The nice thing about the bluegrass community is that there are niches for everyone involved with the music. California-based Windy Ridge is a quartet that acknowledges their strength comes from their kinship, camaraderie, chemistry, and love of the music. Windy Ridge is Tim Bryant (guitar, mandolin), Cary Jones (bass, mandolin, fiddle), Frank Bayuk (resophonic guitar) and Claire Wagner (banjo). In this set of classic jam favorites, they work collaboratively to let each band member grab a share of the spotlight. As an example, their set features each band member assuming lead vocalist duties on a few numbers apiece. I think my favorite on the album is their rendition of "I Saw the Light" because this is their one quartet number and because every member gets a piece of the action in the breaks. Claire's singing and banjola on Gillian Welch's reflective "Orphan Girl" is another favored choice. Windy Ridge chose "Old Windows" as the title for their album because their goal was to "take a look back at some old gems, well-recorded and well-liked in the bluegrass genre."

All songs on the 33-minute album include: My Little Girl In Tennessee, Ashes of Love, Bury Me Beneath the Willow, Lonesome Pine, I Still Miss Someone, I Saw The Light, Orphan Girl, Think of What You've Done, Are You Teasing Me, Jesus Savior Pilot Me

Originally from Wisconsin, Frank Bayuk developed his love for bluegrass as a child, but he didn't take up playing the music until 1996. It wasn't long before he was in his first band, Appalachian Echoes. Claire Wagner, a California native, took up guitar 25 years ago and then the banjo and mandolin later in life. Her previous bands have included Appalachian Echoes, Diamond Lane/the Cowbelles, and the Praise Band. Also a California native, Tim Bryant played rock and roll in high school, but he found his true calling as a initial member of The Bluegrass Brethren that has produced a number of CDs. Cary Jones hails from Oklahoma, studied music at Southeastern Oklahoma State University, and played from 1985-1992 in Southern Express. He then became a member of Montana-based band Catawaler Creek.

Windy Ridge delivers a lesson about the good-time nature, connection, and fraternity of bluegrass music. These are four friends working together in a confident, genial and self-assured manner. While they're not out to win Grammy Awards, their affinity for bluegrass is very apparent. They like being on stage, want to entertain, and want to convey their love of the bluegrass and gospel music. I understand that there are some songwriters in the band, and I look forward to hearing some "new windows" from their own pens. In the meantime, "Old Windows" will provide an introspective glance through the band's pane into the hard-hitting emotions, sentiments and feelings of traditional bluegrass. As such, the CD will make a likable souvenir for friends, new and old alike, after one of Windy Ridge's cheery and affable live shows. (Joe Ross)