The latest focus track for Lonesome River Band reminds us all of the spirit and drive that has made them an integral part of the bluegrass scene for 44 years now. There aren’t many acts that lay claim to that sort of longevity.
It’s a song from Bob Amos called Walking Back ToBluefield, which LRB guitarist Jesse Smathers says grabbed him right away.
“Walking Back to Bluefield was penned by a favorite singer/songwriter of mine, Bob Amos.
I was listening through material for us to record, and this immediately perked up my ear. Its ‘backstep’ and reel-like melody are as catchy as its lyric — and it sticks with the classic bluegrass pattern of the happiest sounding songs having a lonesome lyric. The fella in this song is down on his luck and has a long way back home to Bluefield after losing his job and love interest. However I can’t help but smile while singing about it.
Being in Vermont, Bob wrote this song with different geography in mind. However, we had a neat discussion about how the song could easily be referring to locations within a few hours from where Lonesome River Band is based in the southeast. So this character is losing his job at a Burlington, North Carolina textile mill and making his way back home to Bluefield, West Virginia.”
Along with Jesse on guitar and lead vocal we have bandleader Sammy Shelor on banjo, Adam Miller on mandolin, Mike Hartgrove on fiddle, and Kameron Keller on bass. Rod Riley adds a tasteful electric guitar to the mix.
This one will have you smiling as you nod along, until you follow the lyrics. It’s a keeper.
Walking Back To Bluefield is available now from popular download and streaming services online, and to radio programmers via AirPlay Direct.
