Reviewed by Dave Brassington

They say that there is a country music album in most singers and in this case the Belfast-born, Scotland-based roots music veteran has gone for a bluegrass style project aided by an excellent American band. 'Bluegrass And Newgrass' opens with the Hank Williams' gospel classic "I Saw The Light" and also includes a couple of other classics "Where The Soul Never Dies" and "What A Friend We Have In Jesus". There are also four Sammy Horner originals with thought-provoking lyrics. All accompanied by a very traditional background of guitar, banjo, mandolin and fiddle, definitely not fast frenetic bluegrass! Sammy's vocals are gutsy and rootsy and very suited to this type of music. The best track for me is Steve Earle's "I Am Just A Pilgrim" which is strangely listed as a traditional song. This is a very easy on the ear album with thoughtful lyrics and I hope it finds a wider appeal than just Sammy Horner/The Electrics aficionados.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.