Well, I was a little slow on the draw getting this review out (sorry), but this is a great recording. The instrumental work, selection of songs, and styles will have you spinning.

The CD starts with a haunting yet aggressive version of the Gillian Welch tune Stillhouse. This song has a very "mountain" sound. This is followed by the Wendy Waldman and Don Lowery tune "You Plant Your Fields." I was a little disappointed that this version wasn't significantly different from the New Grass Revival recording of the same song, though it is flawlessly performed.

Next we have the traditional "Gone, Gone, Gone" which is the last song on the CD before typical bluegrass protocol is thrown out the window. From here on out the CD is a fantastic mix of Bluegrass, Swing, old Jazz, traditional Country, and even a little hippie-grass (Friend of the Devil).

Of particular interest is cut 6 "Annabelle." I have always liked this Gillian Welch song and Modern Hicks do a great version. "Isn't That So" is a nice swanky, funky jazz tune that will have you bobbing your head like a chicken before it's over. There is some great instrumental work on this song as well.

Gina Blaber really shines in the guitar and vocal only version of Henry Hipkens jazz ballad "Love To Learn." I was truly astonished that this woman who does such great authentic bluegrass harmonies can really break free and do the complex melody lines in the traditional jazz style and perform it beautifully.

I could praise every song on this disc, but I'm going to recommend that you get it yourself and see. Modern Hicks is right down my alley as far as bluegrass goes. They push the envelope of what is bluegrass and what's not. They truly support my theory that everything is bluegrass (or could be.) There is a beautiful blend of several different styles of music and vocal colors. The instrumental work is flawless though less flashy than many people enjoy. I find the instrumental a perfect complement to the vocal-based music.

The only real downside to this recording is the lack of original tunes. I admit that this is a personal preference, but I feel that original tunes are good for bluegrass in general and that people should write new material. This is almost made up for on Modern Hicks' "Out Among The Stars" by the selection of some pretty obsure tunes and an original approach to most of the songs.

Usually I recommend who should and should not get a particular recording. Well, I'm going to recommend that everyone who likes bluegrass get this CD. The recording is definitely rooted in Bluegrass, but there's alot more in there. If you're a little afraid of swing, jazz, and old country, then you need to broaden your tastes anyway so get this CD. "Out Among The Stars" gets 4 purple picks! For more information contact Modern Hicks via e-mail at autumnsu@aol.com or at the following address:

Modern Hicks
Jackalope Records
3385 Dartmouth Ave.
Santa Rosa, CA 95405