Swift Creek — ‘Magnolia’

Label: Vital Records

Swift Creek has released their second album, Magnolia, featuring some outstanding original songs by Kevin Brown, the band’s guitarist and vocalist. Produced by Jerry Brown, Magnolia is a collection of solid bluegrass songs, full of stellar musicianship and satisfying three part harmonies. One of the highlights of the album is the bittersweet “The Levee” (which should come as no surprise, considering the band’s name).  The song is a perfect example of Swift Creek’s instant creation of an atmosphere while telling a story with emotional nuance. Like “The Levee,” several of Swift Creek’s songs illustrate bluegrass music’s unique ability to share truths about rural life. But the tracks aren’t all serious; there’s even a musical cover of The Eagles’ “Life in the Fast Lane” with an all new, humorous, lyric, titled “Life in the Slow Lane.”

Swift Creek is Kevin Brown (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Casey Elder (mandolin, dobro, vocals), Dennis Hoyle (bass), Stephen Fraleigh (fiddle, banjo, vocals), and Ann Search (vocals). They offer a mix of traditional and progressive bluegrass, with a touch of country and folk. The album is a comfy listen and a good time spent with some impressive artists in touch (and still growing) their musical roots.

Essential Downloads: “Wake Me Up To Drive,” “Bluegrass Hurricane,” “The Levee.”

To preview or purchase this album on iTunes, click here.