The Steve Bruce Band Let’s All Go Down To The River

The Steve Bruce Band releases Let’s All Go Down To The River

By Alan Shipston for Country Music News International Magazine

After releasing A Family Tradition – Part 2 on Thanksgiving 2025, The Steve Bruce Band has released a new single from that album, the classic Country/Bluegrass/Gospel song, Let’s All Go Down To The River.  Composed by Earl Montgomery and Sue Richards, the song was originally recorded as a duet by American singers Jody Miller and Johnny Paycheck.  Their rendition reached the top 20 of the American and Canadian country charts after being released in 1972.  This gospel favorite has been recorded countless times by a wide range of artists including Connie Smith, Alabama, BJ Thomas, George Jones and Tammy Wynette among many others.

The Steve Bruce Band stays faithful to the original but injects a lively, bright sound to this bluegrass arrangement.  Because this group is basically related to each other, there is a synergy that you might not find in other bluegrass outfits.  It doesn’t hurt that several members have been playing together for over 40 years which explains the tight musicianship combined with a freewheeling spirit.  An energetic mandolin, played by Bob Powell, kicks the tune off before launching into the three-part harmony chorus,

Let’s all go down to the river
There’s a man who’s walking on the water
Come along with me if you want to see
This man walking on the water

Eden Alderman fills the first verse with a somber violin part, trading off with Steve Bruce on banjo and Andrew Bruce on acoustic guitar.  This leads back into the chorus allowing Steve to expertly take the first ride on banjo, while Andrew picks guitar on the second solo.  The tempo is lively and the playing is nimble, driving new life into this enduring benchmark song.  Rounding out the session, recorded at SweetSong Studios on Music Row in Nashville, the lineup also includes Lukas Alderman on bass and Whitney Alderman on vocals.  A Family Tradition – Part 2, is independently produced by Dennis Money and Steve Bruce.

This Tennessee group brings a fresh spark to bluegrass gospel with driving melodies, heartfelt harmonies and a spirit-filled message.  Led by Pastor Steve Bruce, the band blends traditional mountain sounds with a joyful, upbeat energy that lifts every room they play.  Rooted in faith and shaped by the storytelling soul of bluegrass, The Steve Bruce Band delivers music that celebrates hope, redemption and the goodness of God.