Hayman, Watkins, Trout and Lee

Bluegrass isn't a style of music i'm familar with, i don't think many people are and i don't think many people would be very inclined to explore the genre but when a couple of celebrated musicians group together to create a Bluegrass band then i'm more than happy to give it a go.
The couple in question are Darren Hayman of Hefner and David Tattersall of The Wave Pictures and with a couple of friends have formed Hayman, Watkins, Trout and Lee. Its the sort of band thats put together over a bottle of wine, drunkenly chatting about music when they all discover a mutual liking for Smithsonian sounds and Dr John (see picture). But with these guys being seasoned musicians they've taken their inebriated converations further than most and recorded an album.
The music is subdued, the guitars twang, the mandolin pings and the fiddle sways. Lyrics flow like a stream as mournful stories and wistful tales are held bare, but there's also a whimsical side to them. The Mountain Goats cover Jam-Eater Blues is a fast paced, banjo lead ditty about life's briefness so why not eat jam out of the jar :)
The album is out now on Fortuna POP! and available through Darren's website

Hayman, Watkins, Trout and Lee - Sly And The Family Stone
Hayman, Watkins, Trout and Lee - Jam-Eater Blues

p.s. Its been Keep Hope Inside's 2nd birthday this week. For it he's got guest bloggers to write about their favourite Brtitish albums of the past 2 years. Mine was put up on Tuesday so go have a look and while you're at it read the rest of the blog as Saam does a great job over there.