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Laurel Canyon Ramblers
Multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Herb Pedersen founded the Laurel Canyon Ramblers following his stint in the country chart-topping and twice Grammy-nominated Desert Rose Band. Herb's joined by fellow Desert Rose alum Bill Bryson on bass and vocals, along with stellar players Kenny Blackwell (mandolin, vocals, and guitar on tracks four, 11, and 13), Roger Reed (guitar and vocals), and teen fiddling sensation Gabe Witcher. Along with this impressive core of hard-core players, Back on the Street Again features added instrumental punch from Bruce Johnson (guitar on tracks 10 and 11) and Dave Dias (dobro). The Laurel Canyon Ramblers' instrumental driving force is Herb's Scruggs-rooted banjo. His subtle yet effective playing is perfectly complemented by Kenny's fluid mandolin. Add to that the 1-2-3 punch of Bill, Roger, and Gabe and you've got one knockout band. That solid playing-added to satisfyingly on-target vocal trios and quartets is the hallmark of the Laurel Canyon Ramblers' sound. In their relatively short time together as a band, Laurel Canyon Ramblers have logged some impressive frequent flier miles with two tours to Japan along with a slew of festival appearances across North America as well as guest slots at Nashville's legendary Ryman Auditorium. Despite its left coast locale, Laurel Canyon Ramblers fall into the more traditional camp of bluegrass bands musically and even to the extent of their original material. Herb wanted Back on the Street Again to incorporate original material with a feel for the early '50s and '60s and the band members' songs definitely feel traditional. Back on the Street Again is packed with 13 prime cuts of bluegrass classics and hot new originals. In addition to the upbeat Steve Gillette-penned title track, the Laurel Canyon Ramblers resurrect the Vern and Ray classic Happy I'll Be (Herb backed up Vern and Ray in the mid-'60s), the Louvin Brothers' chestnut When I Stop Dreaming, and a beautiful contemporary bluegrass version of James Taylor's hit You Can Close Your Eyes. There are also seven big originals that really drive the Laurel Canyon Ramblers home (Herb's Hold On, Kenny's Girl By the Bank and Gimme Dat Thang, Bill's Move On, and Roger's I'll Have a Broken Heart, Heaven Bound, and Pamela's Song). With Back on the Street Again, the Laurel Canyon Ramblers are ready to be back on the charts again! information: Review by |
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As
bluegrass bands go Laurel Canyon Ramblers may be new kids on
the block but they're definitely in the gifted and talented
program! Formed just four years ago, the band's collective
talent adds up to over a century of prime picking! Emerging
as one of the foremost bluegrass bands anywhere, this
well-seasoned west coast outfit brings together some of the
best players to form its own exciting blend of strong vocals
and instrumentals that have that traditional bluegrass
flavor, but with an infectious West Coast attitude. Back on
the Street Again, the Ramblers' third Sugar Hill album, is
indeed charming with its rich and exciting
traditionally-rooted sound.