...This all-instrumental, all-originals project is his fourth for Dreadnought Recordings, and just as entertaining as the rest, as he tackles each composition with a curiosity and energy that leaves a lasting impression. Titles like the frolicsome "Four Dogs Jogging" (with embellishments from banjoist Scott Vestal and fiddler Stuart Duncan) and the melancholy, back-porch luxurious "High Atop Princess Cove," with some eloquently forlorn enhancement from fiddler/violinist Andrea Zonn, prove especially satisfying.

 

Other guests here are electric fretless bassist Victor Wooten, who shows up on half the tracks (the pensive "Road to Hope and a melodically flush "What a Way to Go" are favorites), acoustic bassist Byron House and banjoist Noam Pikelny (on the genially witty "As It Rolls to the Sea"), along with Grier's album band mates - drummer John Gardner, keyboards/accordion and pennywhistler extraordinaire Jeff Taylor and pedal-steel maven Paul Franklin. Other solid senders include the necessary brief and bluesy "As Easy as Falling Off a Log," the timeless, heartfelt reverie of "The End of a Good Day" and the playful "Teela," which contains some of Grier's most gymnastic fretwork.

Throughout, Grier's unique, kinetic phrasing and inventive picking progressions keep the ears pricked. Recommended.  Gary Von Tersch  Sing Out Magazine - Vol 53, #3
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