Dave Evans – Pretty Green Hills
Dave Evans mines the same soulful side of the mountain as Ralph Stanley and Larry Sparks. You can hear it in his bluesy banjo fills, in the heavy bottom end of his rhythm guitar licks, and in his rasping, gritty vocals. And he makes you believe hes lived every word he sings. The eerie title track, a Dixie & Tom T. Hall composition, is a perfect vehicle for Evans brand of lonesome. Other highlights include the originals Should I Go, Should I Stay and Down And Out Again. Evans also borrows from the catalogues of Hank Williams, Flatt & Scruggs, and the Stanley Brothers. Songs from the public domain complete the record. The production suits the material: strong and competent, but not overly polished. Of special note are the standout harmonies of Bo Isaac and Mike Garris, Dave Miners tasteful dobro work, and the welcome presence of veteran fiddler Bobby Hicks.