The Highland Travelers have released their first full length CD on Mountain Fever Records, The Highland Travelers. At the helm is Adam Steffey (mandolin and vocals) and if you follow bluegrass, you know that last year we had more than a couple bands either stop touring or dissolve. The Highland Travelers are the best of some of those displaced musicians, and they are: Keith Garrett (vocals and guitar), fellow former Boxcars bandmember Gary Hultman (vocals and dobro), and Jason Davis (banjo) and Kameron Keller (vocals and bass) from Ramblers Choice. With talent like the aforementioned players, you know you’re in for a treat of inordinate playing, singing and songwriting, and that is exactly what The Highland Travelers deliver across the eleven-song album. Outstanding musicians and excellent songs that have a nice variety of keys, feels and illuminating lead vocals. This is clearly evident on tunes like “World So Full of Love” and the closing instrumental, “Poplar Knob” highlighting a enjoyable collection of tunes and that’s the short of it!
Positives:
Coming out of the gate strong is exactly what this first album is about. A well-produced CD, with songs that are crafted with care, all of these tunes are worth the price of admission and if you like to hear real Bluegrass music, this is the CD to get.
Bottom Line:
The Highland Travelers features a group of five excellent pickers and remarkable song crafting. A wonderful album, from top to bottom, each tune has a reason to grab your ear and that makes for an impactful listen. The group sound is well-oiled and seamlessly tight. You won’t hear a burgeoning sound, on this album, but a seasoned display of finely-tuned performances and song-crafting that adds up to the debut release The Highland Travelers. My hope is, this is the start of something special, and lasting.