Perfect Strangers – Self-Titled
Archive
Posted On March 1, 2004
As bluegrass music has gained popularity in recent years, a couple of trends have emerged. One is to smooth out many of the rough edges and downplay the country aspects of the music, which results in a bunch of bands that sound pretty similar. The other is a conscious effort to re-create the sound (and often the look) of the first-generation bands of Bill Monroe, Flatt & Scruggs, and the Stanley Brothers.
The Perfect Strangers may have created a niche of their own by combining the best elements of traditional bluegrass with contemporary sensibilities. The use of twin and triple fiddles, a nod in the direction of Monroe, and the fine singing, whether solo or in two-and-three-part harmonies, indicates their mastery of the more traditional aspects of the music. Their choice of material, however, gives them an identity distinct from the rest of the pack.
As one might expect from a band that features renowned mandolinist/fiddler/guitarist/singer Jody Stecher, there is more than just a passing acknowledgement of old-time music. His lonesome, searing vocals, along with those of fiddler/guitarist Chris Brashear, weigh in on the traditional side of things, while guitarist Peter McLaughlins singing is a bit more on the contemporary side.
Its a good mix, made better by the quality of the songs. In addition to a couple of older hillbilly numbers, the newer songs (many written by Brashear) sound as old as the hills at times, but deal with subjects outside the usual bluegrass world view (such as homelessness). Then theres banjo player Bob Blacks Canned By The Best, in which he describes being fired by some of the bigshot in the business. He doesnt name names, but its pretty obvious, and humorous.
Tying it all together are virtuoso instrumental chops on everyones part, underscored by Forrest Rose on bass. The result is a fine first effort from the Perfect Strangers.
