W. Virginia’s finest serve up “First Cut”
John Titus surely hears the good, the bad and the mediocre in his small recording studio, J&V Audio, in Camden, W. VA. According to the studio’s Web site, Titus is dedicated to providing acoustic groups a high quality and reasonably priced recording. … I’m not in this to get rich. I know how difficult it can be to find a studio that understands acoustic music.”
Titus has been doing audio engineering work for a decade and playing bluegrass music for two decades. So, it’s reasonable to assume his ears zero in on the finest musicians who come to his studio to record with their bands.
Titus believes the West Virginia region has a wealth of talent sprinkled in the bands he records. So, he got this brainstorm: Why not invite the cream of the crop to come to his studio to record a CD together?
The invitations evidently were accepted with enthusiasm, and the result is the West Virginia Bluegrass Band and its J&V-produced CD, “First Cut.” It could have been named “Prime Cut,” for this is a top-notch product that holds its own with any national touring act on a major label.
It’s difficult to believe the group hasn’t performed together for years, especially with its tight vocal harmonies, which are put to use on the majority of the tracks. It’s especially worth noting that most, if not all, the songs on the CD were written by the band members.
The contributions of banjo player and vocalist Ramie Bennett, a member of the band, Buck & Company, really rise to the top of this project. I’m somewhat familiar with Bennett’s work, mainly through his first-class home recordings I’ve heard through a mutual acquaintance. Granted, I may have a prejudice in singling Bennett out, especially since he’s surrounded by so much other fine talent here. On the other hand, Titus, in his liner notes, also singles out Bennett for his dedication to the concept of the West Virginia Bluegrass Band and his devotion to seeing the project completed.
Bennett wrote seven of the CD’s 14 cuts, and, according to Titus, earned the title of “Shadow Engineer” for looking over Titus’s shoulder during the entire recording and production process. Bennett also edited the recorded tracks.
Bennett really stands out on two of his songs where he assumes lead vocal chores. “The Promise,” a touching, emotion-filled memory spurred by his grandmother’s death, is as fine as it gets — great songwriting, heart-felt vocal delivery and wonderful instrumentation and tight harmonies. His other lead vocal just sparkles on “Bluegrass Swing,” which is exactly what the title suggests — a mixture of bluegrass and Bob Wills Western swing sounds rolled into one delightful package.
Another noteworthy tune on the CD is “Ghost Ship,” a haunting ballad about the USS West Virginia, which was heavily damaged during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The ship was miraculously salvaged and returned into service where it played important roles in the U.S. fleet’s Pacific operations during World War II. The tribute song is delivered by Buck McCumbers, leader of “Buck & Company” and the all-star band’s fiddle player.
Other members of the group are David Vaughn on mandolin, Bruce Jones on dobro, Lance Gainer on rhythm and lead guitar and Mackenzie Murphy on bass. Besides holding down the banjo chores, Bennett contributes a dab of cello and a bit of percussion via an egg shaker.
Once again, I’ll single out Bennett among the instrumentalists. He has a unique style that can be lightning fast, ultra clean and always effective. But that’s not to minimalize the work of the rest of the band, which delivers a top-notch, grab-your-ears sound.
I could quibble a bit about what I perceive as a mix-down glitch or two, but it’s nothing to spoil the listening pleasure this CD brings.
I’d like to tell you exactly where you can purchase this gem, but I don’t know for sure. If you’re in the West Virginia area, I’m sure the different bands represented in this project have them for sale. Besides Buck & Company, other groups represented on the CD are the Vaughn Family and Whitaker Station.
Titus at J&V Studio surely would welcome inquiries about the CD. His number, which is posted on the studio’s Web site, is (304)-269-6179. Evenings and weekend calls are encouraged.
And a post script: On the CD’s liner notes, Titus mentions: “If all goes well, we will be recording more albums in the future with the same band.”
My message to John Titus is this: All went well, very well. I’m waiting for Second Cut.
Editors Note: Our good friend Scott Koon pointed at where to find “First Cut” on the web. Thanks Scott!
January 22nd, 2008 at 2:57 pm
First Cut is available on the buckandcompany.com web site for $15.