The organic dynamics between guitarist Ty Bennett and mandolin guru Chris Emerson are easily apparent despite having an extended cast behind them for support. Not a minute is wasted before the toe-tapping beats and basic "mountain music" atmosphere is communicated across. "Whatcha Gonna Say" eases the listener in before the gospel-tinged ramble on "Firemen," with some nimble fingerpicking and dexterity exhibited.
Don Rigsby handles the lead vocals for the song, but it's a community effort throughout. The instrumentals are the crowning jewels of the record, with little to no overdubbing audible, just an excellent mix of banjo, mandolin, guitar, and fiddle. The opening notes of "Crooked Creek Road" indicate that the song should be the best of the lot, and it never disappoints, with Emerson and Bennett gently playing off each other superbly as
Sammy Shelor does an admirable job on banjo. Only during "Betsy's Lullaby" does the pace shift toward a more classical arrangement, and the end result is a bit muddled. While the instrumentation and craftsmanship are excellent, the song doesn't grab the listener's attention like "Mercy Percy." "Wilkes County Breakdown" has an Irish hue to it in its melody over
Barbara Lamb's fiddle. An impressive beginning for an impressive duo.
