Known for various appearances in shows for artists as diverse as Vince Gill, Claire Lynch Band, Roy Acuff, Faith Hill, and Alan Jackson along with appearances at venues like Arrington Vineyards, Grand Ole Opry and NPR, to name a few, the diverse talent in Michael and Jennifer McLain’s band helps the duo craft the simply fantastic Hit the Road and Go album.
“This Old Heart (Is Gonna Rise Again)” gets Hit the Road and Go going and sets the pace for the twelve spirited songs of roots-y love songs and spirited Gospel and instrumental numbers. Jennifer McLain has a beautiful voice and showcases it on the heartbreaking ballad “Do I Ever Cross Your Mind,” and Gospel standard “Jesus, Hold My Hand.” “Up The Hill And Down” is spirited bluesy ‘grass and the instrumental “McIntosh” is just downright moving in its display of the band’s prolific talent. The title tune, "Hit the Road and Go" showcases even more of the band's talent with Bluegrass themes in the lyrics and their expert musicality with the melody.
Hit the Road and Go may just be the perfect Bluegrass album. It blends everything a listener loves about the genre. It’s both expanding on the roots defined by Bill Monroe and his Bluegrass Boys decades ago and also showcases where Bluegrass can go in the 21st century.
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