On his debut solo album, Fit for a Dog (Engelhardt Music Group), Frank Evans displays his creative approach to bluegrass and clawhammer banjo playing, and a delightful vocal style. The recording is at times high-spirited and energetic, occasionally gentle and thoughtful, but always maintains a nice balance between innovation and tradition.
The pack of “goo’ boys” on the cover echoes the group of amazing musician friends that Frank has pulled together for these sessions, capturing the fun and excitement of a top-notch late-night jam session. You can hear the hot pickers like Mike Bub, Shad Cobb, Justin Moses, Gaven Largent, and Jake Stargel (to name only a few) having a ball with this recording.
Originally from Toronto, Frank started out with his teacher Chris Coole immersing him in the music of old-time masters like Kyle Creed and Fred Cockerham. He soon added a study of Earl Scruggs, and in no time was inspired by the improvisation of the Flecktones. A stint at a college jazz program introduced him to Charlie Parker.
Still, no matter what style he’s playing, that early love of clawhammer banjo is always present, even if it is only a subtle hint. The first single from the album is a straight-ahead bluegrass take on T.J.’s Last Ride (recorded by Roger Miller in the late 1960s), but it still has just a bit of a rollicking old-time flavor.
The second single, Frank’s original instrumental, Cecil Blue, is more adventuresome and modern in feel, but still has a taste of old-time sensibility. The tune captures the joy inspired by his dog, after whom the composition was named.
Pierce Road Waterline is another original, a clawhammer piece with an insistent forward motion but a sweet, delicate touch. Going Away, an achingly sad song by Utah Phillips, is a good example of the more tender side of Frank’s singing.
Frank came to prominence in the Slocan Ramblers, and with them won the IBMA Band of the Year Momentum Award and played the Grand Ole Opry. Now based in Nashville, he is a session musician (Michael Cleveland, Jason Carter, Sierra Hull) and full-time member of fiddler Bronwyn’s touring band.
Casey Campbell co-produced the album with Frank and plays mandolin throughout. Recorded at The Tractor Shed by Sean Sullivan and mastered by Eric Conn, Fit for a Dog is a welcome addition from a modern master of the banjo.
