The voice of Sam Bush is a unique and now instantly familiar thread that is woven through an unprecedented amount and variety of great American Roots music. Starting with the genre-expanding work he did as founder/leader of the truly legendary New Grass Revival in the 1970s and 80s and all during that and onward his signature fiery fiddle and virtuosic mandolin and Kentucky inflected vocals have been on stage and adorned the recordings of an ridiculous list of artists; to name just a paltry few- Emmylou Harris, Lyle Lovett (check his new one this week!), Guy Clark, Tony Rice, Leon Russell, Yonder Mountain String Band, Bela Fleck, Jerry Douglas, Joshua Bell. This latest Sam Bush record just may be the best solo recording he’s offered us yet and is a virtual summary of the multiple categories he rules supreme in or helped to invent. His forward looking acoustic instrumental flourishes and new grass inclinations are as strong his legit and traditional Bluegrass roots are deep. I must also say a hearty “hats off” to the stellar band and a dazzling list of guest artists. This is a keeper. And a hope fulfilled from the promise and brightness of renewed sparks that lit up his recording career from the stunning Laps In Seven of 2006. Keep it coming Sam we hear ya!

Here’s more…
Circles Around Me is an album that easily makes a compelling case for his recent Lifetime Achievement award from the Americana Music Association. While there are the usual tunes that find the master mandolinist (and don’t forget, fiddler) and his band stretching out for jams, they’re still impeccably concise — and non-stop dazzling. But there’s more of a backward look here, too, found in a larger dose of straight-ahead bluegrass that includes a couple of duets with Del McCoury on Bill Monroe favorites, a pair of hard-edged 50-year-old gems from Washington, D.C.’s bluegrass scene, and a nod to his personal past via the New Grass Revival repertoire. Abetted by a band of veterans (the most recent of whom, guitarist/harmony singer/vocal coach Stephen Mougin, is heading into his fourth year), Bush is thoroughly in the zone here, stronger than he’s ever been — and that’s saying a mouthful.

SAM BUSH – “Circles Around Me” CD SALE PRICED $12.99