Chris Cairns - Runaway Train (CD, 2003)

by Joe Ross, 08/12/2004

Chris Cairns’ solo CD, “Runaway Train,” was conceptualized as an offering of new, thought-provoking original music along with some new arrangements of well-known standards. Cairns wanted to capture the passion and sorrow of life, bottle it up and deliver it to us. Based in Santa Barbara, CA., Cairns is a singer, songwriter, guitarist and banjoplayer who fronts his own band with Eric Brittain and Orest Balaban. For this CD project, Cairns assembled some excellent California musicians to lend a hand. They include David West, Tom Lee, Gabe Witcher, Tom Corbett, Lorenzo Martinez, Bill Bryson, Penny Nichols, Mike Witcher, Peter Feldman, Mike Mullins, Tom Ball, and Bob Nichols. The result is a very successful and rewarding variety that is a little bluegrass one minute, a bit country the next, a tad blues, and a skosh folk.

Chris is a very technically adroit banjo player. Just listen to “Dear Old Dixie” if there’s any question. Or his clawhammerin’ on “June Apple.” His songwriting is also commendable in that he is able to melodically turn some nice phrases to tell his stories. As with most writer’s bodies of work, certain songs are more memorable than others depending on their messages, arrangements and hooks. Chris’ best penmanship is actually apparent on some of his gospel songs, “Let Me In” and a rawboned arrangement of his humorous tongue-in-cheek “Then I Know We’ll Be Alright.” David West’s fingerpicked guitar is a strong component of the former. Cairns’ relaxed opening track, “All Worked Out,” has a strong message of optimism and hope, and it might’ve made a nice closer for the project too. Chris’ baritone lead vocals are pleasant and comfortable, but some of his renditions seem to lack some emotional electricity and passion. The title cut, “Runaway Train,” for example, could have really been infused with considerable powerful rhythmic intensity. “Warm Southern Winds” would’ve benefited from similar treatment, and the band’s modulation to a higher key by the end of the song does help.

Cairns is a very well-rounded musician, and he should be very proud of this debut project. It is professionally recorded, engineered and produced. I was happy to see the artist’s notes and lyrics for each song. Keep your eye on Chris Cairns. We’ll be hearing more about this up-and-comer in the bluegrass community, and he’s off to a great start with his first album and FireHeart record label. (Joe Ross)

Click here to visit Chris Cairns website