July 2003 Bluegrass Unlimited Les McIntyre HALFGRASSD Halfgrassd is an eclectic trio from Charlottesville, Va., consisting of T.J. Johnson (mandolin, fiddle, and vocals), Tom Proutt (guitar and vocals), and Joey Damiano (bass), that has apparently amassed a sizable following throughout central Virginia. Their style can be best described as contemporary acoustic exuding a definitive jazz flavor. For this particular recording project, they are joined by banjoist Stewart Werner on Tom Proutt’s Quit Yer Drinkin’. The other ten tracks are all band originals equally split between instrumental and vocal numbers. Some of the most intriguing pieces are Yankee Boy, Blue Tear, and the dynamic instrumental, Lost Wages. The music of Halfgrassd will have its greatest appeal with audiences who prefer their bluegrass with a strong contemporary flair, and the group has the potential to cross over into other musical genres. (Tom Proutt, P.O. Box 153, Schuyler, VA 22969, e-mail: tomprout@cstone.net)

Have you ever put a cd in with the idea of it being ambience while you work, and you instead get nothing done as you sit in absolute rapture, hanging on every riff? This is one of those albums. Putting these three musicians, each at the top of his game, together makes for an unequivocal delight. The instrumentals especially cause a room of musicians to come to a hush, as each lick is appreciated. By the second listen, you can't stop your feet from tapping along. By the third time, move the furniture out of the way before people trip over it as they start dancing. If you like acoustic music, you are going to love this cd.