One Step Forward (Sugar Hill, 1996)

The Lonesome River Band is one of the best young bluegrass working today. Led by singer/bassist/songwriter Ronnie Bowman and hard-drivin,' banjo man, Sammy Shelor, the LRB has been around for a number of years in one incarnation or another. It wasn't until Bowman and Shelor joined the group that they received their due. Bowman is simply one of the best singers in bluegrass today. Don't be surprised if he gets to cut a country record in the next few years. He really shines on the gospel number, "Thanks God For a Mama (who knew how to pray)," and "The Sorry County Blues." Other good cuts include "When You Go Out Walkin'" and "Bringin' In The Georgia Mail."

Shelor is one of the best banjo players in the business. His timing and back-up are impeccable. Don Rigsby and Kenny Smith round out the band on mandolin and guitar respectively, but it is clearly Bowman and Shelor driving LRB. This album should please both the die-hard, traditional bluegrass fan and fans appreciating the more contemporary, 'newgrass' style. It's well worth a listen.