Cold River: Review

Coldriver is a variation of the band Astrograss, one of the tightest and most unique Bluegrass bands in New York City, based out of Brooklyn, the new, unlikely, independent music epicenter of NYC, these two bands have the responsibility of educating the city slickers, metrosexuals and hipsters to a thing called bluegrass. The members of Cold River have criss-crossed paths while traveling the world over the past 15 years. Singer Jennifer Milch is a cheerful songbird that can go toe to toe with the likes of Amy Lou Harris or Alison Krauss, other members of the band are musical scholars, veterans and assorted virtuosos.

Having moved home to New York City “Hallelujah I'm a bum” is a ballad that strikes a chord with me. There is certain freedom, in some “bums” eyes in the summer, something that is not seen in normal working stiffs. Of course there is an immense amount of pain that is apparent as well, the line from G Love and Special Sauces' song “This Ain’t Living” says it best, “though I sleep on the street I have a feeling I'm free, from societies, handpicked hypocrisies, mercy mercy.” The slide guitar in this song is a great touch, as all songs, especially bluegrass and newgrass could benefit from more slide.

The song title “Money is a World Wide Web,” is attention grabbing and quirky, the lyrics are the same, with wit, “you think your made of star dust, but stars are made in my machine,” the song touches on the ironies and idiosyncrasies of today’s techno-consumer culture.

“Up on the Roof,” is a great cover of the soul classic. Though the original can not be replaced, this is a different take on an old classic, which creates something new and unique. Adding some complexities in the rhythm variations, great organ and guitar turn this from soul into soulful rock. This song hits that sweet spot inside, similar to the way the original does, or another soul classic “Sitting on the Dock of the Bay.” The yearning, melodic, rock guitar and organ play in the fashion of these 60's classics, ending in an epic style jam. This is a unique cover that will resonate with anyone living in a major metropolis.

It really is a shame how young novices flood the stereos and earphones of Americans, while seasoned veterans get less attention. Luckily the Internet has somewhat leveled the playing field and opened up possibilities in pop music, presenting fans with options and expanding musical horizons.