Album Notes

"Magnolia Drive" is the self-titled and self-produced first album from The Magnolia Drive Band of Mississippi. The Band's members, Steve Nowell (Bass), Don Robinson (Banjo), Cory Burton (Mandolin), and Mike Nowell (Guitar) bring nearly 100 years experience in performing, writing, and recording Bluegrass Music. This project, engineered, mixed and mastered by Steve Nowell (with help from Don Robinson, Pat Murphy and Jon Raney) sports a tone of professionalism found usually only on big-studio albums. This effort consists of the familiar themes heard in Bluegrass for decades; Loneliness, Love, Love-Gone-Wrong, Gospel, and even Murder! You'll be impressed by both the vocal and instrumental abilities of this fine group. Their harmonies are tight, their timing impeccable, and delivery is second-to-none!

1. Colder and Colder is a song about a man who's tired of livin' by himself after the one he loves has left. Steve's dark lead vocal conveys that emotion. Listen for the instrumental split breaks as the banjo, mandolin, and guitar swap rides and backups very effectively!

2. Cherokee Shuffle, an old traditional fiddle tune is given the Magnolia Drive touch-without a fiddle! Cory's tasteful mandolin is answered strongly by Don's hard-drivin' banjo.

3. Had It Not Been is a song written by the late, great Southern Gospel songwriter Rusty Goodman of the legendary Happy Goodman family. Don learned this song as a child watching the syndicated Gospel Singing Jubilee show in the 1960's. His soul-stirring vocal is featured here along with understated, yet powerful instrumental backgrounds.

4. Gathering Flowers from the Hillside, an old Carter Family song is given a totally new treatment reminiscent of Flatt and Scruggs in the late 1950's. Mike does a great job carrying the lead and the mandolin and banjo breaks will definitely make you tap your toes!

5. I Think I'll Go Away, written by the legendary Carter Stanley shows the diversity of Magnolia Drive. As Steve sings the vocal about lost love, one could be reminded of Keith Whitley in his days as one of Ralph Stanley's Clinch Mountain Boys. Pay special attention to Cory's mandolin and Mike's guitar runs.

6. The Girl I Love Don’t Pay Me No Mind is the classic bluegrass hard-driver about a fellow who just can't get (or keep) her attention. Steve's vocal is featured again here with Don providing the Scruggs/Crowe banjo licks.

If you like your 'Grass blue with just a touch of contemporary/traditional feel, you're gonna love this album!