HUNGER
MOUNTAIN BOYSThree
Old-Fi Records
BY DAVE BAGDADE
Although brother-act tributes are common these days, The Hunger Mountain Boys are in front of the pack. Not content to merely pay homage to a venerable tradition, the duo of Kip Beacco (mandolin, fiddle and guitar) and Teddy Weber (guitar, National steel guitar) has invested considerable effort into creating new music within that tradition. Their first two recordings featured originals which fit so well beside the covers that it was virtually impossible to tell which were which. On Three, Weber and Beacco are joined by bassist Matt Downing. Although he gives the boys a bit of room to stretch out, the playing is still tight and incisive, and the originals are at home with the covers. The instrumental performances are excellent, and the vocals are crisp. Standout moments include the guitar tradeoff on Hiccup Remedy Blues, Weber’s steel guitar on No Phone No Tone, Beacco’s mandolin on Hacksaw, and the harmonies everywhere. It is not often that a band can move forward while staying in the same place, but The Hunger Mountain Boys have done so. Songs include I’ve Got The Blues Mary, Departure Day, Take Me Back To Your Sweet Little Nest, Frankie & Johnny, Mt. St. Helens, The Blues Is Back Again, Steel Guitar Rag, Scatterbrain Mama, Grapevine Twist and Show Me The Way To Go Home. BMP