Michelle Nixon & Drive - What More Should I Say (CD, 2005)

by Kenny Dawsey, 07/06/2005

"What More Should I Say?" is the latest Pinecastle release by the Virginia-based bluegrass band "Michelle Nixon & Drive." Virgina has a proven track record for producing good musicians and singers, and Michelle Nixon is no exception. Her full, resonant voice is pleasant to listen to whether she is singing a fast song or a nice country ballad. She has selected four fine musicians to form her band, "Drive." Patrick Robertson, guitar; Jason Davis, banjo; Jamie Harper, mandolin; and finally Adam Seale, bass. She gets my personal kudos for choosing to use her band to record this CD instead of looking for musicians with big name recognition. The instumental sound of this recording is extremely tight. The only way to achieve that is by using musicians who play together often.

The CD opens with a Tom T. and Dixie Hall tune, "I Know Rain". This upbeat song, propelled by Jason Davis' driving banjo, sets the pace for the whole project. As a matter of fact this song brought Jason's banjo playing to my attention. His hammer down and never let up style of playing is evident throughout this CD. It works to a great advantage. His playing puts the DRIVE in "Drive"

Patrick Roberstson, the guitarist for the band, shows his songwriting ability on the title cut, "What More Should I Say?" It's one of the best written songs I've heard. It could easily cross over to other markets. The arrangement and delivery are excellent and I'm sure will receive well deserved recognition. Roberstson also gets a chance to show his vocal ability on the Merle Haggard classic, "Rambling Fever". As with many Haggard songs, this one lends it self well to bluegrass instrumnetation.

Michelle shows her good musical taste by choosing two Emmylou Harris songs, "Blue Kentucky Girl" and "Roses in the Snow." As with everything else on the CD she does a great job covering these old favorites. She chooses classic arrangements but doesn't try to clone the original. She makes these songs hers.

My favorite song here is one that Michelle wrote, "Heart of Stone" It's a modern tear jerker fit for the times. It is simply outstanding.

Michelle closes the CD with "Slippin' Away." This Bill Anderson song was originally done for the country market by Jean Sheppard.

But wait, there's more. The CD includes a bonus track. Michell does a duet with Bill Anderson. "We Must Have Been Out of Our Minds" is a fine close to a fine CD.

Michelle and her band really seem to have their act together. I look for more good things from this fine band.

Click here to visit Michelle Nixon & Drive website