Product Review

2016 release. Long I Ride celebrates Special Consensus' 40th anniversary as a band with an engaging set of songs and guest collaborations that's certain to garner more acclaim. The title track, written by former band member Robbie Fulks, showcases each of the three vocalists in the group including newcomer/mandolinist Nick Dumas. Bluegrass favorites Della Mae join the band for a fresh take on the Larry Cordle classic "Highway 40 Blues" and label mates Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley, together with producer/banjoist Alison Brown, deliver a blistering version of the Josh Graves penned standard "Fireball." Other stand outs include a bluegrass version of Stoney LaRue's "First One to Know" featuring a guest vocal appearance from Mountain Faith's Summer McMahan and a western swing tinged Joe Newberry original "Baby I'm Blue" featuring the twin fiddles of Buddy Spicher and Matt Combs. Long I Ride follows on the heels of Special Consensus' guest laden, multi-award winning album Country Boy: A Bluegrass Tribute to John Denver. The band was founded in 1975 by banjoist (and former IBMA President) Greg Cahill and has since then become the breeding ground for some of the best new talent in bluegrass. The current lineup features Rick Faris (guitar, vocals), Nick Dumas (mandolin, vocals), Dan Eubanks (bass, vocals) and banjoist/founder Greg Cahill.