at least the musical equivalent of a Cafeteria Catholic. In 1971, at 19, the rhythmic demon founded New Grass Revival, and for ... more »the next 18 years alternately amazed and enraged traditionalists, extending the band's purview to reggae, jazz, and rock. Bush's third solo album finds him in top, blindingly fast form: note the high-level cheer of "Hold On" or "Face Tomorrow." On the instrumental collaborations with long-time pals such as Bela Fleck and Jerry Douglas, the mandolin-meister shines, as ever. But why is it that he never gets enough credit as a violinist? The wailing intro to "Crossing the Transippi" demonstrates that Bush plays second fiddle to no one. --Kerry Fried« less
In the church of bluegrass, mandolinist and fiddler Sam Bush has long been a nonconformist--or at least the musical equivalent of a Cafeteria Catholic. In 1971, at 19, the rhythmic demon founded New Grass Revival, and for the next 18 years alternately amazed and enraged traditionalists, extending the band's purview to reggae, jazz, and rock. Bush's third solo album finds him in top, blindingly fast form: note the high-level cheer of "Hold On" or "Face Tomorrow." On the instrumental collaborations with long-time pals such as Bela Fleck and Jerry Douglas, the mandolin-meister shines, as ever. But why is it that he never gets enough credit as a violinist? The wailing intro to "Crossing the Transippi" demonstrates that Bush plays second fiddle to no one. --Kerry Fried
"What an incredible record! It's not bluegrass, it's not country, though it contains huge slabs of both as launching points. Some of the best mandolin playing you've ever heard, and some fine fiddle work too. What is more, the songs are good, and extremely well-performed. Several cuts on this will remind you of the Grateful Dead (with Zen thought to the forefront) and even (yes, it's meant to be a compliment) The Eagles, when they had a clue. Best thing I've heard in months!"
Fans of Musician's Musicians: Get this CD!
Kelly A. Chitwood | Arkansas!!! | 05/11/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I saw Sam perform this past February on Garrison Keillor's Prairie Home Companion. As with Sonny Landreth, who shares the same label as Bush, I was blown away at his talent. (You know, the jaw-dropping kind of awe that you feel during an awesome live performance.) His music is unique. You can't place it in any particular genre, I am reminded of Marshall Tucker's mellow music, the Grateful Dead's music (the good stuff only---sorry Deadheads), Grandpa Jones and include the soulful, upbeat lyrical style of Keb' Mo. One last comparison, his voice reminds me of John Denver's for his range, but stronger in style.The guy even plays a slide on a mandolin... way too cool on "Face Tomorrow".
"Funk 42" has Bela Fleck adding his own unique touch on the Banjo and later on, another instrumental titled "Harbor Docks".All in all, a great CD, I'm hooked and you will be too at this new fresh approach to playing the mandolin.A+++++++++++++!!!!!"
Much better than his last one
R. Banfield | Downers Grove, IL | 06/12/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Sam Bush's latest CD. "Howlin' at the Moon," is far superior to "Glamour and Grits." The instrumentals are wonderful, especially those with Jerry Douglas and Bela Fleck. Sam is not the world's greatest vocalist; he tries hard, though, and his enthusiasm shows. Many of the songs have a lyrical theme of "life is short, so enjoy it now." While I like the premise behind "Crossing the Transippi (person singing a second violin part)," the usually-irritating John Cowan manages to sound like a cross between Micky Thomas of Starship and Brad Delp of Boston. Get this guy out of bluegrass and into a rock band! Overall, an enjoyable recording."
One of Sam's Best!
R. Banfield | 07/28/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"For those of you who really miss Newgrass Revival and the seminal work they produced during their tenure, Sam Bush is back with a really outstanding collection of new tunes. The musicianship and selection of cuts is outstanding, and I have not been able to liberate the disc from my CD player for several weeks now... Recommended for all Sam Bush and Newgrass fans; this is one of his best efforts."