Fiddler Jimmy Van Cleve has made quite a bluegrass name for himself playing with Doyle Lawson, Ric-O-Chet, Lou Reid & Carolina, Rambler's Choice, and Mountain Heart. The latter group, formed in 1998, won IBMA's Emerging Artist of the Year Award in 1999. Now, on his 45-minute debut solo album "No Apologies," Van Cleve has the support of his current bandmates and other bluegrassers of incomparable talent. The result is supreme 'grass that hits you like a runaway train. The musical thrust of "No Apologies" is simply hard-charging intensity and soulful loveliness that epitomizes the bluegrass spirit. Emphasizing their instrumental and melodic mettle, the formidable pickers treat us with snappy bursts of rhythm, hot licks and consummate radiance.

The artful approach of "No Apologies" has alluring je ne sais quoi (a quality hard to describe) as it covers a variety of territory. Whether your cup of tea is expressive new acoustic and reverberated pieces like "Highlands" and "Grey Afternoon," or the more traditional sensibilities of a very accessible and expressive "We Can't Be Darlings Anymore," Van Cleve and company show that their music can be both inspired and inspiring. All this from a 26-year-old! On this project, the fiddler also wears the hats of lead singer, harmony vocalist, producer, arranger, and composer. Van Cleve solely penned or contributed as a co-writer to six of the eleven tracks. Jim even displays some luminous vocal quality on "Way It Always Seems To Go," his debut as a lead singer. Written by Dennis McEntire, the barn-burning "Let The Big Dog Eat" has been getting considerable airplay. And if you don't think these guys can pick fast, then buckle up your seatbelts and give a listen to the closer, "Train 45."

As a producer, Van Cleve partnered with Mark Bright to create an inspirational pop-influenced "Scars, " sung by Sonya Isaacs with seductive charm. I like the variety; some others may feel a little uneasy at those points in the set with disparateness between songs. Besides the members of Mountain Heart (Adam Steffey, Clay Jones, Jason Moore, Steve Gulley and Barry Abernathy), other top-notch musicians making appearances include Rob Ickes, Bryan Sutton, Ronnie Stewart, Ronnie Bowman and Sonya Isaacs.

This is a highly energetic and entertaining disc that is deliriously fun and full of kick-up-your heels inspiration. This album is truly a crowning milestone for the eclectic and masterful Jim Van Cleve. (Joe Ross)