The Del McCoury Band - 'Family Circle'

Here’s that high lonesome sound again – another release by The Del McCoury Band.

Its 71-year-old leader, who has been performing for half a century, still sounds like a boy tenor. “Family Circle” is the group’s first nongospel album in five years, containing only one gospeler, and a good one it is – “I’m Justified.”

McCoury remains true to his grassy roots, but that does not stop him from being innovative, finding inspiration far afield from bluegrass without losing its feel, a trick that has made his dedicated Delheads, as his fans call themselves, happy, content and excited.

One of the “far afield” pieces in his new CD is a Charlie Rich song, popularized by Jerry Lee Lewis: “Break Up” is filled with Lewis inflections; “I Remember You” is filled with Slim Whitman inflections.

Two other highlight songs are Mark Knopfler’s “Prairie Wedding” and a fun piece, “Revenuer’s  Blues,” in which McCoury notes that “Prohibition and depression make it hard on my profession.” McCoury’s profession is “bluegrass performer,” and he is unsurpassed.

– Frank Roberts

Tracks to download “Break Up,” “I Remember You”

Buy 'Family Circle'

Buy 'Family Circle' in MP3 format  (Links go to Amazon.com)

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