Hayman, Watkins, Trout And Lee - Hayman, Watkins, Trout And Lee Format: Album Release Date: 6th May 2008 Label: Fortuna Pop Rating: and now for something completely different.... East London Bluegrass from ex Hefner man Darren Hayman and cohorts, this self-titled release is an album of unexpected delights and predictable pitfalls. Recorded in Hayman's home studio/kitchen this is a reocrd of small beginnings and strange concepts. English voices over bluegrass on occasion jars more than a jam factory, but it does allow for some brilliant kitchen sink drama to be infused with the spirit of the South. The opening two Hayman written songs of suburban life are two of the outstanding tracks on this record. The mundanity of the subject matter sits preposturously over simple bluegrass riffs yet does not succumb to the silly. Their are moments of fantastic hoe-down revellery on traditional tracks like Buckdancers choice. Unfortunately on the slower tracks where the bluegrass feel gets lost in the maudlin and maukishness of the english folk influence such as 'Fine Young Cannibals', the album becomes an effort rather than a delight. This record is, in the most part, a good introduction to Bluegrass and a collection of interesting and rewarding tracks. If you plan on buying your first Bluegrass record this year, then make this album it.

Written by: David