So I was immediately thrilled when “Hometown” blasted out of the speakers with a big dose of Ben Walters’ banjo. It’s a powerful song, driving and sing-alongable. “Cold Frosty Window” follows, and it’s a charming, loping number with bittersweet, pretty harmonies. The cover of Roger Miller’s “Chug A Lug” is fun and funny.

Then comes a beautiful highlight, “Run Away.” I pointed out in my review of Short Rows that Lynda Wittig Dawson is a fine songwriter, and “Run Away” and “Hometown” are two of her best. “Run Away” is just about perfect – a couple of guitars, maybe a trace of mandolin, and Wittig Dawson’s crystalline voice with some accompanying harmonies.

“Rambling Man” is a rollicking number, anchored by Walters’ rolling banjo and Patrick Walsh’s upright bass. Fiddler Matt Hooper and mandolinist Jamie Dawson step out for solos in true bluegrass ensemble style. Next, Hooper’s mournful fiddle is all over the old-timey folk blues of “Lay Him In The Ground.”

Even though the price of gas in down to about $1.75 here in southwest Florida as I write this, I’m sadly sure the bouncy, syncopated “Gasoline Blues” will be timely again. And the instrumental “Cherokee Shuffle” is worth mentioning because I’m always amazed by speedy picking.

Wittig Dawson’s lyrics to “The Ghost of Nathaniel Carter” read like poetic prose, stark and spare. And the song in brilliant. “Time Passes (Anniversary Waltz)” closes this fine album with a tender, personal touch.