Fired Up

Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper

11661-0659-2
RELEASE DATE: 29 Mar 2011
11661-0659-2
label: Rounder
genre: R&B, Blues, Soul & Stax

tracklisting

1. Dixie Special
2. Big Wide Strum
3. I'm Yours
4. I'm Gonna Ride That Steamboat
5. Goin' Up Dry Branch
6. The Nights Are So Long
7. Untrue Blues
8. I've Got The Railroad Blues
10. Monster Truck
11. Hard Time Banjo Blues
12. Going Back To Old Virginia
13. Maine Line
14. Bigger Hands Than Mine

With their numerous IBMA awards, including 8 Fiddle Player of the Year awards and 4 for Instrumental Group of the Year, Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper could be basking in their achievements. Instead, they’re “Fired Up!” One of the finest hard-driving bluegrass bands today delivers again, on this Jeff White and Michael Cleveland co-produced album. As the liner notes say: ”Michael himself is the bit of plutonium at the core of this particular reactor, . . . and one of the greatest improvising violin players in any style; each solo is on fire, and just jaw-droppingly creative. . . The musicians in Flamekeeper are all spectacular. . . this coalition of amazing individuals truly achieves lift-off, and a kind of transcendence.” (from the notes by Matt Glaser, Artistic Director, American Roots Music Program, Berklee College of Music)