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Joe Ross has an album with 30 years of original music on it. This bluegrass music will have your toes tapping even before you open the CD. Ross has a rich background in music and plays multiple instruments. Musicians who joined him in this collaboration are many and the blend and lyrics are fine. It is an exemplary example of musicianship.

What I appreciate is the fact that I can understand the lyrics. Backgrounds are just the right blend so that the listener can appreciate everything. For example, “Pitch Black by the Ton” is a song about coal miners and what is important is that you know where they live and work, “…living in darkness who needs the sun…” tells it all about making a living. “Good Deeds” is an learning lesson for children about showing kindness that comes from the heart. “Many A Blue Moon” says “…my poor heart just can’t say good-bye” while “Philosophy” is a parody on different world philosophies, punctuated by a penny whistle.

Not only are there good lyrics, but the instrumentalists have a chance to shine, also. An example is “HotQua Nights” with banjo and fiddle raising the roof. Joe Ross, I hope we don’t have to wait another 30 years for an album of original music. Time’s a’wastin’.
 
Copyright 2006 Marie Asner
Submitted 9/30/06