Album Review of
Banjo Player's Blues

Written by Joe Ross
October 17, 2020 - 5:31pm EDT
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Every so often a band appears on the bluegrass scene that turns a lot of heads due to their youthful energy, instrumental prowess, vocal abilities, choice of material, and charisma. Based in Nashville, High Fidelity is true to their name as they stay faithful to traditional material and reproduce a sound of yesterday. Formed in 2014, the year they won SPBGMA’s band contest, this cadre of experienced, multi-instrumentalists include Jeremy Stephens (banjo, guitar, piano), Corrina Rose Logston (fiddle, guitar), Kurt Stephenson (banjo, guitar), Daniel Amick (mandolin, guitar), and Vickie Vaughn (bass). All members also contribute vocals. As they exclaim in the title cut, “I love to pick, I love to sing, it’s a happy life to me. My heart goes bang, when I hear the ring, of a mountain melody.” On “Banjo Player’s Blues,” their second release on the Rebel label, they put their fresh, innovative stamp on both classic favorites as well as lesser-heard selections from the great bluegrass songbook. A few numbers, like Arthur Smith’s “Feuding Banjos,” include the twin banjos of Jeremy Stephens and Kurt Stephenson. Guest Jesse McReynolds appears on mandolin and vocals on “Tears of Regret.” It easy to see why this band was nominated for IBMA’s New Act of 2020. This powerful album has a multitude of standout tracks deserving a spin on your Hi-Fi, such as “Old Home Place,” “The South Bound Train,” “Tears of Regret,” “Helen,” and “Take My Ring From Your Finger.” They also offer some splendid gospel songs, “His Charming Love,” “Dear God” and “Got A Little Light.” As they continue to build their legion of fans, High Fidelity earns a “high five” from me.  (Joe Ross, Roots Music Report)