Bluegrass Now Review

October 2004 issue, pages 43-44

World of Dreams

World of Dreams' 13 tracks include four new songs written by Wayne Ashemore, two songs from the pen of Jim Livesay, and one from Buster Finneyfrock. Songs like "What a Hurt, What a Heartache" are welcome additions to the bluegrass repertoire. A solid band based in central Maryland, Blue Daze also covers material from Rebe Gosdin, Hugh Moffatt, Carlton Haney, and Vern & Rex Gosdin. Originally formed in 1990, about a decade has now passed since the 1994 album release from this group that was nominated by the Washington Area Music Association for a WAMMIE Award for Bluegrass Band of the Year.

Blue Daze is Chuck Van Meter (guitar), Mike Jenkins (bass), Mike Hartnett (fiddle), Tim Kruzic (banjo), and Lenny Whitehead (mandolin). Jenkins, Hartnett and Whitehead are longtime bluegrass buds who have a history that stretches back to the 70s when they played together in a band called Overland Express.  My favorites include the album's title cut and "Cold Walls of Stone." Interestingly, both have choruses that are sung in lean fashion as duets. The album's closer, "Going Up" is one that just seems to be presented and sung with added conviction.  "Billy the Kid Saloon," a Western Swing number merits special attention and I hope that future projects feature some more of Jenkins' heartfelt lead singing.

This self-released album is an excellent introduction to the music of Blue Daze, a fine band with a downhome bluegrass quality and a lot of pizzazz. I suspect that Blue Daze has a strong fanbase and following in their region, and airplay off "World of Dreams" should help land them plenty more festival and concert appearances.