Album Notes

This self-titled CD release from The Folk Grass Explosion is a wonderful combination of Bluegrass standards, originals, and classic compositions from writers/performers such as the Louvin Brothers, Al Dexter, and John Prine.

John Gates (Mandolin & Lead Vocals), Harvey Mosteller (Guitar & Lead Vocals), Paul Ware (Banjo), Chris Webster (Bass), Angie Mosteller (Backing Vocals), and Russell Paswater (Banjo) have combined on this CD to create some powerful music. This group of musicians has the ability to blaze instrumentally while adding unique arrangement to tunes such as Earl Scruggs' "Foggy Mountain Breakdown" and Charlie Poole's "White House Blues".

John Gates' two compositions ("The Morse Code" & "Eva Marie") are both exciting instrumentals which allow the participating musicians to add their own distinctive style to the up-tempo melodies.

Harvey Mosteller's three song contributions showcase his ability for capturing the "Blue" side of the Bluegrass sound. "Whiskey Kisses And Tobacco Perfume", "Shot Down, Left Cold", and "I Have Called Your Name (For The Last Time)" are songs which each tell a story of love lost and emotional turmoil, while being individually unique in melody and style.

From "Clinch Mountain Backstep" (the first instrumental on the CD) through a great version of Bill Monroe's "It's Mighty Dark To Travel", to the final track's QUICK performance of "Pistol Packin' Mama", The Folk Grass Explosion's first release radiates energy.