Member Since: 10/13/2006
Band Website: sammyadkinsbluegrass.zoomshare.com
Band Members: Sammy Adkins: Rhythm Guitar & Lead VocalsAlex Leach: Lead Guitar, Tenor VocalsJarrod Church: Banjo, Baritone VocalsJames Lowe: Bass, Bass VocalsSPECIAL GUEST: Tom Isaacs: Fiddle
Influences: Stanley Brothers
Sounds Like:
Here's what Bluegrass Unlimited magazine had to say about Sammy's latest CD, "What A Day That Will Be."
Listening to this gospel CD, I had to keep reminding myself that this wasn't the Stanley Brothers, circa the RichRTone and WCYB era. The similarities are many, right down to that somewhat muted, cavernous sound and the overlapping blend of instruments out of which, it seems, the solos and fills of the banjo, fiddle, and guitar emerge like bubbles. Then there is the banjo player, Danny Davis, a man who has obviously spent considerable time studying Ralph Stanley, both vocally and instrumentally. It is his playing and his tenor harmony, perhaps more than any, that really makes you think of the Stanleys—try listening to the chorus of "White Oak On The Hill" and see what you think.
Now, I'm not sure how much Sammy Adkins & the Sandy Hook Mtn. Boys are trying for that Stanley sound. (Sammy was Ralph Stanley's lead vocalist for a short time.) I would say to some degree they are. I also get the feeling that they're using that sound more as a foundation on which to build a compelling gospel album. As a lead singer, Sammy Adkins has a wonderful bluegrass gospel voice—very soulful and direct. As a producer, he has chosen a fine mix of material. "Somebody Touched Me" and "The Old Crossroad" act as the anchors of familiarity, tethered to such lessercovered numbers as "Wings Of Angels," the rollicking "Heaven Light Is Shining," and the a capella "What A Day That Will Be," and such original compositions as "Look Me Over Lord," and "Voice From Above."
Stanley fans will love this, but then so will anyone who loves strong traditional bluegrass gospel. (Sammy Adkins, HC81 Box 465, Sandy Hook, KY 41171.) BW.
Record Label: REBEL, Crosscut
Type of Label: Indie