NEW ROAD – The Message
Album Review by Joe Ross (June 2006)
NRBGM-00006

115 Little Tater Valley Road, Luttrell, TN. 37779
TEL. (865)992-8349
h ttp://www.newroadgospel.com
newroadmusic [at] hotmail.com
INFO: Penni McDaniel Tel. (678)377-3298
Playing Time – 37:38

Hailing from east Tennessee, New Road plays contemporary bluegrass gospel
with irrefutable strength. Their efficacy is built with fundamental
messages, complemented by authoritative, confident musicianship. Prolific
Gary Kidwell (guitar, vocals) contributes seven originals to “The Message.”
He demonstrates a delicate and subtle side with a song like “Servant’s
Prayer,” but his directive is more tenacious and commanding on “Render Your
Heart.” More questioning country overtones characterize “I Wonder What Our
Lord Was Thinking.” Other songs on this project come from Bonnie Parton,
Joshua Troxal, and Dottie Rambo.

New Road formed over a decade ago, and their 2001 album was produced by Tim
Austin. They were showcase artists at the 2005 IBMA World of Bluegrass in
Nashville. I like the fact that they are a full six-piece ensemble, and five
of the six members also sing. From eastern Kentucky, Gary Kidwell started
playing and singing for the Lord about five years ago. Stuart Wyrick (banjo,
guitar) makes his home in Luttrell, Tn., and he has been with the New Road
since day one. Another Tennesseean, Tom Brantley, plays fiddle and has been
with the group about five years. Doug Johnson (bass) started full time with
New Road in 2004. Mike Ramsey (mandolin) comes from Mulberry Gap, Tn. where
he is the seventh generation to farm some of the family’s original land
settled after the Revolutionary War. The self-taught musician says he has
great respect for the melody of a song, plays the mandolin the same way, and
sings by feel. Vic Graves (dobro), known to some as “Paw Graves,” lives in
an area of Claiborne County, Tennessee called Speedwell, near the Cumberland
Gap area.

New Road’s ministry uses bluegrass gospel music to proclaim a message of
hope in an age of uncertainty. Convincing scriptural-based lyrics
accompanied by strong melodies are their trademark. New Road reaches people
by the very strength and simplicity of their words, melodies and harmonies.
When you become downcast or have troubles, remember where good things come
from and listen to “The Message.” New Road's songs encourage listeners to
“Just Look Up To God” and discover “The Peace He Brings.” As you feel and
are moved by the spirit of the Lord, your heart is filled with all the love
He preached. New Road’s music helps that message come through, and you'll
likely have a warmer, gracious feeling for each other. (Joe Ross)