“Never Say Never Again” by Dwight McCall
April 25, 2008 by lonesomeroadreview
Dwight McCall
Never Say Never Again
Rural Rhythm Records
3 Stars (out of 5)
Never Say Never Again is the second solo release from second generation bluegrasser Dwight McCall. The mandolinist for J.D. Crowe & The New South brings bandmates, buddies, heritage, and talent to a predictably solid set of mostly predictable bluegrass.
The fourteen tracks follow what seems to be the standard formula for mixing original, traditional, cover, and classic material. This includes the requisite pair of gospel numbers, a Civil War song, and a country crossover (Michael Martin Murphy’s “Lost River”). McCall honors his deceased brother with “Goodbye My Friend” and classic combos the Bluegrass Cardinals, the McPeak Brothers, and the Country Gentlemen with songs each popularized.
McCall’s mandolin remains in its case for all but two tracks, but he does surprise with nice banjo work on “Little Bessie.” Mandolinist Alan Bibey heads the house band of New Southers Ron Stewart (banjo, fiddle) and Harold Nixon (bass), Brian Stephens (guitar), and Randy Kohrs (Dobro). Steve Gulley, Lou Reid, and Rickey Wasson contribute guest harmonies.
These pickers certainly pack plenty of speed, precision, and drive. However, except for a striking grassification of Paul Van Dyk’s “Time of Our Lives” and the original gospel “He Never Turned Away,” the set simply lacks enough edge. Nevertheless, this disc should please purists, who surely will hope Dwight McCall will Never Say Never Again to a follow-up recording.
by Tim Walsh
