NewGrange (1999)

About this title: A very sophisticated and largely academic take on traditional folk forms, NewGrange's debut is an interesting combination of smooth bluegrass, jazz, contemporary folk, and somewhat classical leanings. However studied and precise their sound may be, NewGrange avoids having their songs come across as museum pieces, as they inject a lively and tangible sound throughout. Though using mostly standard bluegrass instrumentation, the addition of a piano and adventurous time signatures gives many of the 12 tracks a more contemporary feel. Taking traditional tunes like "Handsome Molly," the spirited ... read more

Tracks:

1. Handsome Molly [359]
2. Sally Ann [Traditional]
3. Under the Hood [Aaberg]
4. Rock in a Weary Land [Traditional]
5. Cabin Waltz [Aaberg]
6. Goin' to Boston [Traditional]
7. Weetabix [Brown]
8. Round Trip [Phillips]
9. Stone Coal West Virginia [Evans]
10. Shoot the Moon [Marshall]
11. Land's End [Live] [OBrien]
12. Music Tree [O'brien/Scott/Skies]

Note: This is a general synopsis. Each listing is further described below.