Larry Keel

The Larry Keel Experience has long consisted of vocalist/guitarist Larry Keel and bassist/vocalist Jenny Keel. For this outing they are joined by mandolinist/vocalist Jason Krekel and banjoist Will Lee, giving this album fuller arrangements than on their previous effort, The Sound. Due to the expanded Larry Keel Experience, this recording is more eclectic than its predecessor. Bob Marley's "Hammer" is given a lovely, spare treatment that is both respectful and original, and the reggae banjo shouldn't be missed. Songs like this, and "Corn Liquor," offer a mellow atmosphere with lots of space for relaxed jams. Other standouts include the choppy, driven "Culpeper Woodchuck," with a gruff and fun vocal from Larry Keel. Keel has written fewer songs/instrumentals than on the previous two albums; fortunately, though, the song "Tombstones" and the instrumental "Lonely" are up to his usual high standard. More traditional material is also covered on this album, including a wonderful "Polly Vaughn" sung by Jenny Keel, whose vocal delivery captures the tragedy of this song perfectly. Her harmony vocals are also a nice addition to other songs. Jason Krekel offers a nice vocal on Riley Puckett's "I'm Gettin' Ready to Go." The only song that seems uncharacteristic is the band's punk-acoustic assault on John Hartford's "All Fall Down." While this album isn't necessarily better than 1999's The Sound, it does find the band exploring new material, adding different vocal combinations, and offering the same explosive acoustic music fans have come to expect. This is a fine entry to the group's catalog. ~ Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr., Rovi