Buddy Merriam has been recognized for decades as among the most authentic practitioners of the mandolin style pioneered by Bill Monroe in the 1940s. For 34 years now Buddy has traveled with his band, Back Roads, across his native New England, along the eastern seaboard, and across much of the United States. They’ve also toured in the British Isles and Canada.
And with their new album, The Farm, fans of this archly traditional bluegrass outfit can expect another dose of solid original, traditional music written by Buddy and Back Roads guitarist Matt Riley, along with a couple of classic covers.
All the songs and tunes have that old timey, almost primitive sound that has been a trademark for Merriam all these years. Call it ragged-but-right, rough-edged, unpolished… but never thoughtless or unconsidered.
Along with Buddy on mandolin and Matt on guitar, Back Roads consists of Bob Sehy on banjo, Brian Chabza on fiddle, and Ward Cloughen on bass.
The band created this graphic video for the title track against a variety of images and information as a tease.
The Farm is available from CD Baby, as a CD or in a variety of file options for download, and from other popular download sites.
