Last week, we brought you news of the debut release from Ohio-based Jimmy Haynes Band, Still Hangin’ On. The album is a well-rounded collection of eleven tracks ranging from bluegrass standards to covers of more contemporary tunes from both the bluegrass and country genres.
Even though the band is relatively new, first coming together less than two years ago, their album proves that they are a collection of experienced musicians with a deep love of traditional music.
Several songs on the album will be very familiar to fans of traditional bluegrass. The band includes a swingy version of the Jim Eanes tune Baby Blue Eyes, as well as the Flatt and Scruggs standard Little Cabin Home on the Hill performed in a classic, straightforward manner. They also give the Osborne Brothers’ Lonesome Feeling a mournful, slowed down treatment, bringing out the “lonesome” in the song’s title.
Tunes from multiple well-known songwriters are featured on Still Hangin’ On. One of the album’s standout tracks is the Tom T. and Dixie Hall cut Hicker Nut Ridge, which features bassist and lead vocalist Enola Haynes singing of returning to the place she was raised. The band covers Keith Whitley’s 1986 hit Miami, My Amy, which was written by legendary country songwriter Hank Cochran. Their version stays faithful to Whitley’s cut of the song and includes smooth lead baritone vocals from rhythm guitarist Jiles Williams. Also included is a track co-written by the late Harley Allen, All in God’s Plan, which has a modern country sound with enjoyable mandolin and guitar solos.
While much of the band’s sound is contemporary, they don’t skimp on traditional bluegrass features, such as a compelling banjo presence and strong harmonies. Molly, a somewhat lesser known track previously recorded by Wyatt Rice and Santa Cruz, showcases some excellent picking, as does Hicker Nut Ridge. More progressive sounds are heard on the jazzy Jimmy Gaudreau instrumental Edsel’s Tailpipe.
Band members Jimmy Haynes (mandolin), Glenn Hamilton (banjo), Scott Jackson (lead guitar), Enola Haynes (bass), and Jiles Williams (rhythm guitar) provide solid instrumentation throughout. Adam Haynes (Jimmy and Enola’s son, and a current member of Grasstowne) adds first-rate fiddling to the project, as well.
The Jimmy Haynes Band has been busy playing in the Ohio area this summer, and is now booking for the rest of the year and beyond.
For more information on the band and their album, visit them online.
Still Hangin’ On is available from CDBaby, iTunes, and Amazon.
