#7 (Pinecastle, 2006)

Nothin' Fancy has developed a great sound and are also one of the friendliest and most fan-oriented bluegrass bands around, venturing offstage during their shows to shake-and-howdy with the crowd.

Their seventh recording is anchored in the bluegrass sound ("Two Little Boys") but shows strong ties to traditional country. From "Pass Me By" to "Walk Through This World With Me" to the Louvin Brothers' "I Wish You Knew" they deftly illustrate the close ties between county and bluegrass. And if you like having your heartstrings tugged, "The Touch of Your Hand" will definitely make you close your eyes just to listen.

As usual Mike Andes shows his strength as a songwriter with two hard-driving numbers, "Ghost Dance" and "How Can I Lose," and the country-flavored, reflective "I Can't Say Hello." They close with one of the prettiest versions of "Nearer My God To Thee" you'll ever hear.

They can drive a song in the best bluegrass tradition or sing a the heart out of a country ballad. Great song selection, great picking and singing, genuinely good guys and David Parmley playing rhythm guitar (and producing and mixing): what more could you want"