The Brothers Barton RR

The Brothers Barton
Originals
Krazy Vaders Records
BY BRENDA HOUGH

Song list: The Good Old Times, Red Diamondville, Journey Closer, California Rain, Stepping Stones, A Woman Like You, Worn-Out Heart, Hot club of Oildale, There's A Road Out There Waiting, Sarah's Waltz.

The Brothers Barton from Bakersfield (say that fast!) pack a very solid punch with songs from the heart and soul and guitar and mandolin arrangements with imagination and melodic innovation. The Good Old Times is a nostalgic look at life growing up in the hills and creeks. Paul's solo in Journey Closer is a stirring testament to his faith and highlights the ethereal quality of his vocals. Brother Loren Barton sings California Rain with the heartfelt yearning of the farmer seeking a better life financially and spiritually. Like the best of the brother duets, the two voices blend together seamlessly in all the songs.

There are four instrumentals on the album and they all glow with the magic of Paul's mandolin playing and Loren's answering guitar notes. Richard Greene's fiddle and Mark Schatz's bass work provide a link to the best of the contemporary California bluegrass style. Red Diamondville is a tribute to Paul's mandolin and would be a worthy advertisement for both the player and the maker. The album is an exciting debut for the brothers. Their traditional bluegrass spirit, combined with supercharged instrumentals influenced by Tony Rice and Sam Bush, make this a group with a great future.

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