ABRAMS BROTHERS Record Review

ABRAMS BROTHERS
Carrying On
MasterShield Records
BY GRACIE MULDOON

Hailing from Canada, The Abrams Brothers are a fine example of what bluegrass gospel families are all about: the music and the message. Both emanate from their new release Carrying On. Their grandparents, Wayne and Mary Abrams, started this family tradition and as the album says, the brothers are simply carrying on. Making up the Abrams Brothers are 14-year old John Abrams on fiddle, mandolin and lead and harmony vocals; their father Brian Abrams on rhythm guitar, bass and lead and harmony vocals; their grandfather Wayne Abrams on rhythm guitar, bass and lead vocals; Bob Burtch on mandolin and guitar; and special guest Will Parsons on banjo - the 2004 MerleFest banjo champion. On this bluegrass gospel project you will be delighted to hear these two young gentlemen come across as seasoned veterans with their vocal talents and fine musicianship. Both brothers are "old timer" when it comes to their gift of music. Classically trained on violin, they have polished their skills to include guitar, upright bass, banjo, Dobro and mandolin. Debuting on the Grand Ole Opry in October of 2005 as guests of Mike Snider, the brothers also travel in a very famous vehicle, the former bus of Jim and Jesse McReynolds. Jesse even included a nice liner note for the boys. From the very first song, This Little Light of Mine, you will be delighted to hear James and John's young and tender voices singing along with father Brian. Following is Where The Soul Of Man Never Dies; Little Georgia Rose; Gospel Plough - one of my favorites, He Walked All The Way Home; I'm On My Way Back To The Old Home Place; I Heard My Mother Call My Name In Prayer; Scotland, an instrumental; I Believe; the beautiful Drifting Too Far and I'll Talk It All Over With Him. The entire project leaves you with a warm, fuzzy, satisfied feeling like when you get home from church. With comforting old bluegrass hymns and a couple of other tunes that we all know and love, this is a jewel to keep for yourself and your kids as well as to pass on to future generations. The message and spirit of the project come through loud and clear and simply delight the soul. Be sure to pick this one up. BMP