Reviews of new bluegrass albums

CROWE BROTHERS, "Brothers-N-Harmony," Rural Rhythm. 12 tracks.

The history of country and bluegrass music is filled with "brother acts" - the Monroe Brothers, Stanley Brothers, Louvin Brothers, Wilburn Brothers, Blue Sky Boys.

In the 21st century, though, brother acts are becoming fewer and farther between.

But there's good news for fans of brother acts.

Josh and Wayne Crowe are back working the bluegrass circuit again, creating the sounds that won them fans from 1975 to 1992.

Wayne retired from the road that year and Josh formed a duet with David McLaughlin.

But the Crowes are back together now with "Brothers-N-Harmony."

Josh wrote two songs for the album - "Take Me By The Hand," an uptempo gospel number, and "Million For A Broken Heart," a bouncy tune about the end of a romance.

The first single is "Cindy Mae," an new uptempo love song.

But it's on songs like "Which One Is To Blame," a 1959 hit for Wilburn Brothers; "Go Away With Me," a 1956 hit for the Wilburns; and the Louvin Brothers' "Are You Teasing Me?" and "Why Not Confess?" that the Crowes really shine.

This is how country music sounded before Jessica Simpson and Kid Rock topped the charts.

Individually, Josh and Wayne Crowe are not great vocalists, but together they produce a sound that fans of bluegrass and traditional country music can't get enough of.

The lineup of musicians for the project is impressive - Steve Thomas, Randy Kohrs, Don Wayne Reno, Ronnie McCoury and Buck White among others.

Can't find it in stores? Try www.ruralrhythm.com.

Keith Lawrence: klawrence@messenger-inquirer.com