GROWLING OLD MEN Record Review

GROWLING OLD MEN
John Lowell & Ben Winship
Occupational Hazards
Snake River
BY DAVE BAGDADE

Occupational Hazards is the second release by Growling Old Men, the duo comprised of guitarist John Lowell and mandolinist Ben Winship. The two, who also play together in Kane's River, rely entirely on their own instruments and voices with no apparent overdubs. The disc consists mostly of traditional fare with four originals by either Winship or Lowell. The title was adopted after the duo realized that many of the songs they had chosen dealt with the perils of work or lifestyle. The playing is uniformly excellent throughout, smooth and elegant rather than flashy, and the harmonies are crisp and comfortable. Although Winship and Lowell possess considerable instrumental skill, there playing is at all times secondary to the songs. Even on the sole instrumental, Blackberry Rag, there is a sense of restraint, although Lowell's crosspicking deserves mention. Other standout tracks include the traditional Rake and Rambling Blade, the Delmore Brothers' Weary Day and Winship's Last Hill Before Home. Occupational Hazards is nicely performed, beautifully recorded and highly enjoyable. Definitely recommended.

Songs include Rake and Rambling Blade, Weary Day, Old Black Coat, Road Agent's Lament, Georgia Buck, Callin' Like The Wild Things Do, Billy Taylor, Blackberry Rag, Peg & Awl, East Virginia Blues, Crooked Jack, Tabolton Reel, Last Hill Before Home, Somewhere Down The Road, Hobo's Lullaby. BMP