“Just a Holler Over” — A Bluegrass Love Letter to a New Home
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
The sound of bluegrass music has been deeply rooted in the American South for generations, its rhythms echoing across mountains and through valleys. It’s a genre built on tradition, but also on a sense of community and the willingness to welcome change when it comes. That spirit is perfectly captured in the new single, “Just a Holler Over,” a special collaboration between two of bluegrass’s most respected contemporary acts: the all-female powerhouse Sister Sadie and the modern traditionalists, The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys.
The track, released by Mountain Home Music Company, is a celebration of the International Bluegrass Music Association’s (IBMA) recent move of its annual World of Bluegrass festival from Raleigh, North Carolina, to Chattanooga, Tennessee. After more than a decade in Raleigh, the move sparked a buzz in the bluegrass community. Instead of viewing it as a farewell, the artists behind “Just a Holler Over” see it as a new beginning.
The song was co-written by Sister Sadie’s co-leader and IBMA Fiddle Player of the Year, Deanie Richardson, and Robin Macy, a former member of the Dixie Chicks. As Richardson explains, Macy had the initial idea after the IBMA move was announced. The collaboration with The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys was a natural fit. “I felt Sister Sadie needed some help on this one and the perfect people for that were The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys,” Richardson said. “I knew Jaelee and C.J. would make this tune a great duet.”
A Collaborative Spirit for a Worthy Cause
The collaborative spirit is the heart of “Just a Holler Over.” Sister Sadie’s reigning Female Vocalist of the Year, Jaelee Roberts, and The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys’ leader, C.J. Lewandowski, trade lines in each verse, their voices blending seamlessly before joining with Sister Sadie’s Dani Flowers for a rousing trio in the chorus. The song truly feels like a jam session brought to life in the studio.
Instrumental solos are passed around the group, a nod to the impromptu jam sessions that are a hallmark of the World of Bluegrass festival. Sister Sadie’s banjo player, Gena Britt, Lewandowski on mandolin, Richardson on fiddle, and The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys’ guitarist, John Gooding, each get a moment to shine, showcasing the immense talent across both bands. The track even includes a clever tip of the hat to a classic bluegrass tradition, weaving a snippet of the old-time fiddle tune “Cattle In The Cane” into the melody at the mention of its name.
Beyond the musical excellence, the project has a deeper meaning. The artists have chosen to donate all of their earnings from the song to the IBMA’s Bluegrass Trust Fund. This fund provides emergency financial assistance to musicians and industry professionals in need, a crucial safety net for the bluegrass community. “Hope you enjoy this tune and help us raise some money for a great cause,” Richardson said, encapsulating the song’s twin goals of creating great music and giving back.
Review: A Resounding “Yes” to This Bluegrass Collaboration
There’s something truly special about “Just a Holler Over.” From the first note, it feels both familiar and fresh. It’s a track that instantly transports you to a warm summer night, surrounded by fellow music lovers, with the sound of a bluegrass band filling the air.
The vocal interplay between Jaelee Roberts and C.J. Lewandowski is the cornerstone of the song. Their voices complement each other beautifully, one moment a call and response, the next a unified harmony. When Dani Flowers joins in for the chorus, the vocal arrangement takes on a joyful, celebratory quality that is simply irresistible.
The instrumental solos are a masterclass in modern bluegrass. Gena Britt’s banjo is crisp and driving, Lewandowski’s mandolin is melodic and precise, and Deanie Richardson’s fiddle work is, as expected, superb. John Gooding’s guitar solo is a highlight, clean and melodic, proving that a great guitar break doesn’t need to be flashy to be effective.
But what truly elevates this track is its heart. The song is more than just a well-crafted piece of music; it’s a testament to the strong community ties that define the bluegrass world. The decision to donate all proceeds to the IBMA’s Bluegrass Trust Fund is a beautiful gesture and a powerful reminder of how these artists look out for their own. “Just a Holler Over” is a must-listen for any fan of bluegrass and a perfect anthem for the new chapter of the World of Bluegrass festival. It’s a track that feels like home, no matter where you are.