Boy Named Banjo (from the album Dusk

Boy Named Banjo (from the album Dusk

Boy Named Banjo (from the album Dusk available on Mercury Nashville Records) (by Lee Zimmerman)
 
Granted, any band that refers to itself as Boy Named Banjo could be accused of relaying a slightly stilted impression. One could easily be led into thinking it’s simply a precocious youngster fascinated with Bluegrass, much like the backwoods boy who traded licks for the unsuspecting city slicker in the film Deliverance.
 
As it turns out, the name isn’t wholly a misnomer. The band members — Barton Davies (banjo), Ford Garrard (bass/upright bass), Sam McCullough (drums), Willard Logan (manolin/dobro/electric guitar), and William Reames (acoustic guitar/harmonica) — actually founded their band while they were still in their teens.
 
Nevertheless, it’s not the novelty that matters here, but rather the marked maturity that’s shared in their songs. Dusk is an incisive effort that blurs the boundaries between Bluegrass and Americana, all while underscored by the relentless pulse of some rocking rhythms. There’s no need for posturing or pretense, given that they’re clearly stirred by sentiment and conviction. “Something ‘Bout A Sunset”, “Whiskey Dreams”, “Mama, I’m Misbehavin’”, and “Goodbyes Are Sad” come across as relentless Rockers, while “Feel For You (Dusk)” and “Young Forever” convey sentiments both compelling and convincing. On the other hand, the jubilant sound of “Lonely in This Town” and the solid stomp of “Heart Attack” add a hint of relief, even though for the most part, Dusk is driving and determined, a sound that’s solidly in sync with today’s populist precepts.
 
Considering the fact that Boy Named Banjo is still in its relative infancy — this is only their second full length effort, not to mention their first for a major label —  it’s clear they’re off to an auspicious start, one that bodes well for whatever’s to come. They excel at both songwriting and execution, no small feat for any band, much less one so young. Their unobtrusive handle aside, Boy Named Banjo can take pride in that marked maturity. (by Lee Zimmerman)
 
Listen and buy the music of Boy Named Banjo from AMAZON
 
For more information, please visit the Boy Named Banjo website