Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen (from the album Hold On

Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen (from the album Hold On

Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen (from the album Hold On available on Compass Records) (by Lee Zimmerman)
It takes something extra special to stand out within the crowded realms of today’s Bluegrass scene, not only due to the extraordinary competition involved, but also because of the remarkable instrumental acumen necessary possessed by one’s peers. Nevertheless, Frank Sollivan & Dirty Kitchen — the name refers to Solivan’s love of cooking and creating gourmet cuisine — has managed to reach the highest pinnacle of today’s Roots music pantheon. After all, the band is the recipient of several Grammys wins and award nominations, as well as a pair of International Bluegrass Music Association Group of the Year kudos and an impressive number of individual citations from that stellar organization as well.
The group, which includes Solivan himself on vocals, mandolin, guitar, violin; Mike Munford on banjo; guitarist Chris Luquette, and bassist Jeremy Middleton, never fails to attain that higher bar, and their latest effort, Hold On, provides another sterling example of their ability to excel and succeed. It’s little wonder then that the new album promotes such positive precepts. Opening track “I’m Already Gone (‘I’m ready to go/I gotta move on’) suggests that listeners put all the negativity behind them and move forward towards the hope of a better tomorrow. “Hold On” and “Find My Way” express much the same sentiment by sharing the belief that embracing one another and exploring opportunity are the best ways to secure success.
On the other hand, Frank Solivan clearly has his own ideas about ensuring satisfaction. The wistful “Sail to Australia” finds him fantasizing about living stress-free in those idyllic environs.
Of course, most of us can’t afford such an escape, so dutifully then, Solivan and company offer opportunity to move us in other ways, which is mainly through the music. The jubilant “Virginia Is for Lovers”, the banjo revelry soaring through “Lost”, the earnest intent embraced by “Queen of the Mountain”, and the tender trappings found in “Modesto” offer upbeat appraisals of potential possibilities. Granted, it won’t rid the world of its problems, but it does offer some solace that can be shared. (by Lee Zimmerman)
 
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