Blue Moon Rising Record Review

Blue Moon Rising
On The Rise
Lonesome Day Records
BY BRENDA HOUGH

Top instrumental players and some fine songwriting within the band keeps Blue Moon Rising's sound original and true to its Tennessee roots. Band member are Chris West, guitar; Keith Garrett, mandolin; Randall Massengill, vocals; Justin Jenkins, banjo and Tim Tipton, bass. Randy Kohrs guests on Dobro and Ron Stewart adds some fine fiddle work as well as produces. West wrote six of the 13 songs and his storytelling songs range from the lonely hoping for love, The Next Big Thing, the sage wisdom of old-time farmers and preachers, and the outlaws made by passion, The Crime I'm Guilty Of or alcohol, Modern Day Outlaw. Each tune has a fine musical setting with three-part harmonies and melding instrumentals. It's hard to beat the banjo-driven Big Wheels Turning and the intricate instrumental Sling Blade. BMP