4 1/2 STARS
Drew Emmitt is probably best known for fronting pioneering jamgrass group Leftover Salmon, but on his latest solo effort, Long Road, he's teamed up with some of the contemporary bluegrass world's greatest contributors.
Guests and Highlights
Emmitt is well-known as a terrific mandolinist, and here he's joined by folks like Chris Pandolfi and Andy Hall of the Infamous Stringdusters, Tim O'Brien, Allison Brown, Darrell Scott, Stuart Duncan, and a number of others. It would be practically shocking if all these people could gather in one room and not come out with a great record. In fact, the album is an excellent effort from Emmitt and his numerous collaborators.
In addition to the great bluegrass influence of much of the record, there's also the cooled-out reggae rhythm of "Beat of the World"(purchase/download), where Duncan's fiddle and Emmitt's mandolin marry the island groove with a little down home country, before Tyler Grant's electric guitar drives it home. There's also the Cajun-infused country song "Get 'er Rolling" (purchase/download), which is one of the disc's best highlights. It's this level of fusion that keeps the record interesting.
The Bottom Line
Jamgrass fans will appreciate the long Grateful Dead-esque jam at the tail end of "Take the Highway" (purchase/download), which shows clear influence from the classic bluegrass-rock jam band. Folks who appreciate Emmitt's incredible instrumental skills will apprecaite his duetting with Ronnie McCoury on "Cloud City" (purchase/download), one of the finest moments on the record.
Emmitt has, indeed, been on a long road since his career began more than two decades ago. Long Road is an excellent testament to the grace and musicianship he's provided throughout his career.
Kim Ruehl - About.com (Aug 6, 2008)