South Austin Jug Band,
Dark and Weary World



Label: Blue Corn

(4 out of 5)

Weather and Water vaulted the Greencards toward the head of the progressive bluegrass pack, along with such artists as Nickel Creek and the Duhks. The gorgeous yet playful Dark and Weary World does the same for the South Austin Jug Band.

South Austin Jug Band can best be described as a musical collective. In live shows, each of the five members (plus the occasional guest) takes turns in the spotlight, often in freewheeling jamgrass solos. The same holds for Dark and Weary World. While there may not be as many solo turns as in the live shows, each member is vital to the collective whole. James Hyland (rhythm guitar) and and Will Dupuy (upright bass) share lead vocals. Willie Pipkin (acoustic guitar), Brian Beken (fiddle and mandolin), and Dennis Ludiker (mandolin and fiddle) contribute backing vocals, but stand out primarily for their stellar musicianship.

The band truly sparkles when lead vocal duties are handled by Hyland, whose world-weary, restrained tenor belies his relative youth. "Dark and Weary World" (listen), "No Baby Swings Like Mine" (listen), and especially "Weather on the Wood" (listen) provide the album's vocal highlights. Dupuy is a more playful lead, as evidenced by "Karma" (listen) and the cautionary drug tale "Coon Ass" (listen). His more unrefined style provides an interesting change of pace.

South Austin Jug Band's true strength lies in its instrumental virtuosity. Ludiker, Beken, and Pipkin sparkle on instrumentals "Overdrivin' the Mic" (listen) and "Bluegrass in the Backwoods" (listen), as well as the Gershwin tune "Lady Be Good" (listen), which (features former member Warren Hood on guest vocals.

Dark and Weary World is an excellent studio recording, yet it simply cannot match the band's energetic live performances. This isn't a knock against the album. It's just that South Austin Jug Band puts on an incredible live show. See them in concert if you can. If that's not an option, buy Dark and Weary World. Heck, even if it is an option, buy the album anyway. You won't regret it.

Buy Dark and Weary World from Lone Star Music for only $14.99.

September 12, 2005