ordering my copy of coal creek now, expecting another gem (down east maine variety)
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First off, I play on a song on this record - so maybe I'm biased.  I love the title cut, but the bastards wouldn't let me play on that one. Let me repeat: I love the title cut. All you have to do is preview the cuts and your decision is made. The fireworks here are the kind you see through the trees or the mist, while driving too fast to get someplace on a summer's eve: they sneak up on you later and you wish you had turned off and chased after them.  Stuart's harp and Jeff's mandolin shine live if you get the chance you should check 'em out.
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Although Southern Maine is sometimes dismissed by those
upstate as an extended arm of big-city Boston, one of the
state’s most tightest down-home roots groups is
headquartered in this region. The Mutineers, an acoustic trio
of seasoned musicians who consistently maintain a tight,
clean sound, have come roaring back from their sparkling
2005 debut “Where Mockingbirds Roam” with “Coal Creek,” a
blend of wisely arranged traditionals and moving originals.
Comprised of guitarist Stuart MacDonald, acoustic bassist Rod
Pervier and multi-instrumentalist Jeff Trippe, the group is
studied enough in its strings to confidently tackle some true
bluegrass milestones. The album begins with “Little Maggie,”
which has previously been covered by a bevy of heavyweights
ranging from Ricky Skaggs to Bob Dylan. But the men more than hold their own during effortless
runs and adept solos. Anchoring the group are MacDonald’s pristine vocals, which lift the listener
to the é0s golden era of bluegrass, retaining sunny melody to spare. Furthermore, the song’s
inventive arrangement allows for a well-paced instrumental outro which brings another level of
understanding to the mechanics of the tune.
Although three other standards are well played, the real gems are originals, primarily penned by
MacDonald. Lyrically, the material fits the bluegrass custom of gentle clichés and universal
truths. But within the good-natured scheme of the music, even potentially hackneyed ideas
sound genuine. In “Love Devine,” the understanding that “The hardships of life melt away /
When her hand is wrapped up tight in mine,” is not revelatory. But thanks to the emotion with
which MacDonald sings and a swelling fiddle line, courtesy of guest Hope Hoffman, the track
remains one of the most nuanced and lovely moments on the disc.
Every song here shimmers with a unique vivacity. A take on “Diamond Joe” features a soulful
acoustic guitar solo with just the right touches of harmonica interspersed. “Cuckoo,” a drastic
rewrite of the classic “The Cuckoo,” is welcomingly menacing, adding some unexpected grit to
the proceedings. The album’s title track is also among the strongest, offering a downtempo
reflection which takes its time to burn through a tale of economic and spiritual woe.
Although an abundance of slow songs can often kill the pacing of an album, “Coal Creek”
rewards listeners patient enough to enjoy it with true throwback magic. Credit taut musicianship,
where every note matters and instruments are wrangled in ways that only true artists could
conjure.
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