A Tapestry of High-Country Soul: Appalachian Road Show Reaches New Heights with ‘Della Jane’s Heart’
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
Bluegrass, at its best, is more than just a genre; it is a vessel for history, a carrier of regional ghosts, and a testament to technical mastery. With their latest release, ‘Della Jane’s Heart’ (Billy Blue Records), the multi-award-winning supergroup Appalachian Road Show (ARS) has not only solidified their place as the premier storytellers of the Appalachian region but has also set a staggering new benchmark for contemporary acoustic music.
The Architects of the Sound
Appalachian Road Show is a literal “who’s who” of acoustic excellence. The lineup features Barry Abernathy, the GRAMMY-nominated banjoist known for his soul-stirring timing; Jim VanCleve, a GRAMMY-winning fiddler whose precision is matched only by his emotive depth; and Darrell Webb, a vocalist and mandolinist whose voice carries the grit and grace of the mountains.
The rhythm section is equally formidable, anchored by bluegrass legend Todd Phillips (a two-time GRAMMY winner and four-time nominee) and the esteemed guitarist Zeb Snyder. Together, they function as a single, breathing organism. For ‘Della Jane’s Heart,’ they enlisted the elite ears of GRAMMY-winning engineer Shani Ghandi and mastering expert Dan Bacigalupi, resulting in a “musical masterclass” that feels both intimate and cinematic.
Song-by-Song Review
1. Della Jane’s Heart The title track (penned by Wes Baylis and Jason Cope) serves as a hauntingly beautiful introduction. It immediately establishes the album’s mission: exploring “emotionally and harmonically complex territory.” The melody is winding and evocative, setting a somber yet urgent tone that lingers long after the final note.
2. Won’t Be Long A Cahalen Morrison composition, this track leans into the band’s ability to blend traditional structures with a modern, driving energy. The vocal harmonies here are crystalline, showcasing why ARS is a perennial IBMA Entertainer of the Year nominee.
3. Me Against the Mountain This is a standout “man vs. nature” anthem. It captures the rugged defiance inherent in Appalachian life. The interplay between Snyder’s guitar and Webb’s mandolin provides a percussive, earthy foundation for a story about perseverance.
4. Hell Broke Loose in Georgia This Public Domain (PD) instrumental is a showcase for Jim VanCleve’s virtuosity. It’s a barn-burner that respects the traditional fiddle-tune roots while injecting a “new-generation” intensity that makes the old tune feel brand new.
5. Virginia Soldier A poignant narrative track that highlights the band’s gift for storytelling. It’s a reminder that Appalachian music is deeply tied to the history of the American soldier, delivered with a reverence that is both heartbreaking and heroic.
6. Rosalee McFall A Charlie Monroe classic, ARS treats this with the respect it deserves while adding their signature “super-picker” flair. It’s a breezy, melodic highlight that serves as a perfect bridge in the album’s pacing.
7. Possum Up a ‘Simmon Tree’ Diving back into the Public Domain, this track captures the playful, folk-centric side of the band. It’s rhythmic, catchy, and demonstrates the group’s ability to find the “common thread” between ancestral songs and modern listeners.
8. New Harmony This Craig Johnson song is perhaps the most “harmonically complex” track Jim VanCleve alluded to. It’s a lush, layered piece that feels like a prayer, highlighting the band’s vocal blend in a way that feels ethereal.
9. Step Stones Another traditional arrangement that showcases the band’s ability to handle “Step Stones” with a steady, walking pace. The banjo work from Abernathy is particularly tasteful here, providing a rhythmic heartbeat to the ancient melody.
10. Long Time Traveling A spiritual powerhouse. This PD track explores the themes of mortality and the journey home. It is raw, stripped-back, and powerful, proving that ARS doesn’t need wall-to-wall sound to make a massive impact.
11. Big Eyed Rabbit The album closes on a high-energy note. This traditional tune is played with a frantic, joyful precision that leaves the listener breathless. It’s a celebratory end to a journey that spans the full spectrum of human emotion.
The Verdict
‘Della Jane’s Heart’ is a bold step forward. As Billy Blue president Ed Leonard noted, the band continues to get “better and better musically and vocally with every release.” By balancing the archival preservation of Public Domain gems with sophisticated original arrangements, Appalachian Road Show has created a sonic experience that is as educational as it is entertaining.
This isn’t just a bluegrass album; it is a vibrant, living portrait of a region. It is, quite simply, a masterpiece.
Rating: 5/5 Stars