James Reams and the Barnstormers: Troubled Times

James Reams may not know if he's from New York or Kentucky (he's from Kentucky!) but he sure knows where his music is and what it's roots are. James Reams and the Barnstormers Troubled Times is an album that should shake up the bluegrass music community. This is an album that will probably find it's way into many bluegrass collections.

Troubled Times is a wonderful CD album and includes a "preview" of the band as a DVD titled "Rollin’ On". The second feature on the same DVD, "Pioneers of Bluegrass Music" is a 20-minute preview of a feature- length documentary of the same name. This is a wonderful marketing tool to help folks get familiar with the band and this is a band that needs to become a known sound in music. The vocals are excellent as is the music. There is nothing lacking on this set.

The DVD had me a bit confused when it started. I thought there was something wrong with the left channel on my equipment but I soon realized that it was an open mic that was just making noises. I would have preferred silence on that channel or, better yet, another channel of the music and dialog.

This is a band that enjoys being together and playing together. The happy sound comes through loud and clear. The DVD video also expresses this mutual feeling. Both the CD and the DVD are gems. Both have small pleasant surprises that leave the listener or viewer with a happy feeling inside.

This combination set and preview of the "Pioneers of Bluegrass Music" is absolutely worth every penny of its suggested list of $15. I would encourage everyone to pick up this set and enjoy James Reams and the Barndtormers time and time again.

Added: March 6th 2005
Reviewer: Bob Cherry
Score:
Related Link: James Reams and the Barnstormers
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