Ronnie McCoury – Heartbreak Town

Anyone who has seen Del McCoury perform knows the immense talent of his sons, mandolinist Ronnie McCoury and banjo player Rob McCoury. The pair’s self-titled mid-’90s Rounder release demonstrated their ability to convey authentic bluegrass without the guidance of dear old dad. Ronnie has won the International Bluegrass Music Association’s “Mandolin Player of the Year” award seven times for his supporting work. But how would he fare on his own with this new release?

It should comes as no surprise that Heartbreak Town is excellent, teeming with blazing virtuosity, colorful songwriting, high lonesome vocal harmonies, and that authentic sound tracing directly to his genes.

In a mandolin duel with David Grisman on the tribute instrumental “Dawggone”, the difference between the two is merely a matter of style, not ability; Grisman’s unique runs lack McCoury’s mountain flavor. But Ronnie allows his guest stars (Jerry Douglas, David Grier, Bela Fleck, Gene Wooten and others) to take the spotlight when the music calls for it.

Vocally, McCoury sounds remarkably similar to his dad, who contributes both lead and harmony vocals here. Instead of the piercing wail of, say, Ralph Stanley, Ronnie, is charming with his relaxed twang.

But what really stands out are the songs, nine of which Ronnie wrote, displaying a talent that rarely comes into play onstage with his father’s band. Best of the bunch is the disc’s closer, “Last Call”, though many more are both memorable and traditional.