CD Review: The Abrams Brothers, Iron Sharpens Iron

What strikes me most about this very pleasant sophomore release from the Abrams Brothers is the superb musicianship of all those involved in the making of this record. These guys play their instruments as if born to them, and the exceptional chemistry between the musicians is evident on each track. Each instrument and vocal dances hand in hand with one another, in perfect step and total harmony. The effect is a marvelous meshing of great skill, true beauty and some exceptionally hot pickin' throughout!

The album opens with the mournful but up-tempo "Think of What You've Done", brimming with tight harmonies and fine crisp playing. "Another Night" follows, with a high and lonesome vocal lead and the theme of lost love. "Ballad of Springhill" tells the story of a tragic mining accident, and includes some fantastic banjo work.

The fourth track, "Glory to His Name" is heart-felt, old-time gospel at it's most passionate, with the prominent fiddle practically singing along for joy. "Soldiers Joy Medley" is next, and is, for me, the album's crown jewel, with sparkling instrumentation, hot fiddle playing and superb craftsmanship by all. The instruments dance lightly and with great ardor and skill throughout the piece. Simply fantastic!

In "Searching for Myself in Tennessee", a young man goes off to chase his dreams, leaving his sweetheart and his family behind. "I Cried Again" is melancholic, but features more of those wonderful, sunny harmonies that feature so prominently on this album. "Born with a Hammer in My Hand" includes a strong vocal performance and more superb playing by all. "Where Corn Don't Grow" is another album highlight. It's a bittersweet story-song about a father and son discussion concerning corn and life itself. This one is a song to repeat over and over.

"I Want to Be Loved" features great duet lead vocals, while the follow-up, "Can I Get An Amen", tells the story of an old man who preaches about the end-times from his chair by a stream. "Carolina Star" discusses a musician who longs to return home to North Carolina, and the family he left behind there. The album closes with the rousing "Trade My cross", a fine bluesy gospel number, which ends the album on a high note.

Iron Sharpens Iron is a definite triumph, with its sunny close harmonies, fabulous musicianship and nice song selection. The passion and heart that was put into its creation is obvious. If you like bluegrass in general, and hot playing specifically, you can't go wrong by adding this to your collection. Very well done, indeed. Definitely recommended.