The High Bar Gang: Lost & Undone: A Gospel Bluegrass Companion

The period costumes, sombre countenances and moody monochrome photography might lead the uninitiated to expect songs of grim tidings. Well, they would be right. There's plenty of death and foreboding, some sinning and heartfelt repentance in these tunes of earthly trial and heavenly reward. But this seven-piece Canadian outfit bring such brio and empathy to their spirited readings of 14 well-seasoned staples of the gospel-bluegrass canon that sceptics can but enjoy the ride. The songs of Bill Monroe and the Stanley brothers (Ralph and Carter) are well represented, notably Over in the Gloryland, Angel Band and the wonderfully mawkish Mother's Only Sleeping. Arrangements are traditional, with the stage set for immaculate close harmonies, such as those sung by Wendy Bird, Shari Ulrich and Angela Harris on Julie Miller's haunting All My Tears. Music of faith, but you don't have to believe to get it. highbargang.com
Download: All My Tears, Over in the Gloryland