Steeldrivers; Rounder Records
Photo: David McClister
1/23/2008 — That old saying about the whole being greater than the sum of its parts may or may not apply to The SteelDrivers. It sounds true, though, when you spin the band's self-titled debut album, a set of 11 originals that sound like they've been carved in wood and left in the hills to weather and age. Playing with a breezy virtuosity, these five musicians interact, keeping tempos down to the point they can bounce ideas around spontaneously and allow listeners to hear what's happening.
A dynamic and organic ensemble, The SteelDrivers are also a stellar collection of individuals. Banjo player Richard Bailey, bassist Mike Fleming, mandolinist Mike Henderson, fiddler Tammy Rogers and guitarist Chris Stapleton, all of whom except for Bailey contribute vocals as well, each boasts impressive session credits, from a long line of Country colossuses to Neil Diamond, Bo Diddley, Al Green and Sting.
The SteelDrivers deliver a powerful statement on their album on Rounder Records. Co-produced by Luke Wooten with the band, it offers fireworks but concentrates on framing Stapleton's rugged singing on the spirit-haunted "Blue Side of the Mountain," wafting them through the churning rhythm of "Drinkin' Dark Whiskey" and hitting the power-chord riffs in the verses to "Midnight Train to Memphis." And when the four-part harmonies kick in, the effect is smooth and raw at the same time, a blend as mysterious as the riddle of how five strong talents do add up to making this single and indelible impression.
In their own words:
Who is your musical hero?
Mike Henderson: "Ray Charles."
Who is your dream duet partner?
Tammy Rogers: "Emmylou Harris."
What book is on your nightstand?
Richard Bailey: "Ava's Man, by Rick Bragg."
What song do you wish you had written?
Chris Stapleton: "'What a Wonderful World.'"
What word or phrase do you find yourself saying over and over again?
Mike Fleming: "'Hell is Real,' a billboard sign on I-65 just outside of Louisville, strategically placed across the road from the adult truck stop."
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