Bluegrass Unlimited Review - October 1994 Issue

Blue Daze is hardly in a daze.  This Maryland-based band knows that it loves wistful songs of life, love, and travel, and has collected a dozen examples in an enjoyable debut album.

The collection is highlighted by story songs ("Brother John"), mellow western-style numbers ("Teardrops in My Heart" and "Detour") and rolling modern 'grass ("Train of Memories").  Chuck Van Meter is a talented guitarist, a pleasing vocalist in the Tony Rice mode plus a fine songwriter ("Walking Through Glory," which is crowned with an absolutely shining quartet harmony).  Lenny Whitehead, who punctuates the band's dynamics with his bright mandolin backups and rhythm, has also contributed the originals "I Want To Be There" and the laid-back jazzy instrumental "The Homestretch."  Blue Daze is particularly lucky to have lively pickers and vocal Jacks-of-all-ranges in banjoist Tim Kruzic and bassist Mike Jenkins.

There are very slight vocal quaverings on a few tracks, probably the result of the singers in question lacking confidence in really opening their throats and delivering line endings.  But overall Blue Daze comes through with professional treatments and spirited arrangements of everything in its repertoire.  The band's sound is characterized by a gentle harmony blend over a crisp but smooth instrumental rhythm, a combination sure to win it many new fans.

Review written by Richard D. Smith