It's My Turn

With a warm female lead, tight ensemble playing, and close harmony, Michelle Nixon and Drive will remind listeners of Alison Krauss and Rhonda Vincent. Nixon is joined by mandolinist Vernon Hughes, bassist Jim Green, banjoist Jason Davis, guitarist Eddie Shifflett, and fiddler Justen Haynes on a dozen classic and contemporary bluegrass songs. The group turns in a lovely version of Dallas Frazier's "Beneath Still Waters," and there's a nice, upbeat take on Tom T. and Dixie Hall's "Harlan." There's a sparkling instrumental titled "Couch Potato" and a fun twist on tradition with "Joan Henry," a song perfectly suited for a female lead. Like Krauss and Union Station, Nixon and Drive work as a unit, which means that everyone gets a chance to shine. Hughes turns in fine lead vocals on "Bees in the Hive" and "It's in My Mind to Wonder," while Green handles the lead on the gospel-tinged "Step Into the Water." While each of these players is a fine instrumentalist, their calling card is their ability to perform as a band. Hughes, Green, and Nixon's voices also blend together well, guaranteeing that each chorus will be filled with sprightly harmony. It's My Turn is a fine debut that will leave contemporary bluegrass fans wanting more. ~ Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr., Rovi