Album Notes

CD Review from Get Rhythm magazine BLUEGRASS BASTARDS "LET THE COCAINE BE" The sleeve notes say it all: "The Bluegrass Bastards! are a loose collection of musicians gathered in bars and clubs in and around Hollywood. One night while hosting a bluegrass jam at Club Fais Do Do, up on stage jumps a harmonica player, an electric guitar and a drummer! ... And the name came to me ... Bastards!" The name is bound to upset the sensitivities of the purists, but what fun! This is an irreverant, joyous banjo and fiddle led, get-up-and-dance collection of bluegrass songs, from the opening number, 'Let the Cocaine Be' where the entire club plus dog is obviously helping out on backing vocals to the final rousing 'Muleskinner Blues.' Honorary Bastard, Ramsay Midwood guests on 'Roll in My Sweet Baby's Arms.' 'Be gentle with us," said Ramsay, when I bought my copy, knowing that I was going to write up the Bastards! (sorry, Ramsay, I don't do 'gentle' but don't worry, I love it). Don't think that this album is a joke, the odd thing about it is that while the purist may think it's irreverant, the fact of the matter is that this album is closer to the true spirit of "bluegrass" than many a serious attempt to convey the joyous qualities of the music. Grab one, tell them I told you to treat yourself to a big smile.