Still Climbing Mountains

Amazon.com
Enlisting Jerry Douglas as producer, Blue Highway produce a convincing, straight-ahead bluegrass stride. Unlike in previous recordings, the quintet turns in an all-original set, and even if only the beaming title track and the animated "Union Man" sound like future campfire classics, the songwriting, notably by guitarist Tim Stafford, is never stilted and always melodically memorable. But the lasting pleasures of the band's Rounder debut owe mostly to the members' versatile musicianship. On the playful, self-penned "Monrobro," Rob Ickes's Dobro licks have the tasteful unpredictability of those from masters such as Douglas, while the lucid harmonies on gospel numbers like "Mountain of the Lord" place Blue Highway near the forefront of contemporary bluegrass singing. --Roy Kasten

Tracks:

Still Climbing Mountains
Monrobro
Mountain Of The Lord
Boulder City Dam
Riding The Danville Pike
Life Without You
Union Man
Only A Thought Away
Buck Hill
This Ain't The First Time I've Walked In These Shoes
Uncle Fred
The Seventh Angel (introduction)
The Seventh Angel
Goodbye For A While

Amazon.com

Enlisting Jerry Douglas as producer, Blue Highway produce a convincing, straight-ahead bluegrass stride. Unlike in previous recordings, the quintet turns in an all-original set, and even if only the beaming title track and the animated "Union Man" sound like future campfire classics, the songwriting, notably by guitarist Tim Stafford, is never stilted and always melodically memorable. But the lasting pleasures of the band's Rounder debut owe mostly to the members' versatile musicianship. On the playful, self-penned "Monrobro," Rob Ickes's Dobro licks have the tasteful unpredictability of those from masters such as Douglas, while the lucid harmonies on gospel numbers like "Mountain of the Lord" place Blue Highway near the forefront of contemporary bluegrass singing. --Roy Kasten

Customer Reviews:

One of the Best in Bluegrass Today.......2006-12-23

During a visit to Seattle a few months ago, I was browsing in Holy Cow Records in the Pike Place Market and happened to come across this disc. At, first, I was attracted to the pretty cool album cover design, but as I looked through the liner notes I decided to give it a try. This record totally blew me away- I've been a longtime fan of Allison Krauss & US, John Hartford, etc. and Blue HIghway is certainly in the same league. Most suprising (as other reviewers have noted) is that "Still Climbing Mountains" is all original music and is proof that the members of Blue Highway are great songwriters as well as great musicians. Standout tracks are the title cut, "Only A Thought Away", and the impressive fiddle work on "Uncle Fred". This is by far one of the best blugrass recordings of the '00s.

Sneaky Good!.......2003-12-03

I had been a bluegrass fan for many years when a friend of mine bought this album for me. I was a little skeptical at first and really didn't give the album a chance. However, after listening to it several times I realized that I had a true classic on my hands.

Blue Highway is an excellent band vocally and musically with powerful original tunes on such terrific tracks as "Still Climbing Mountains", "Union Man", and "Riding the Danville Pike". They aren't as edgy as Del McCoury, but with their smooth vocals and lucid picking you'll find yourself enjoying high quality bluegrass with echoes of the great performers of the past. Don't get me wrong, they can play a burner every now and then too!

It's enough to make you wonder why country radio plays the standard studio musician plus big name vocalist formula anymore when there are bands this talented running around the United States.

One of the best.......2002-11-26

I just got to see these guys on 11-15-02 in Louisville, Ky. They were 2nd on the bill with Rhonda Vincent and the Rage. Blue Highway was the reason that I went to the concert, though. I had heard Midnight Storm and loved it! They performed several of the songs on Still Climbing Mountains at the concert and I bought the CD there that night listening to it on the way home. It's as good as, or better than, Midnight Storm and these guys are great. Unlike most bluegrass recordings, this CD's material is ALL ORIGINAL! Tim Stafford (guitar and vocals), Wayne Taylor (bass and vocals), and Shawn Lane (mandolin, fiddle, and vocals), are among the best songwriters and singers in the business. So smooth and blending so well. The vocals, the playing, Rob Ickes and that dobro. Cut #2, Monrobro, written by Ickes, showcases his talent and writing ability on a tune dedicated to Bill Monroe. And don't overlook Jason Burleson and that driving banjo. Just listen to Riding the Danville Pike or Buck Hill, which was written by Jason, for a taste of his talent. There's also a couple of great gospel songs in Mountain of the Lord, by Stafford, and Seventh Angel, by Lane. The only thing I miss on this particular CD is that there's no "a cappela" numbers. This in no way, though, detracts from the greatness of this disk. Blue Highway is quite the Bluegrass band!!

THEY'VE DONE IT AGAIN!.......2002-05-05

Once again Blue Highway has put out a very strong recording. Again and again these guys hit home with classic bluegrass material. This effort is a bit different because all of the songs were written by the band. And it stands side by side with their previous projects. Once again, above the bar of most bluegrass bands.

Song after song shows the bands virtuosity. Their harmonies are tight, their instrumentation and timing are right on. This is a band full of individuals who are all stars in their own right but realize that the sum of the band is greater than the indiviudal parts. They work together well and enjoy playing together (obvious if you see them on stage).

There are many outstanding songs on this album, one after another they provide listening enjoyment. But in my opinion they saved the best for last. It is very seldem that a song hits me deep enough to make my cry but "Goodbye For A While" hit a nerve deep inside me. Shawn Lane's voice, in my opinion, is one of the best in bluegrass and I love his vocals. Tim Stafford and Wayne Taylor are fine lead singers in their own right and all three are adept at harmonies.

If you want to know where bluegrass is at today and where it is heading. Pick up this Blue Highway CD.

A CD that you'll wear out...if that's even possible.......2002-02-11

I had never even listened to Blue Highway before buying this disc. I had bought everything Alison Krauss&Union Station mates had put out, and I was looking for something fresh and catchy...and boy did I find it! This album has not one song that you'll be skipping. Every song on the album is written by members of the band, and their excellent musicianship along with their tight harmonizing will surely hook you and make you call yourself a "Blue Highway Fan"...honestly.

Music Album:

Music Album