Review: Blind Man Walking - Cadillac Sky

Many groups work for years in order to garner some acclaim, appreciation, and acceptance within their various fields. But when that nod comes, what a feeling! For up-and-coming progressive bluegrass act Cadillac Sky, that compliment came from none other than Ricky Skaggs, one of the genre's reigning stars. Skaggs found himself so impressed with the young group's virtuosity that he not only complimented them, he signed them to his record label. That album is the band's debut, Blind Man Walking.

It's easy to see why Cadillac Sky's sound is so successful. The band is comprised of members who have all sharpened their skills working as tour musicians, songwriters, and more. Banjo player Matt Menefee, one of the group's secret weapons, was dubbed a Winfield banjo champion at the ripe age of seventeen. Similarly, vocalist and mandolin player Bryan Simpson spent his early years honing his songwriting chops, writing songs for such heavyweights as George Strait, Martina McBride, and everybody's favorite "redneck woman," Gretchen Wilson. Rounding out the stellar cast are guitarist Mike Jump, fiddler Ross Holmes, and upright bass player Andy Moritz, all of whom have earned the right to play on the big stage.

Blind Man Walking finds the band building first on a solid foundation of traditional bluegrass. Citing such classic influences as Bill Monroe, Lester Flatt, and Earl Scruggs, the band's sound truly reflects this. Tracks like "Born Lonesome," "Insomniac Blues for Matthew," and the rousing instrumental jam "Neighborhood Bully's Long Look in the Mirror" all stand in representation of the traditions. "Redbird" and "Never Been So Blue" evoke the long revered 'high lonesome sound' as "Sinners Welcome" introduces a blues-influenced gospel sound. In fact, that gospel sound finds its way into several tracks, as the players' faith subtly colors the background of these songs. "You Again" tells the tale of a convict's struggle with freedom and repentance as he is again led to jail while the title track places faith even more front and center with a lyric that says:

Blind man walking down the street
Trusting God to guide his feet
Blind man walking straight and true
Knows where he's going more than me and you

While the whole album is great, two tracks in particular stand head and shoulders above. "Homesick Angel" is a mournful ballad, lamenting the loss of a loved one, yet softened with the "Fire that lights my faith/ Is the smile I'll see upon her face/ When I hold her again that day." Providing beautiful harmony vocals is gospel bluegrass mainstay Sonya Isaacs, helping to craft a song that's both sad and lovely. "Wish I Could Say I Was Drinking" takes things in an entirely different direction, with the protagonist wishing he had a better reason for having walked away from his love. Over a rambling rockabilly bluegrass romp, Simpson sings:

Wish I could say that I was drinking
Blame it all on a bottle of booze
Then I would know what
I wasn't thinking
Walking away from a woman like you

Cadillac Sky has charmed audiences across the country and left star Ricky Skaggs with nothing but compliments for the band. A traditional foundation that encompasses influences as diverse as classic rock and free form jazz has enabled the band to craft a sound that is at once familiar and new. Blind Man Walking is an album that marks the entrance of a group that is set to leave a mark upon the bluegrass world.