Crandall Creek Paints a Vibrant New Chapter with “Color Me Blue”
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
Bluegrass enthusiasts are buzzing with anticipation for “Color Me Blue,” the forthcoming album from Crandall Creek, set to arrive on April 25th. This collection of eleven original tracks, all penned by members of the band, promises to be a landmark release, showcasing the group’s evolving sound and songwriting prowess. Available in vinyl, CD, and digital formats, “Color Me Blue” weaves together fresh compositions with recent fan favorites, further cementing Crandall Creek’s reputation for heartfelt narratives and electrifying performances.
At the heart of the album’s creative engine is band leader and guitarist Jerry Andrews, who either solely wrote or co-wrote nine of the eleven songs. Listeners can look forward to never-before-heard titles like “Mountain Ways” and “Promise Me the Moon,” alongside “I Don’t Drink Whiskey,” a compelling collaboration with the band’s extraordinary lead vocalist, Carly Greer.
Carly Greer herself is rapidly emerging as one of bluegrass music’s most compelling young artists. Her emotionally resonant vocals and authentic storytelling have garnered significant acclaim from both fans and critics. A nominee for the 2024 IBMA Momentum Vocalist of the Year, Greer’s influence extends beyond her powerful voice on “Color Me Blue.” She penned the poignant “The Penitentiary,” co-wrote “West Virginia Moonlight” with her mother Stacy Dietz, and contributed to four additional tracks. Her remarkable ability to imbue her performances with both precision and profound emotion adds a truly unique and captivating dimension to Crandall Creek’s overall sound.
A particular highlight of the album is the feel-good duet “Lazy Sunday,” which pairs Carly Greer with Greg Blake, the 2023 IBMA Male Vocalist of the Year. Their warm vocal harmonies infuse the track with an uplifting and fresh energy, perfectly complemented by a charming music video that is sure to leave a lasting smile on listeners’ faces.
The album’s tracklist offers a compelling journey through Crandall Creek’s diverse songwriting:
- Mountain Ways (Jerry Andrews)
- Courtin’ Katie (Jerry Andrews, Carly Greer)
- Don’t Come Knockin’ (Jerry Andrews, Carly Greer, Kathy Wigman Lesnock)
- Falling in Love Forever (Jerry Andrews, Sharon Andrews)
- Promise Me the Moon (Jerry Andrews)
- The Penitentiary (Carly Greer)
- I Don’t Drink Whiskey (Jerry Andrews, Carly Greer)
- Less or More (Jerry Andrews, Kathy Wigman Lesnock, Carly Greer, Dustin Terpenning)
- Lazy Sunday feat. Greg Blake & Carly Greer (Jerry Andrews)
- West Virginia Moonlight (Carly Greer, Stacy Dietz)
- Color Me Blue (Jerry Andrews, Kathy Wigman Lesnock)
Several tracks from the album have already made their mark. The band’s recent single, “Falling in Love Forever,” co-written by Jerry and his wife Sharon Andrews, quickly became Crandall Creek’s most-streamed track on Spotify. Previous releases “Courtin’ Katie” and “Don’t Come Knockin’” have also consistently charted on the Bluegrass Today Top 20.
The core lineup of Crandall Creek, showcasing their collective talent on “Color Me Blue,” includes Carly Greer on lead vocals, Jerry Andrews on guitar and vocals, Dustin Terpenning on banjo and mandolin, and Sav Nelson on bass. While not featured on this album, the band has recently welcomed Fiddlin’ Ray Bruckman, whose energetic contributions are already bringing a fresh spark to their live performances.
“Color Me Blue” also benefits from the contributions of a stellar lineup of guest musicians. Kathy Wigman Lesnock, a former band member, lends her rich harmony vocals, her past contributions having significantly shaped the group’s signature sound. Andy Leftwich adds his virtuosity on fiddle, lead guitar, and mandolin, while Darrin Vincent provides additional bass. Jamie Peck also contributed bass, rounding out the album’s rich and layered instrumentation, in addition to his crucial role in producing, mixing, and mastering the entire album.
The year 2024 proved to be a landmark period for Crandall Creek. Beyond Carly Greer’s well-deserved IBMA nomination, the band was recognized as an Official IBMA Showcase Artist and celebrated two wins at the Josie Music Awards: Group of the Year – Bluegrass, and Music Video of the Year for “Just 18.” The band also garnered additional nominations, including Carly Greer for Lead Female Actress in a Music Video and Female Country Vocalist of the Year, and Jerry Andrews for Songwriter of the Year, underscoring their broad impact within the music landscape.
Crandall Creek will celebrate the release of “Color Me Blue” on April 26th at the Ramps & Rails Festival in Elkins, WV. May will see them making their debut at the prestigious Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival in Gettysburg, PA. Tickets are currently on sale for their August 22nd show at City Winery in Pittsburgh, PA, and the band maintains an active schedule with a residency in Elkins, featuring 50 shows later in the year.
Beyond their musical endeavors, Crandall Creek is renowned for their generous spirit and commitment to giving back. The band actively supports numerous charitable organizations and, through their Bluegrass Endeavors Foundation, presents an annual $5,000 Steve Gulley Memorial Scholarship to a college student pursuing bluegrass music, further solidifying their dedication to nurturing the next generation of talent. “Color Me Blue” is not just an album; it’s a testament to Crandall Creek’s artistry, passion, and their enduring connection to the bluegrass community.