Bluegrass Boogie
Bluegrass Boogie was recorded at Michael Barber's Studio in Lexington, NC in Feb. 2003. The CD features two original compositions by Richard Matteson Fishing Bound and Bluegrass Boogie, and includes several new performers in the Messengers line-up: Josh Burchem –Mandolin and Vocal on "John Hardy;" Debbie Gitlan- Fiddle; Lisa Parrish- vocals; Kristina Powell- vocals and Justin Swaim- Banjo. Kevin Crooks, who is the regular bass player for the Messengers did not play bass on the CD, Richard Matteson did.
The CD which is more fast paced and driving than the early CD's is powered by the fiddle playing of Debbie Gitlan, a regular on the bluegrass festival circuit. Some of the breakdowns include Foggy Mountain Breakdown, Jerusalem Ridge, Salt Creek, John Hardy, Little Maggie, Bile Dem Cabbage Down, and Dogget’s Gap.
The CD opens with a Messenger favorite Hallelujah I’m Ready, and also features two jazz standards Maple Leaf Rag and Alabama Jubilee.
Bluegrass Boogie:
- Foggy Mountain Breakdown
- Hallelujah I’m Ready
- *Bluegrass Boogie
- Jerusalem Ridge
- Salt Creek
- *Fishing Bound
- Bile Dem Cabbage Down
- John Hardy
- Dogget’s Gap
- Alabama Jubilee
- Little Maggie
- Maple Leaf Rag
Performers:
Richard L. Matteson Jr.- Guitars, Slide, Bass, Lead & Back-up Vocals
Mark Arrowood- Banjo
Kristina Powell- Vocals
Debbie Gitlan- Fiddle
Josh Burchem –Mandolin, Vocal on “John Hardy”
Rhonda Ladd- Back-up vocals
Alan Kirby- Banjo
Lisa Parrish- Back-up vocals
Kevin Crooks–Bass
Justin Swaim- Banjo