BG NOW Review

"Being that Higher Ground is from my home state of New Mexico, I was a little nervous about reviewing this project. I mean, what
if it wasn't any good and I had to say as much? These guys know where I live! Such circumstances puts a lot of pressure on a
reviewer. Fortunately, I won't have to change my address because Black and White-Faded and Torn is an excellent album, no
matter where the band members live. It's not pure bluegrass, but mixes in swing, folk, and other acoustic music for a very nice
blend of originality with strong bluegrass roots.

Speaking of originality, all but 2 of the 16 songs are originals, including 3 instrumentals. Ken Weddington is the main songwirter,
but mandolinist Dave Devlin, and bassist Mark Smith contribute as well.
Most of the tunes are about the old home place, lost love, refound love (but no re-fried beans)--perfectly suitable topics for a
semi-bluegrass band. Black and White-Faded and Torn refers to old photographs and the memories they bring, and other song
titles include "A Broken Man", "In Love All Alone", "On the Corner Square". The boys love to pick, with Devlin, banjoist Weddington,
and fiddlist Jeff Forbes leading the way, but the vocals are quite good, too. Diane Lujan adds a great voice and a fine presence
to the band sound and her numbers were some of my favorites.

So rather than be worried about Higher Ground "dropping by" for a "visit", I'm happy to claim them. Someday I'll be calling New
Mexico "the state that Higher Ground is from." Check 'em out and see what you think. (BK)

-Bryan Kimsey

© Copyright 2002 by Bryan Kimsey