Steve Lewis - Appalachian Rain (CD, 2004)

by Jason Hooker, 11/24/2004

Wow!….Wow! This guy is incredible. What workmanship! Each lick and each run on every solo on either the guitar or banjo is flawless. Just take your pick! This is sheer beauty. Whether Steve is playing an old hymn such as "Farther Along" or a great old bluegrass favorite such as "Alabama Jubilee", he definitely brings new and fresh light to the tune. He basically makes each one new!

It is very obvious why Steve won the Walnut Valley National Banjo Champion for 2003-2004. I went to a Tennessee Night of Champions several months back and heard 13 National champion pickers playing for three hours. This CD reminds me of that experience, except with just one person. No mistakes at all. Listening to these songs is completely a delight.

Now the other musicians on this CD are equally great. They are, in no certain order, Alan Johnson, Randy Greer, Scott Freeman, Randy Pasley, and Josh Scott. However, Steve is the obvious star. He shines beautifully. His slow solos are slow and gorgeous; the fast ones are lightning and precise. In short, perfect! I am completely amazed at his skills!

This CD is a must hear. For the musician at heart, this is to the ears what an all-you-can-eat fillet min yon buffet is to the pallet!

Click here to visit Steve Lewis website

Buy this CD from Mountainhome Music