Last night was an evening of surprise and confirmation by the greatest band we may never see again.  How's that for a lead-in?  I've seen Wayne perform many times over the years with USN, Good Deale, and Bill Emerson.  I also bought his solo CD many years ago.  The confirmation was that he still has one of the best voices around (in the top 3?, top 1?) and has written a bunch of great songs that have already become favorites.  His voice is unique, and that was a little problem for me when I first heard him years ago, because he does not sound like Lester Flatt or Tony Rice.  It's not a problem for me anymore, but a great breath of fresh vocal air.  The surprise was the depth of his songwriting catalog, including a number of original songs on the new CD that are likely to get a lot of airplay and become new classics.  So why is this the greatest band we may never hear again?  Dave Giegerich, the band's dobro player was absent last night, so Emory Lester and  Mark Delaney had to step it up, and the sound was full - in fact, until I listened to the new CD, I was wondering where Mr. Giegerich's dobro was going to live.  Delaney in particular came up with astounding and tasty banjo backup and fills all night long.  I heard him with the Country Gents, but got the surprise last night that this man is a banjo-monster who seems to effortlessly and seamlessly integrate the best of the Scruggs and melodic styles.  As always, Emory Lester's improvisational mandolin climbed out on numerous inviting but treacherous tree limbs and he somehow (almost always) avoids falling off.  Kip Martin's playing confirmed that he is a solid bass player.  The surprise was his dry sense of humor and his uncanny ability to imitate Bob Paisley. If I were an reviewer for a newspaper I would encourage everyone to get out and see this band as soon as possible (with or without dobro).  You will likely see me there.  Festival promoters - WAKE UP!

-- Edited by stephenpjohnson on Saturday 4th of April 2009 11:36:47 AM