New release from old friends

News of another new album, and this time thanks to the Australian Bluegrass Blog for the details of Long I ride, the latest Compass Records CD from the Special Consensus, Chicago's premier bluegrass band, whom their leader Greg Cahill has been bringing to Ireland since 1995.

The album was cut by the new (since Nov. 2015) Special C. lineup, with Nick Dumas (mandolin, vocals) joining Greg, Rick Faris (guitar, vocals), and Dan Eubanks (bass, vocals). Guest artists include Della Mae, Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley, Alison Brown, Summer McMahan, and (on twin fiddles) Buddy Spicher and Matt Combs.

But to experience how good the basic four of Special C. are all by themselves, watch this video of the title track, with the band working round a single microphone; they look and sound as if they'd been together for years. This and more details are on the Australian Bluegrass Blog. If you're an IBMA member, consider this album for your vote in this year's awards.