This album truly is a melting pot of musical styles, offering something for every taste. It combines a little of everything from traditional folk and bluegrass to Christian rock and gospel.

Pat Surface is a musician, songwriter, singer and storyteller, and he combines all four talents in this album, the first the Boundary Water Boys recorded together in a studio in the wilds of northern Minnesota. His mellow voice, finger-style rhythms and lead guitar are backed up by an eclectic team of musical virtuosos.

There's Eli Bissonett, a classically trained violinist from Finland, who demonstrates he can also play a mean fiddle; Robin Adnan Anders, percussionist, who previously worked with punk-folk legends Boiled in Lead and 3Mustaphas3; and brothers Bill, mandolin, and Don, guitarist and acoustic bass, of the musical LaPlant family, first cousins to Surface. And let's not forget Bill Bulinski, lead guitar, and Dr. Rob Mattson, a chiropractic sports physician who contributes on acoustic bass and vocals.

It's hard to pick a favorite from these 15 tracks. There's so much to choose from: the lovely "Road to Lisdoonvarna," the doleful "Mary of the Wild Moor," the lively "Cold Frosty Morning" or "Repo Man." No matter what you like, you're sure to find something here to savor.

Last, but not least, it should be pointed out Surface is one of those musicians who is concerned about the people around him and the world they live in. He has taken to the road to perform benefits for medical research, the environment and other important causes. More information about that is available at his website.

by John R. Lindermuth
Rambles.NET
27 May 2006

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