Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out (Rural Rhythm Records)

Every time they go out, IIIrd Tyme Out is right on the money. That’s with their stage shows and CDs. Their new self-titled CD, Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out, reflects a slightly different band moniker — but the quality remains the same: Top notch.

Band leader and premier vocalist Moore added his name to the group after charter member Rockin’ Ray Deaton left the lineup a couple of years ago. This is the group’s first recording under the new flagship.

If you’re familiar with the group’s other recordings, this one is almost like old news. Great songs, great harmony vocals, polished arrangements and instrumentation. But, that’s what IIIrd Tyme Out is all about.

This album contains a healthy dose of great traditional-sounding bluegrass, including the rousing “My Angeline,” penned by Becky Buller.  Buller, a great bluegrass fiddler in her own right, used the old fiddle tune, “Angeline the Baker,” as the basis for this neat little ditty. Russell Moore does a great job on the vocals and he gets some joyfully sounding support from Steve Dilling on banjo, Wayne Benson on mandolin and fiddler Justen Haynes. The instrumental trio is powerful, if a frolic can be so described.

“Little John, I Am,” holds the same flavor as “My Angeline,” but additionally showcases Moore’s songwriting talents.

Russell Moore as we’ve all come to expect, comes through with some pure vocal gems, including the melancholy “Me and Dad” and “Prayer for Peace,” something of a new millenium “God Bless the U.S.A.” with a plea.

Since Rockin’ Ray’s departure from the band, new bassist Edgar Loudermilk has molded his own voice into the total group package IIIrd Tyme Out fans have come to expect. At first, Loudermilk seemed like an odd replacement for Deaton, who could go at least six stories beneath the ground with his bass voice. Loudermilk , on the other hand, is a tenor singer. You talk about the square peg/round hole dilemma. But it works, even Loudermilk’s attempt at singing bass on the gospel number, “The Eastern Gate.”

Those unfamiliar with Russell Moore and IIIrd Tyme Out will find this CD to be a great introduction to the group. For die-hard fans, the new album, indeed, is more of the same. Perfection? Maybe not, but close to it.