Based in Nashville, The Band of Ruhks was originally formed in 2012 as “The Rambling Rooks” by award-winning bluegrass professionals Ronnie Bowman, Don Rigsby and Kenny Smith. In 2017, Brian Fesler took over banjo duties with the band. All four have previous experience in the Lonesome River Band, as well as many others. When Bowman, Rigsby and Smith left the LRB about 2001, each formed their own groups and have appeared on consistently excellent albums over the last couple decades. While The Band of Ruhks may be one of many endeavors for these guys, they certainly approach their music with seriousness, sincerity and authority. In 2015, the Ruhks (from a Persian word meaning “a warrior’s chariot”) released their first album on 101 Ranch Records.

Now associated with Rebel Records, Authentic is a nod to their genuine, reliable, original and radio-friendly bluegrass sound. Produced by Ben Isaacs, Authentic showcases the group’s love for bluegrass, while welcoming the future with a wink and a grin. This supergroup has many strengths, including focused songwriting, passionate vocalizing, and expressive picking.

Opening with “Julie,” the ensemble shows how they’ve put all the parts together, and that the motor is well timed and greased. Three-time IBMA male Vocalist of the Year, Bowman shows his versatility with offerings like “Heartstrings,” “If You Wanna Know My Name” and the ¾-time “Cold Heart of Steel.” Rigsby’s high, lonesome tenor shines on the Reno & Smiley classic, “There’s Another Baby Waiting For Me Down The Line,” as well as on new material like “My Ol’ Tattoo,” “Detroit,” “Run Fanny Run” and “Where I Belong.”

I never tire of Kenny Smith’s effervescent guitar picking on tracks like “Charming Betsy” and the album’s only instrumental, “B N Me.” Brian Fesler’s five-string fits right into the groove, complements the band’s rhythmic drive, and he penned “Detroit.”  On Authentic, guests include Ben Isaacs (bass), Aubrey Haynie (fiddle) and Rob Ickes (resophonic guitar). The Isaacs sing as a quartet on the spiritual closer, “Good Spirit Here.”

Solid repertoire, beautiful harmonies, cohesive chemistry, exemplary musicianship and now an association with Rebel Records will take these innovative gladiators of ‘grass far.  (Joe Ross, Roots Music Report)