HIT & RUN BLUEGRASSWithout Maps Or Charts
BY DAVE BAGDADE
Without Maps or Charts is the second CD from Colorado’s Hit & Run Bluegrass, winners of the 2005 SPBGMA band competition.
In its four years of existence, the group has also won the Telluride and Rockygrass band competitions and developed a reputation as a rising force in the bluegrass world.
The band’s three vocalists are Rebecca Hoggan, bassist Erin Coats, and John Frazier, who doubles on mandolin and fiddle. The other members are banjoist Aaron Youngberg and Todd Livingston on resonator guitar.
Although all are capable pickers, Hoggan is a fine guitarist displaying flashy touches on Any Day Woman and beautiful flourishes on I’ve Kissed You My Last Time.
The CD showcases the band’s hard driving yet sensitive approach to material which includes three originals (and two others written by a friend of the band) but unfortunately no instrumentals. The band places great emphasis on avoiding formulas or cliches in favor of creating something fresh.
Highlights include the gorgeous harmonies on Frazier’s Home Is Where I’ll Ever Be, Hoggan’s Why Does This Old Town Look Better and Ralph Stanley’s Highway of Regret, which brings the album to a stirring close.
Without Maps or Charts is a solid, enjoyable album from an exciting young band. Look for great things from Hit & Run Bluegrass in the future.
Songs include Any Day Woman, Flying In The Wind, I’ve Kissed You My Last Time, Wind Moans Under The Door, Home Is Where I’ll Ever Be, Hardwood Floor, Got The Keys To The Kingdom, Lockdown For Your Love, Single Girl, Why Does This Old Town Look Better Now, Close The Bar, and Highway Of Regret. BMP