Cherryholmes II: Black And White CD

Cherryholmes may be an unusual name for a family-based bluegrass outfit, but one listen to the clan's watertight harmonies and sizzling instrumental talent immediately makes any questions about the name moot. Fronted by Chia Cherryholmes, whose angelic voice is reason enough to pick up II, the group lays down a satisfying brand of American roots that has one foot in the past and one in the present. Blending progressive and traditional strains, and boasting an abundance of strong, original material (also written by Chia), CHERRYHOLMES II seems like nothing less than a modern-day version of classic family bluegrass groups like the Carter Family and the Louvin Brothers.

Audio Mixer: Brent King.

Recording information: Skaggs Place Studio.

Photographer: Erick Anderson .

Cherryholmes: Skip Cherryholmes (vocals, guitar); Cia Cherryholmes (vocals, banjo); B.J. Cherryholmes (vocals, fiddle); Sandy Cherryholmes (mandola, mandolin); Molly Cherryholmes (fiddle); Jere Cherryholmes (bass guitar).

Personnel: Ricky Skaggs (vocals, guitar); Cia Leigh Cherryholmes (vocals, banjo); B.J. Cherryholmes (vocals, mandolin, fiddle); Sonya Isaacs (vocals); Rick Skaggs, Skip Cherryholmes (guitar); Rob Ickes (acoustic slide guitar, dobro); Sandy Lee Cherryholmes (claw hammer banjo, mandola, mandolin); Molly Kate Cherryholmes (fiddle); Jeff Taylor (pennywhistle, accordion).

Dirty Linen (p.46) - "[They] go beyond the requisite familial harmonies and amazing instrumental chops to both thrive within and freshen up the genre."