Slipstream is a young band, both in terms of ages of its members and its length of existence. But the band is old in quality of performance and, potentially, has what it takes to be around for a long, long time.

Slipstream is a Boulder, Colorado-based bluegrass band that takes an innovative approach to traditional music and makes it truly its own. The musicians combine great familiar tunes, musicianship and sweet vocals in a genuine and personal manner.

Members of the band are Rich Zimmerman on mandolin and vocals, Brad Murphey on guitar and Paul Waitinas, upright bass. For this album they teamed up with Noam Pikelny on banjo, Rushad Eggleston on cello and Jeremy Garrett, fiddle, and the combination provides music you want to listen to over and over again.

The signature tune, "Waterbound," features Garrett on fiddle and adds the beautiful voice of Erin Coats. Most of the music on the album will be familiar, from "Rove Riley Rove" to "Whiskey Death, Whiskey Blind" and "Flora, the Lily of the West." One of the stellar bits, at least to me, is their rendition of "Red Rocking Chair" featuring the haunting cello playing of Eggleston.

In addition, they included some original compositions. Most notable of these are a Brian Hansel song inspired by the novel Cold Mountain and a Bill Monroe piece that he may not have recorded.

The band gave its first public performance on Memorial Day 2003 and, since then, has been invited to perform at some of the top festivals in the country. Keep your eyes peeled.

by John R. Lindermuth
Rambles.NET
24 December 2005

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