You didn't know there was great country before Nashville, before bluegrass? Then a minute or two of Will’s rockin' banjo locked-in with Danny's dazzling mandolin and their mesmerizing close harmony singing will open your ears! They're both fourth-generation Appalachian master musicians who grew up together living and breathing this music. You can't hear the amazing live excitement of this old-time music on typical recordings. That's why I'm proud our two mike purism really captured the lightning attack and sweet tremolo of Danny's 70 year old Frayley mandolin, the warm woody resonance of Will's vintage 1939 Gibson guitar, the startling twangy punch of his family heirloom banjo, and the rich rumble of his baritone growl. (#11052)

Danny Knicely - vocals, mandolin, guitar
Will Lee - vocals, banjo, guitar

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Bluegrass Unlimited
by Henry Koretzky

It's unfortunate tthe duo format has been relegated to the sidelines of contemporary bluegrass, in favor of the fullsized (quartet or quintet) band. From the stylistic ancestors and cousins like the Monroe Brothers, the Louvins, Hazel and Alice, and the Blue Sky Boys, to current paired performers such as Jim Hurst & Missy Raines, we can be reminded that there's a lot to commend that spares format of two voices and two instruments working closely and skillfully together.

Which brings us to this fine new recording by Danny Knicely and Will Lee. While I confess I had never heard of these two accomplished singers/pickers from the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, this CD makes me ready to make up for lost time. They have solid credentials on their respective resumés, including stints with Magraw Gap, David Via & Corn Tornado, and Footworks. In addition, Will Lee's father, Ricky Lee, played with the Clinch Mountain Boys.

However, standing on their own abilities and reputations here, they acquit themselves quite well. Fifteen songs showcase their complementary harmony vocals and their driving and mutually supportive instrumental work on mandolin, banjo, and guitar. The album is divided about 50/50 into wellworn standards such as "Midnight On The Stormy Deep" and "Arkansas Traveler," (there are a halfdozen instrumentals included, all from the Monroe/Stanley/traditional canon), and some choice covers of lesserknown songs. It's on these latter songs, like Harlan Howard's "Water So Cold" and the lively opening track, "Red Mountain Wine," that Knicely and Lee show what they can do with just the right amount of vocal expressiveness and musical chops to spare.

Two voices and two pairs of hands can produce some mighty fine music, and this CD is a welcome reminder. These guys will rekindle your appreciation of the "small band" sound in bluegrass. (Mapleshade Records, 5905 Old Crain Hwy., Upper Marlboro, MD 20772, www.mapleshaderecords.com.)- HK [February 2007 Issue]