Dailey & Vincent (Rounder, 2008)

Jamie Dailey and Darren Vincent's debut is one of the most eagerly-anticipated bluegrass records in quite some time, and it is definitely worth the wait. Dailey, late of Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, and Darren Vincent, who spent a decade with Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder, assembled a solid band featuring Jeff Parker (ex-Lonesome River Band) on mandolin, banjoist Joe Dean and fiddler Adam Haynes. The upshot is that in an era featuring numerous bluegrass supercombos (most notably The Grascals and Grasstowne), Dailey & Vincent may be the best of the lot.

Although this band packs a considerable instrumental punch, Dailey and Vincent's vocals are definitely the group's strong suit. The lead vocals are amazing on every cut, and the harmonies, especially on "River of Time" and "By the Mark" are simply staggering.

Although there is a nice mix of slow and uptempo material, the pace never overwhelms. The album is well arranged and organized, and the multiple gospel songs are spaced well between the secular material. This is an outstanding record, a must-hear for bluegrass fans.