“Broken Wing” is the long-awaited third release from North Carolina’s roots act Lazybirds, who capture the finer aspects of “bluesgrass” (to borrow the term from a forgotten person) at its most caricatured. Boasting fourteen tracks of sheer Appalachian splendour (though mostly interpretations of traditional songs), this album could only be improved if it came with cowboy boots in tow.
The upbeat nature of the album is captured early on, with “Good Morning Blues” and “Travelin’ Man” being good-natured revisiting of traditional blues and country music. “Alabama BBQ” hints at jazz inclinations (as does “Keep Away From My Doorstep”) while it’d take a bold individual to resist the urge to dance to the “Champagne Polka".
Attempting to play the music of Bob Dylan is a task that bands should always approach with caution and reverence. However, the songs preceding “Forever Young” gave me little cause for concern, if any. True enough, the Lazybirds version is one that Dylan himself would be proud of. A strangely effective rendition of Sly Stone’s “Life” is also executed with vigour.
Perhaps surprising is that “Broken Wing” is the only original track on the album. However, the quality of the rest of the album - regardless of who penned what - is enough to make this album a must-have. The album is seen out in appropriate fashion on “Blue Moon of Kentucky.” If that doesn’t have you pouring a glass of bourbon, see a doctor.
Longtime fans will not be let down by this release, though they may have wished for a few more songs penned by the band. However, the overall strength of this album lies in the ability of the band’s members, not only as individuals but also as a unit. This is a truly delightful album.