Reviews of Big Darlin'
Bluegrass Unlimited, February 2008
"Big Darlin’” is a dynamic offering of bluegrass that should attract new audiences for the Downtown Mountain Boys" Read the full review.
Pete Goodall, KBCS F.M., December 2007:
Top Ten Bluegrass Recordings of 2007. Big Darlin' was rated the fourth best bluegrass recording of 2007, and Dave Keenan's "Sometimes Dig for Taters" was rated the sixth best bluegrass song of the year. "What a group! They have three of the most talented singers along with two outstanding sidemen." Here is Pete's List:
The Infamous Stringdusters: Fork In The Road, Sugar Hill-
John Reischman & The Jaybirds: Stellar Jays, Corvus
The Downtown Mountain Boys: Big Darlin’, Self
Tony Trischka: Double Banjo Bluegrass Spectacular, Rounder
Larry Sparks: The Last Suit You Wear,
The Dappled Grays: Doin’ My Job, Self
Steve Gulley: Sounds Like Home, Lonesome Day
Steep Canyon Rangers: Lovin’ Pretty Women, Rebel
The Bluegrass Brothers: Appalachian Memories, Hay Holler
Larry Cordle: Took Down and Put Up, Lonesome Day
Tom Petersen, Victory Music Review, August 2007:
The Downtown Mountain Boys are Paul Elliott, Don Share, David Keenan, Terrence Enyeart and Tom Moran, the cream of Seattle-area pickers, top teachers, session musicians, and musicologists . . . so the release of their latest, Big Darlin’ comes with weighty expectations. Happily, they make it sound easy, as great musicians can. Big Darlin’ is a solid slice of real, straight-ahead Bluegrass, with only the faintest hints that the band members do some work outside the genre (banjoist Keenan, who made his name in rockabilly and sports Seattle’s most iconic haircut, can’t help singing like Lefty Frizzell). The disc features a couple numbers by award-winning songwriter and former Seattleite Nancy Riccio, including the scorching opening cut, “Back in the Black,” which is about how payday means not just solvency but a general lifting of spirits. Most of the disc is wisely chosen material from a variety of County and Bluegrass sources, like Jesse Fuller’s “99 Years and One Dark Day” and “Till the End of the World Rolls Around.” The cuts are committed with the drive and verve Bluegrass needs, but just to be different, DTMB does the usually-hyper “Black Eyed Suzie” as a slow country lope. Fiddler Paul Elliott penned the title track, while Keenan contributes a fascinating, hilarious, philosophical piece of cornpone Zen, “Sometimes Dig for Taters.” Big Darlin’ is the big local Bluegrass release of the summer, and should go national. It’s big, darlin’.
George McKnight, Uptown Bluegrass Featured Artist of the Month
From the barn-burning licks of the opening song, "Back in the Black," to the tasty fiddling' of Paul Elliott on the self-penned title tune, "Big Darlin," and everything in between, this is one fine CD of bluegrass music by the Downtown Mountain Boys. This group is based in Seattle, WA., a city of hills, mountains, and valleys . . . hence the name.
The music on this CD is very true to the sound the band produces on stage in live concert shows. It's a very tight sound delivered with the confidence that comes with many years of working together to hone a great sound. Paul Elliott on fiddle, is smooth and powerful, determined to be a good fiddler in all styles and forms. Paul is a much-in-demand session fiddler and showcases his talents in several Northwest-area bands. Terrence Enyeart, a mainstay of traditional bluegrass in his home area is an accomplished bass and mandolin player, plus he is a great lead singer and songwriter. His background includes stints in "Rural Delivery" and "Brother's Keeper." Terrance is an accomplished songwriter and that is evident with his tune "Holy Beacon." David Keenan, is a powerhouse picker on banjo, mandolin, guitar and other instruments, and is also a good singer and songwriter. A professional entertainer with many bands over the years, David brings a great sense of humor to the band and his on-stage work is entertaining and fun. Don Share on the six string guitar is a class act all the way. His guitar pickin' is "clean and decent" and it mirrors his vocal work. Tom Moran on mandolin is strong and steady, a total complement to the sound of the band.
Fourteen Songs on the CD showcase the band very well. Original material: "Bug Tussle" (a great banjo tune from David Keenan), "Sometimes Dig for Taters," and "Big Darlin," a super fiddle tune from Paul Elliott, and the aforementioned "Holy Beacon" from Terrance Enyeart. Well presented covers from other writers include "99 Years and One Dark Day" by Jesse Fuller, "Till the End of the World Rolls Round" by Thomas Newton, and a great rendition of a Johnny Cash song, "Train of Love," ...great fun.
Every song features crisp and clean pickin' with great lead vocal work on duets and trios. The album liner notes are a bit sparse, and hopeful future recordings will include more background on the band members and the songs.
Great songs arrangements, singing, picking, and overall production. This is a super CD and presents the talents and skills of a fine band. Be sure to bookmark "Big Darlin" from the Downtown Mountain Boys for your next CD purchase. Order at www.downtownmountainboys.com.
Andy Boynton, Arches Magazine (Winter 2008)
Big Darlin’ comes crammed with catchy, upbeat, finger-picking fun, along with serious chops; it’s easy to like.
Roger Weinheimer, CDBABY.COM
I love listening to this CD and singing along. All the tunes are very catchy. From payday to pulpit, they cover it all with hard hitting licks and witty lyrics. A must have for the discerning bluegrass fan.
Last Updated 08/03/2008 Contact DMB Webmaster Artwork by Walter Share, WalterColors