The disappearance of vocalists who sing bluegrass in the traditional style is a common lament among fans of the genre's pioneers. Nobody sounds like Bill Monroe anymore, or Ralph Stanley, or Jimmy Martin. They just don't make singers like they used to.
Nobody except Kris Hixson and Paul Coleman, collectively known as Coal Country. Their debut CD, Lay My Crown, with its strong echoes of The Stanley Brothers, is a predominantly bluegrass gospel outing that, without fusing the two genres, includes alt-rock songs as well.
Hixson and Coleman are a force of nature on The Stanley Brothers' "Scarlet Purple Robe", telling the story of Jesus' show trial and crucifixion with unmistakable passion and drive.
"Show Me the Way," will remind listeners of the mountain soul made famous by vocalists like Dave Evans, Wes Miller, and Jimmy Martin. The title track anticipates the mercy and grace extended by Jesus when we've endured to the end, driving home the point that good deeds are meaningless without hope, faith, and Jesus' love.
Bluegrass gospel fans may know "Look What I'm Trading For a Mansion" from Paul Williams' version. It tells the story of a woman on her deathbed surrounded by friends and family, who nonetheless is overjoyed to leave earthly sorrows behind for a heavenly home with Jesus.
In every case, the vocals have such drive and intensity that it's only after awhile one notices the near absence -- in the mix, at least -- of banjo. It's an unfortunate lack; bluegrass-style banjo would have made the perfect, muscular foil to this brother-style duo.
The alt-rock tunes don't stand up to the bluegrass gospel numbers. If you're looking for under-the-radar bluegrass gospel the way it used to be, Coal Country is an unexpected but absolutely essential find.
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