Foxhounds and Fiddles (Pinecastle, 2017)

Flashback is the name of the new band, but secondly it is a call back to the days when this collection of pickers were The New South along with J.D. Crowe, on Crowe's 1994 album, "Flashback." Needless to say, the name has a lot going on.

"Foxhounds and Fiddles" is a solid debut effort. The title track opens the recording with an upbeat recollection of life in a sawmill town up in the mountains penned by guitarist Richard Bennett and mandolin picker Don Risby. Bennett has a hand in writing nearly half of the songs. Bluegrass standards make their appearance as expected with inclusions such as Carter Stanley's "You're Still to Blame" and The Louvin Brother's "Let Us Travel, Travel On."

The standout tracks are the rapid-fire gospel tune, "That's Where Glory Can Be Found" and "Autumn's Not That Cold," the ballad of the recording penned by Skip Ewing. Also to be found is the heartfelt "Hag Song," a tribute to Merle Haggard, which has become almost customary to include on any new recording.

In place of the recently retired Crowe, veteran banjo picker Stuart Wyrick, stepped in admirably. Growing up, Wyrick was a Crowe disciple. With his addition, Flashback was able to achieve that New South sound they were looking for.

If the intention was to recapture the sound and feel of The New South from years gone by, Flashback has succeeded. Wyrick is brilliant and not only rings reminiscent of Crowe, but brings his own flavor to the band as well. "Foxhounds and Fiddles" is a wonderful reintroduction of familiar sounds as well as a fresh introduction to Flashback.