
Missy Raines is a Bluegrass artist who sings and plays upright bass. She is from West Virginia and had played in several Bluegrass combos before going out on her own. I saw her and her band The New Hip at one of the concerts that used to be at the bandshell in Reading during the summer (probably 2010). That is where I bought this CD. They later played at one of the Merlefest festivals I went to. Seven of the ten tracks are instrumental with Missy’s bass and other string instruments playing Bluegrass with a touch of Jazz. Drums and organ are added to some of the tracks. “Duke Of Paducah” is an up-tempo Jazzy composition I remember her introducing at the concert. “Ides Of March” is a nice mellow tune with acoustic guitar, mandolin and bass. “Angeline” is a traditional up-tempo instrumental. “Stop, Drop and Wiggle” has a Blues sound. Of the three with vocals “Basket Of Singing Birds” has the most Bluegrass sound.