Search - U.S. Navy Country Current Bluegrass Quartet :: Navy Blue Bluegrass

A real beaut of an album

J. Ross | Roseburg, OR USA | 04/13/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This bluegrass album is a beaut! The US Navy's Country Current Bluegrass Quartet features some very accomplished musicians that really know how to pick and sing. This album has a nice variety of nicely arranged material that showcases this wonderful 4-piece. Total Time runs 41.36. Some rather standard songs are covered like Ain't Nobody Gonna Miss Me When I'm Gone, The Old Home Place, Big Spike Hammer, Good Woman's Love, and The Prisoner's Song. On the other hand, some originals by guitarist/vocalist Wayne Taylor also caught my ear: Heart of Caroline, and Every Time it Snows. Taylor was recently nominated as Best Male Vocalist of the Year by the IBMA. His song, "Heart of Caroline," is also receiving good airplay and acclaim around the country. Banjo-player Keith Arneson offers two hard-driving original numbers with Douglas the Dog, and Sugarland Run. Fiddle and mandolin are handled well by Patrick White, and the upright bass is played by Joseph Wheatley or Michael Nicholson. Besides straight ahead bluegrass, the Country Current also has a penchant and ability to present folk-flavored songs like Steve Spurgin's A Walk in the Irish Rain, and Tom Paxton's Last Thing on my Mind. If I had one criticism, it would be that "song-carrier" Bill Clifton might not fully appreciate their version of "Little Whitewashed Chimney" that changes some words and leaves out the second verse of this beautiful song. Growing up a "Navy brat" myself, I am overjoyed at the US Navy's commitment to supporting country and bluegrass music in their organization. In the future, I'd like to see their bluegrass quartet become a full quintet (or sextet), and I hope that they'll soon produce an album of all original material.
--by Joe Ross, moderator/reviewer for "Nwbluegrass""

NOT your average military march music!

Jack Riddell | 02/25/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"These guys rock, if you can use that term to describe bluegrass music. Their instrumentals really cook, and their lead singer, Senior Chief Musician Wayne C. Taylor, has a great voice. If you can catch them live at a bluegrass festival,don't be fooled by the uniforms...get in a seat and listen to them!"

Top-Notch Bluegrass Music!

Jack Riddell | San Diego, California | 02/24/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"You read the label and see that this group is comprised of members of the U.S. Navy Band. Well, don't be fooled by any pre-conceived notions - this is as good a bluegrass ensemble as you will ever hear. Lead singer Wayne Taylor has a great voice and a dynamic delivery that pulls you right into the songs. And the banjo player, Keith Arneson is a virtuouso picker with at least six fingers on his right hand! A fantastic group and a totally enjoyable experience - highly recommended."