Billy Strings has made his name in the bluegrass world by incorporating rock and jazz influences into his sound. But this album has him revisiting the songs his dad taught him--and he brings his dad along for the ride. Oh, and and possibly the greatest bluegrass session band around (Jerry Douglas, the McCoury brothers, Michael Cleveland and more). 'Cause if you're gonna do bluegrass proper, do it proper.

Billy Strings Me/and/Dad (Rounder)

These are old songs, and some of them are country standards repurposed in the bluegrass vernacular. The band is just as tight as expressive as you might imagine. Billy's dad Terry Barber is not (and probably never was) a great singer, but that's not the point. This is an album to celebrate roots. And perhaps something a nod to tradition before riding fame into a new meadow.

As an introduction to the possibilities of traditional bluegrass, this album is impressive. It is not as innovative or exciting as previous efforts, and I don't believe it is supposed to be. But man, does it sound so good.

Those outside the bluegrass community may not know Billy Strings. This isn't the album that will put him over the top, but keep an eye out. He's now proven his bona fides. The expansion should continue soon enough.

Jon Worley