CUMBERLAND GAP CONNECTION - GRANDPA'S SWING
CGC-0307

One word comes to mind when listening to "Grandpa's Swing," the recent release from Virginia's Cumberland Gap Connection: "smooth." Smooth voices, smooth instruments, smooth arrangements. Even the pacing is smooth—nothing frantic, yet fast tunes are nice and peppy. It's an album that delivers unmistakable bluegrass with no rough edges. Take "Power Of Love"—it's a quick-tempo track that still manages to feel unhurried. Guitar, mandolin, and banjo breaks are crisp and clean. In fact, Phillip Powers' guitar work is full of strength and warmth throughout the project, inviting listeners to sit back and enjoy, as evidenced by his instrumental composition, "Power Grass." It's definitely powerful, yet smooth.

The material selected for this CD leans toward story songs that look back in remembrance of people and places long gone. The title track, for example, looks at a man's life through some of the things he's left behind. "Gravel Springs" recalls an old family homestead and childhood memories. And "The Fiddler" memorializes a man who, through his fiddle, found a way to survive the loss of his wife. Memories are powerful things, and Cumberland Gap Connection knows how to deliver these emotional nuggets with a strong yet gentle respect for the stories they tell.

Looking forward, on the other hand, is the tune "I'll Be Ready," a joyful gospel song celebrating a peaceful soul with no regrets when it's time to go home. Cover songs include a Carter Stanley tune, "I Just Think I'll Go Away," and the Ronnie Milsap country hit, "Smokey Mountain Rain," adding just a touch of real-time melancholy to the mix.

Cumberland Gap Connection is a strong band with a smooth touch, indeed a group with solid roots and pliable branches. (Cumberland Gap Connection, Rt. 2 Box 525, Ewing, VA 24248, www.cumberlandgapconnection.com.)JK

BLUEGRASS UNLIMITED
[November 2007 Issue]
www.bluegrassmusic.com

"Cumberland Gap Connection is the best kept secret in East Tennessee. Not only do these guys have an act for writing songs but they are gifted on their instruments as well. Their new CD sounds great and I'm glad they asked me to be a part of it."
Good Luck with your new project!
Rickie Simpkins

"These guys are good!! great playing and singing along with well written original songs!!......the combination of the three are not easy to find in any kind of music...If you are a bluegrass fan you need a copy of your own!!"

Jamie Johnson
The Grascals
Empty House Review

"Cumberland Gap Connection is a top notch bluegrass band performing original material from contemporary to traditional bluegrass. Their original material and arrangements make them stand out with their strong vocals and superbly done harmonies. I see great things happening in the future for Cumberland Gap Connection. They are a pleasure to work with."
Wyatt Rice

"The Cumberland Gap Connection has one of the tightest bluegrass sounds out there. Their family-like harmony, combined with great musicianship has put them a notch above other young groups. If you like traditional bluegrass with that drivin' power, you'll love this group."
Jimbo Whaley
www.jimbowhaley.com

"Cumberland Gap Connection is one of the best kept secrets in the music business. I expect just any day for them to take off like a rocket!! I'd put them up against anyone in the business. I love the fact that they feature some of East Tennessee's best young talent. I LOVE THIS BAND!!!!! "

Freddy Smith
Rise-N-Shine
WDVX Radio
Knoxville, TN
www.wdvx.com

"Cumberland Gap Connection is one of the most talented Bluegrass bands I have ever heard. They pick it straight with a progressive approach that identifies their wonderful style. A week rarely goes by without a CGC tune on my worldwide Bluegrass radio show. They are true perfectionists!"

Alex Leach
Bluegrass DJ of the Year
WDVX Radio
Knoxville, TN
www.wdvx.com

"Cumberland Gap Connection has created a stimulating assortment of contemporary bluegrass that that will certainly have listeners clamoring for more."

BLUEGRASS UNLIMITED
Empty House Review
www.bluegrassmusic.com

"A well performed group of 11 songs by this Bluegrass band on an album produced by Wyatt Rice. Most of the lead singing is done by Philip Powers—who also provides most of the most effective instrumental breaks with his lead guitar work. Powers’ singing is strong & solid, and the band harmonies are good. A nicely done album of straight-ahead Bluegrass."

County Sales Online Music Distribution - Empty House Review
www.countysales.com