It's Gettin' Better All the Time (Koch Nashville, 2005)

Ronnie Bowman is one of the top singers in bluegrass today. Now a solo artist, he has built a strong reputation through work with Lost & Found and The Lonesome River Band.

His latest showcases his strong writing skills as well as his vocal prowess, including "It's Getting' Better All The Time," a number one country hit for Brooks and Dunn and "'Til We Meet Again" is a tender ballad about a convict about to be put to death. Other strong material includes "Four Wheel Drive," an up-tempo Larry Rice number, "Walkin' the Dog" and the country tune, "Old Flames Can't Hold A Candle to You," once a hit for Dolly Parton.

The album is a skillful mix of familiar and new. But throughout, Bowman's vocal style is smooth and easy to like. He's backed by some of the best pickers in contemporary bluegrass, including Adam Steffey and Dan Tyminski on mandolin, Wyatt Rice on guitar and Andy Hall on Dobro. A definite winner. Ronnie Bowman