The Virginia Ramblers have been "Movin' On" with their bluegrass for many decades, especially since three of them (guitarist/singer Charles Frazier, bassist Donnie Shifflett, mandolinist Jeff Vogelgesang) performed as part of Alvin Breeden and The Virginia Cutups. Frazier spent 27 years in that band; Shifflett 14; Vogelgesang 13. When banjo - player Breeden retired, the trio became the Virginia Ramblers, and Zack Deming was added shortly thereafter into the mix. A Michigan native, Deming had moved to California where he played banjo and built Santa Cruz guitars. About 2003, he relocated to Virginia build Stelling banjos and was soon picking his own traditional Scruggs - based five - string style with King Wilkie. Rounding out the set on this self - titled project, guest Jim Skelding brings some very solid bow work on his fiddle although he isn't heard on every cut.

A robust set from the Virginia Ramblers includes strong original material (Wind in the Pines, Pleasant Hill, Sabryn Renee, Daddy's Grave), traditional classics (Hey Hey Hey, Let's Part the Best of Friends) and driving instrumentals (Movin' On, Spanish Two - Step). Charles, Jeff and Donnie have an auspicious trio that yields bountiful rewards. Carefully cultivated into various vocal arrangements, their most evocative moments occur in songs like "O Lord" and "First Fall of Snow" where Charles' high lead is matched with the low tenor and baritone of the other two. It's also a joy when Charles sings a loving tribute to his grand - daughter "Sabryn Renee" or a solo vocal patriotic rendition of "God, Please Protect America." Their original murder ballad, "Wind in the Pines," that closes the album seems to lose some feeling of the storyline by simply being presented at too fast a tempo. In other words, some deeper emotion could have been drawn out of the poignant tale by slowing down the arrangement.

The Virginia Ramblers' radiant yet rustic approach to traditional bluegrass makes their music very accessible. Their repertoire is clearly an affable mix of crowd - pleasing songs that have found them festival bookings from Virginia to California. With roots that run deep, their compelling music provides assurance that traditionally stylized bluegrass with its conventional sideboards can also tap an inspiring amount of creativity and bracing perspectives too. (Joe Ross)