Reviews

For USA and Canadian customers: Henry Lawson's Blues is now available online through County Sales
County Sales  Gum Tree Music
And in Australia through Gum Tree Music.

Bluegrass Unlimited - October 2003 edition by Les McIntyre

Hardrive Bluegrass Band - Henry Lawson's Blues

Bluegrass Classics CD-0201

"Henry Lawson's Blues" is the second release for this Melbourne, Australia band (see BU, Dec 2002), and it's filled with a potent blending of vocal and instrumental performances.  Titled after a renowned Australian poet, the 15 selections are mostly band originals like "Do It Right", "Thru Train to Bluesville," and "My Stolen Heart".  There are also versions of "Here Today and Gone Tomorrow" and "Whose Red Wagon".  Although the band is vocally solid, it is their instrumental performances that are the true highlights of this collection, which include "The Great Divide," "Blue Heeler," and "Janet's Waltz."  "Henry Lawson's Blues" is dynamic bluegrass from a talented group that has the potential of becoming a major force in international bluegrass."

Bluegrass Now! - Oct 2003 - Tim Walsh

Hardrive Bluegrass Band - Henry Lawson's Blues

One listening to the Hardrive Bluegrass band and it's clear the grass is growing fine "down under".  The Australians' sophomore effort - Henry Lawsons's Blues - is a smoking set of traditional bluegrass and mountain music.

Ah, but which mountains? "Thru Train to Bluesville" and "Away on a Mountain" blossom from Bill Monroe's backyard, while "The Great Divide" and the title track emanates from easter Australia's coastal mountains.  Rather than merely pay homage to its heroes, the Hardrive Bluegrass Band blends a bit of Australia into its straight ahead sound.  At once familiar, yet always fresh, the mix fosters traditional music on the home front, and invites out-of-towners to drop in.

F course, hot picking is hot picking (no matter where you are).  The band features a trio of veterans - Nick Dear (mandolin and fiddle), Mick Harrison (banjo) and Peter Sweatman (guitar); joined by Dear's son Lachlan, (bass) and teen phenomenon Lachlan Davidson (fiddle).  The quintet sizzles on "Hillhanger Breakdown" and shines on "Janet's Waltz".

Henry Lawson's Blues is Australia's first bluegrass album to take Album of the Year honours at the Victoria and National Country Music Awards.  There's no argument here; the Hardrive Bluegrass Band is a definite winner!