Illinios’ Bluegrass Express has released In Our Own Words on Plum River Records, their 8th album since being founded in 1980. The title refers to the fact that all 12 tracks were written within the band.
They have a multigenerational angle in the group as well. On guitar and vocals is Gary Underwood, with his son Greg on bass, and Greg’s son Jacob on banjo. Filling out the group is Andy Hatfield on mandolin.
Both Jacob and Andy are multi-instrumentalists, with papers. Hatfield took first place in the 2013 National Mandolin Championship at the Walnut Valley, after coming in both 2nd and 3rd previously. He won the Guitar Championship in 2011. Jacob has won championships on mandolin, fiddle and guitar in a variety of competitions.
Bluegrass Express put together this video to introduce several of the songs from the new album, and the members of the band.
Guests on In Our Own Words include Tim Crouch on fiddle, Sierra Hull on mandolin, and Bethany Burie on vocal.
