ALBUM REVIEW: Missy Raines Lets Bluegrass Spread Its Wings on ‘Highlander’

The state motto of Missy Raines’ home state of West Virginia is “Montani semper liberi” — a Latin phrase that translates to “Mountaineers are always free.” The dynamic reach of Raines’ new bluegrass masterwork, Highlander, is an exhibition of such freedom and a testament to the slogan’s truth.

In describing her newest Compass Records release on her website, Raines says, “That’s how I see bluegrass — through a wide lens,” a perspective gained after spending more than four decades plying her craft. From childhood memories of watching Bill Monroe and Sam Bush at bluegrass festivals to her record-setting 10 wins for International Bluegrass Music Association Bass Player of the Year, Raines is in the rare position to truly speak to the genre’s range.

Raines has returned for the first time since 2018’s Grammy-nominated Royal Traveller with a bountiful offering that honors bluegrass traditions with thrilling instrumentals yet showcases the genre’s leading progressive edges aided by a stellar guest list and Raines’ magnificent backing band, Allegheny.

“Listen to the Lonesome Wind” opens Highlander’s 10-song set as a perfect vehicle to meet the players involved, with each member of Allegheny given the chance to shine even as the melody toys with timing — Tristan Scroggins’ animated mandolin is particularly riveting. Raines’ bass handiwork comes alive on “Fast Moving Train,” a new track that sounds instantly like a well-worn classic. Eli Gilbert’s banjo playing here is exquisite as well.

Missy Raines and Allegheny (photo by Stacie Huckeba)

Highlander’s tentpole tracks are found at the midpoint of each side, if viewed that way. “Who Needs a Mine?” asks important questions about the capitalistic practices that lead to monstrous situations such as West Virginia’s opioid crisis. Grammy-winning country artist (and fellow Mountaineer) Kathy Mattea joins Raines as a guest vocalist on the track and lends further emphasis with the question, “Who needs a mine to kill us dead / when a little pill works fine instead?”

“Looking to You” is Highlander’s other original gem, a beautiful ballad written by Raines as a tribute to her husband (and sometimes producer) Ben Surratt after 40 years of marriage. The song’s restraint and pacing stand in sharp contrast to the vibrancy of surrounding tracks, and Ellie Hakanson’s tasteful fiddle adds the ideal flourish. “When the world falls apart, I know my life is safe in your hands,” Raines sings near the tender song’s end.

It’s a testament to Highlander’s quality that a spirited cover of Bill Monroe’s “Panhandle Country” or a bluegrass treatment of Loretta Lynn’s “These Old Blues” (featuring guest vocals by Danny Paisley) are mere side mentions. Raines’ stature as a true pioneer of her instrument and as a woman in the genre has given her a place to stand for generations to come, but Highlander proves she’s not interested in staying still.

Missy Raines’ Highlander is out Feb. 9 on Compass Records.