The Cold Hard Facts

Album Review

An exemplary album from the group that roots music figurehead David Grisman has referred to as "my favorite bluegrass band," The Cold Hard Facts features everything one has come to expect from the McCourys: virtuoso (but never unnecessarily flashy) playing, innovative song selection, and the finest tenor lead vocals since Bill Monroe. The band imbues originals and cover tunes by a broad selection of writers (Tom Petty, Robert Cray, Ray Price, and others) with a passion and energy that gives these odd choices the emotional weight of bluegrass standards — a feat that even less traditionally rooted, "progressive" bands can rarely accomplish. Although the elder McCoury always leads the way with his flawless singing, Del's sons have developed into stellar musicians as well. Ronnie McCoury's expert rhythm mandolin playing is the secret ingredient to many songs' driving grooves and brother Rob McCoury's muscular, bluesy, Roland White-like banjo stylings give the music an appealing heft. Bassist Mike Bub also deserves special mention, his classically understated, near-perfect bass work serving as the prototypical low-end glue. Anyone who claims to be a fan of bluegrass really can't go wrong with a Del McCoury Band album and, simply put, The Cold Heart Facts finds this stellar ensemble at the top of its game.