With a career that spans a decade and a half, four albums, any number of critical kudos, several chart-topping records, and a nomination for the prestigious Momentum Band award from the IBMA in 2020, the Pennsylvania-based combo known as Colebrook Road have rightfully been cited as one of the most noteworthy young bands in today’s contemporary bluegrass realms. Their kudos aside, the band — consisting of lead singer, guitarist, and songwriter Jesse Eisenbise, upright bassist and tenor vocalist Jeff Campbell, mandolin player Wade Yankey, fiddle player, songwriter, and baritone vocalist Joe McAnulty, and banjo player and bass vocalist Mark Rast— makes it a point to emphatically assert themselves with each and every outing.
With the aptly named Too Far To Let Go on Mountain Fever Records, Colebrook Road affirms their singular style courtesy of songs that reflect a pointed perspective and their individual observations. It is, in fact, an album flush with emotion, endurance and engagement. Whether it’s the determined delivery accorded Wise Old Owl, the serendipitous serenade Black Oak, the rousing repast provided by The Real You, or the engaging instrumental Creek Pizza, the band never hesitates when it comes to brandishing their brand. The unfettered energy conveyed courtesy of As You Go (featuring special guest Woody Platt on vocals) and the seamless segue way from the homespun homily Its All You Need, to a flawless fade-out of the Beatles’ All You Need Is Love, is nothing short of brilliant. Likewise, a commanding cover of Garth Brooks’ That Summer offers further evidence of Colebrook Road’s verve and versatility.
So too, the powerful precepts shared courtesy of Live In the Light, the strut and sway that propels Alone Again, and the serenity shared with the title track bring the album to a decisive conclusive.
Credit Eisenbise in particular with having a hand in the writing of the majority of the original material. That in itself is one more reason why Colebrook Road continues to pursue such a pivotal path.
