Laurie Lewis : Blossoms

Lewis enlists the help of long-time musical partner Tom Rozum on mandolin, octave mandolin, and vocals. The roster also includes David Grier, Nina Gerber, and Scott Huffman on guitar, Roy Rogers on slide guitar; Alex Hargreaves, Brittany Haas, and Darol Anger on fiddles.

The music on Blossoms isn’t strictly bluegrass. Instead, it’s a celebration of diversity with spirituals such as "How Can I Keep From Singing?", followed by folkier songs such as Kate MacLeod’s "Lark in the Morning." Lewis’ original songs go from winsome ballads such as "Chains of Letters" to Carribean-flavored rap songs like "Cool Your Jets," which features "Car Talk" brothers Tom and Ray Magliozzi contributing spoken parts. In between are the dual fiddle instrumental "Sophie’s House" and an a cappella rendition of "Return to the Fire."

Blossoms serves as a wonderful introduction for new Lewis fans and a big ol’ hug for long-timers.

- Steven Stone
Vintage Guitar Magazine,
January, 2011