Last fall, mandolin player Cody Shuler took over management of Pine Mountain Railroad and put a bold “high lonesome” stamp on the group. That sound literally screams off almost every track of “Alone with Forever,” the band’s latest CD on SteelTown Records. This is a band that takes “high lonesome” seriously, but with enough original material and an edge to compete with more contemporary sounding groups.

“Alone with Forever” is quite the vehicle for Shuler, who not only adds some notable mandolin licks to the mixes, but is very definitely a big part of the band’s vocal sound. Not to mention he either wrote or co-wrote much of the original material on the CD.

“Nowhere, Carolina” is one of the CD’s highlights; it’s one of those melodic ballads paying homage to the simple life, written by Shuler, guitarist Mark Cable and banjo picker Elmer Burchett Jr.

Pine Mountain Railroad

Traditionalists and fans of pure country music will also enjoy the group’s tight vocal rendition of “I Heard the Bluebirds Sing,” first given fame by Jim Ed Brown and his sisters way back when.

“Clementine,” the CD’s opener, is a rowdy, toe-tapper written by Shuler and bass player Bill McBee. And, of course, the group pays homage to its main sponsor by dishing up a rip-roaring helping of Odom’s Tennessee Pride Grand Ole Opry Theme. Obviously, it’s all about bringing home the bacon — er, make that sausage — with a smile on the band’s faces.

Other members of the group are Matt “Scooter” Flake, fiddle; and Eli Johnson on guitar.

“Alone with Forever” is already showing up on several charts, including Bluegrass Music Profiles, XM Radio and Roots Music Report.

Fans of true-blue bluegrass will embrace this CD. Those with more contemporary leanings should give it a listen. The CD just might embrace them.

By Dan Tackett

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