Album Review of
Rhythm Rides Again

Written by Joe Ross
February 21, 2021 - 1:52am EST
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The Hanson Family’s vision of the great American west includes gorgeous harmonies, lively yodels, and spirited lyrics as the three siblings sing of panoramic vistas, trail rides and sweet dreams under moonlit skies. Theresa (rhythm guitar), Lisa (fiddle) and Daniel (bass) have arranged a set of joyful songs to provide a celebratory tribute to cowgirls and cowboys everywhere. Their vocal blend is pleasantly sublime, never too flowery or sentimental, and the songs recall a bygone time when families gathered around the radio for their Saturday evening entertainment. Whether singing classic country with a jazzy twist (“Don’t Fence Me In”), toe-tapping western swing (“Sugar Moon”), or more contemporary numbers like “Swingtime Lullaby” and “God Bless the USA,” the Hanson Family gives us tightly-controlled music that allows its soul to shine through. Their arrangement of “Along the Santa Fe Trail” is enchanting, as is a spiritually-tinged “Beside the Rio Tonto Shore” with its Latin-infused rhythm. Their “Trail Mix” medley includes “Trail to San Antone,” “Blue Shadows on the Trail” and “Three on the Trail.” “Texas Plains,” “Cattle Call” and “I Want to be a Cowboy’s Sweetheart” are showcases for their award-winning yodeling. Instrumental flavorings of accordion, pedal steel, lead guitar, Dobro, cello, fiddle, mandolin, clarinet, piano and drums are tastefully rendered by guest artists. The Hanson Family’s Rhythm Rides Again is an impressive album that guarantees happy trails.  (Joe Ross, Roots Music Report)