Wind To The West (1996)

Blue Highway. “It’s a tribute indeed to a great band when they can follow up an album as powerful & perfect as Blue Highway’s 1st release (IT’S A LONG LONG ROAD, REB-1719) with a second release that compares favorably with it, as this 13-song collection certainly does. The east Tennessee band features a sterling combination of fine, mostly new material, tasteful arrangements that make lovely use of Rob Ickes tasteful dobro playing, and unusually strong singing: Tim Stafford, Shawn Lane and Wayne Taylor all have great voices—they sound terrific in any and all combinations. Those of you who have seen them in person know how effective their gospel pieces are, such as GOD MOVES IN A WINDSTORM and TWO COATS. I don’t know if this band can get any better—catch them any time you can—they’re having fun and playing GREAT MUSIC. A superb disc. HOWLING WIND, GOOD TIME BLUES, THE ROUNDER, HUNTSVILLE, I LET A GOOD WOMAN GO, I CAN STAND THE TRUTH, HORSESHOE BEND, BETWEEN THE ROWS, etc.” Dave Freeman