Pinmonkey: Michael Reynolds (vocals, gut-string guitar); Michael Jeffers (bass instrument, background vocals); Mike Crouch (drums, percussion).
Personnel: Elizabeth Cook (vocals); Chad Jeffers (guitar, dobro, banjo, background vocals); Mark Bright (acoustic guitar, mandolin); Fats Kaplin, Rusty Young (steel guitar); Steven King, Eric Holt (keyboards); Michael Jeffers , Michael Reynolds (background vocals).
Audio Mixer: Kevin Beamish.
Recording information: 16th Avenue Sound; Emerald Studios-Studio A; Emerald Studios-Tracking Room; The Derby Hut, Casa Teadora.
Photographers: Bill Reitzel; David McClister.
The addition of guitarist Mike McAdam (an original Duke for Steve Earle) helps round out a sound that's been a big enough movement in traditional country music for its fans to merit a unique moniker -- "Pinmonkey Junkies." Those junkies have enjoyed the band's feel-good blend of bluegrass, Eagles-inspired Cali-rock, and down to earth country over the course of two albums; a hit single ("Barbed Wire and Roses," which did well on the Billboard country singles chart and also the Americana market); and tours with Alan Jackson, Brad Paisley, Willie Nelson, and Lee Ann Womack. The raw and plaintive, soul-searching title track is probably the deepest emotional moment, and gentle turns like "Coldest Fire in Town" bring to mind the best simple-strumming Eagles and Poco tunes of the late '70s. The Pinmonkeys, however, are mostly about having fun, speaking their mind, and even discussing their troubles over danceable, twangy grooves, as they do on "Train Don't Run by Here No More," Dolly Parton's brilliant refusal to stay "Down," and the gospel-fired "Can't Have a Hand on Me." Holding things together no matter the vibe and tempo and wringing every last emotion out of the tunes is frontman Michael Reynolds, whose high-toned emotional voice stands out among modern country rockers but may remind folks of the brilliant Timothy B. Schmidt. ~ Jonathan Widran
Professional Reviews
No Depression (p.117) - "Each track is mounted with slick production, tight, high harmonies and flawless instrumentation."
