Pine Mountain Railroad - “Pickin’ Praisin’ & Singin’” (Rural Rhythm Records.)

Wow, did Cody Shuler write a monster or what?

I’m talking about “My Eyes Shall Be on Canaan’s Land,” the first track on Pine Mountain Railroad’s new gospel CD, “Pickin’, Praisin’ & Singin’.”

Pardon me, the band has a bit of new monicker. It’s no longer Pine Mountain Railroad, it’s Cody Shuler and Pine Mountain Railroad. And, so be it. Shuler has taken over the management of the band, which has been in a bit of a state of influx with members coming and going over its 10-year history. Besides managing the band, Shuler fronts the shows — and he’s a pleasant but commanding presence on stage in the group’s dynamic stage shows.

But back to “My Eyes Shall Be on Canaan’s Land.” What a terrific piece of writing. Shuler has composed a tune here of Albert Brumley-ish stature. This song won’t be another “I’ll Fly Away,” which Brumley penned, but I’d bet this won’t be it’s first airing, either. It’s just right. Dead on. Bull’s eye! The words, the chords, the four-part harmony. Did I mention the goosebumps?

Needless to say, what a way to open a new CD, which, after the first take-my-breath-away track, does not disappoint at all. In fact, it’s pretty darn enjoyable.

That’s a lot, coming from these ears. I think it only fair to give you my take on gospel CDs. You may understand, you might not. You may think me too narrow minded. Nonetheless, I’ll be upfront with you, so give me some credit for honesty. Since I’ve taken on the responsibility of reviewing CDs for this Web site, I feel somewhat compelled to tell you where I stand with gospel music and new gospel CDs. I love gospel music — if it’s familiar territory, as in something I heard at church when I was a kid, or something that was sung every summer by some cousin at the family reunion. Other than that, obscure old gospel mountain music or contemporary tunes seldom really click with me. An exception would be some of the little gems that Indiana songwriter Jimmy Woolsey has penned. And, as you might have expected by now, “My Eyes Shall Be on Canaan’s Land.”

Even though the instrumental work is fine and dandy, make no mistake, this is a vocal showcase — from Track 1 to Track 16

Still with me? If so, click off the Pause button and let’s continue on with “Pickin’ Praisin’ & Singin’.”

Golly Moses (pun intended), I really, really like this CD. After the first listen, I felt almost too prejudiced to review it. But, review it I will, with this recommendation: If you’re into gospel, especially bluegrass gospel, don’t let this CD slip through your fingers.

Shuler and Pine Mountain Railroad guitarist Jerry Cole do the bulk of the lead and tenor singing on this recording. They swap roles, from song to song. I can’t begin to tell you whose voice I like the best. Cole has this unpolished gem of an emotional voice, while Shuler’s shimmering vocals at times have a Vince Gill quality. But the supporting vocal cast is equally strong, since most of the tunes on the CD are given four-part harmony treatment. No shortage of a cappela jewels here, either.

I guess my traditional gospel roots really come through here, but my favorites, aside from the opening cut, have to included a soulful rendition of “Where the Soul Never Dies,” “This World Is Not My Home,” “Rock of Ages” (a vocal masterpiece) and “The Old Rugged Cross.” The latter gets a real pleasant mix of the rustic and contemporary. It’s just neat. And, how could I forget, “What Would You Give In Exchange,” a goose-bump producer with simply guitar, mandolin and Shuler/Cole vocals.

This entire band obviously poured a lot of its soul, individually and collectively, into this wonderful CD. Other members of the group are Bill McBee on bass, fiddler Matt Flake and Dale Thomas on banjo. And even though the instrumental work is fine and dandy, make no mistake, this is a vocal showcase — from Track 1 to Track 16. (Yes, it’s a generous CD)

The recording, just released on the Rural Rhythm label, is available at www.ruralrhythm.com or pinemountainrailroad.com.

Finally, a confession (fitting for a gospel review, eh?) This review copy of “Pickin’, Praisin’ and Singin’” will not end up in a pile of CDs that I seldom, if ever, listen to again. No, I’ve got it on as I write this. And thinking, gee, this is about as good as gospel gets. Give it a listen and guaranteed, you’ll give me a big “Amen.”

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Bean Blossom, IN — The 34th Annual Bluegrass Hall of Fame & Uncle Pen Days Festival will be held September 24-27, 2008 at the Bill Monroe Memorial Bluegrass Music Park & Campground in Brown County, Indiana. The 4-day event includes a stellar line-up of over 25 bluegrass bands, instrument and vocal workshops, jam sessions, camping, food, vendors, flea market and fellowship.

This year’s Bluegrass Hall of Fame Inductee is Carlton Haney creator of the first multi-day bluegrass festival. The induction Ceremony will take place on Saturday, September 27, 2008.

The Uncle Pen Days Festival hosts the top bluegrass bands in the bluegrass industry including performances by: Ralph Stanley & Clinch Mountain Boys, J. D. Crowe & The New South, Lonesome River Band, The Grascals, Marty Raybon & Full Circle, IIIrd Tyme Out, Cherryholmes, Bobby Osborne & Rocky Top Xpress, Dale Ann Bradley, Randy Waller & The Country Gentlemen, James Monroe & The Midnight Ramblers, Ralph Stanley II, Dave Evans & River Bend, Melvin Goins & Windy Mountain, David Parmley & Continental Divide, The Gibson Brothers, Karl Shiflett & The Big Country Show, Larry Stephenson Band, Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road, James King Band, Larry Efaw & Bluegrass Mountaineers, Ronnie Reno & Reno Tradition, Country Gentlemen Tribute Band with Bill Yates & Friends, Paul Williams & The Victory Trio, and Eddie & Martha Adcock.

Emcees for the festival will be Sam Jackson, Cary Fields, and George Riddle.

Advanced tickets can be purchased by September 1, 2008: Wed $20, Thurs $25, Fri $30, Sat $30 and a 4 day combo package price of $90. Children 12 & under FREE, when accompanied by an adult. Tickets can be purchased online at www.beanblossom.com or by phone 800-414-4677.

Festival ticket includes, admission to Bluegrass Hall of Fame, Country Star Museum and Uncle Pen’s cabin tour; and all music and instrument workshops scheduled. There will be plenty of food concessions and merchants. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy the fun. Shows rain or shine.

The 34th Annual Bill Monroe Hall of Fame & Uncle Days is sponsored by Bluegrass Now Magazine, Rebel Records, Bluegrass Radio Network, and Hope River Entertainment.

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Michigan

July 24-26 — Marshall Bluegrass Festival - Marshall, MI.
Bluegrass Artists scheduled to perform include: New Found Road, Charlie Sizemore Band, The Windy Mountain Boys, Vince Combs & Shadetree Bluegrass, Harbourtown and more.
Weekend festival passes will be available at the gate for $30. and single day passes are $15. Children under 12 are free with parents. Camping is $10 a day.

New York

July 24-27 — Norwich Family Bluegrass Festival - Norwich, NY.
Bluegrass slated for the bill includes: the James King Band, Dan Paisley & Southern Grass, The Doerful Family Band, Dave Nichols & Spare Change, The Cabin Fever Band, Bill & Maggie Anderson, Blueridge Mountain Boys and more.
A festival pass at the gate is $50 and single day tickets run $10 (Thurs, Sun) $15 (Fri) and $25 (Sat). Children under 16 free with paid adult. Camping information is available on the Norwich Family Bluegrass Festival web site.

Ohio

July 23-26 — Musicians Against Childhood Cancer (MACC) - Columbus, OH.
This outstanding festival donates all proceeds to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. According to the MACC web site all artists appearing donate their time for this great cause.

Bluegrass Artists scheduled to appear include: Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out, Lonesome River Band, Mountain Heart, Lost & Found, James King Band, Junior Sisk & Ramblers Choice, David Parmley & Continental Divide, New Found Road, Blue Moon Rising, Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper, Dailey & Vincent, Larry Sparks & The Lonesome Ramblers, Cody Shuler & Pine Mountain Railroad, Rhonda Vincent & The Rage, Larry Stephenson Band, The “Original” Longview, Ernie Thacker & Rt 23, Mark Newton Band, The Grascals, Steep Canyon Rangers, J.D. Crowe & The New South, Blue Highway, Don Rigsby & Midnight Call, Bill Emerson & The Sweet Dixie Band, Kenny & Amanda Smith, Grasstowne, Ronnie Bowman & The Committee, Bradley Walker, Randy Kohrs & The Lites, Larry Cordle & Lonesome Standard Time, The Harley Allen Band, The Steeldrivers, Carl Jackson, Jerry Salley & Larry Cordle and the MACC Opry.

A four day festival pass at the gate is $95 and Single day passes are $30. Camping information and pricing is available on the MACC website.

Virginia

July 24-27 — FloydFest - Floyd, VA. This festival features a wide variety of Americana & Bluegrass music artists during it’s 4 day run. On the Bluegrass side expect to see: The David Grisman Quintet, Crooked Still, Chatham County Line, Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper, Blueground Undergrass, Tony Trischka & Double Banjo Bluegrass, Cadillac Sky, Midnight Ramblers, Gold Heart, Adam Larkey & Mountain Time and lots more.
Tickets at the gate range from $40-$60 for single day passes and with a 3 day weekend pass available for $130 and a 4 day weekend festival pass for $140. Kids single day tickets are $8 and a weekend pass is $15 with paid adult.
For camping information visit the FloydFest website.

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