Cadillac Sky - Blind Man Walking

Cadillac Sky is a group that came together in 2002 in Texas. Bryan Simpson is an accomplished and published songwriter and he was looking for a way to share some of his more personal material that he had no outlet for in the mainstream market. It was music that was in his heart and he felt it would be appreciated in the right forum. He connected with young banjo prodigy Matt Menefee who had the same musical vision. They added Mike Jump, and Ross Holmes and a little more recently Andy Moritz completed the group Cadillac Sky. Their combined talents and the amazing lyrics from Bryan Simpson caught the attention of Ricky Skaggs and he signed them to his Skaggs Family Records label. Their debut album, Blind Man Walking, has taken the bluegrass world by storm. They are steeped in tradition, yet their sound also has a contemporary sound to it that intrigues and interests a whole new generation of fans for the bluegrass sound.

Every song on this 13 track album was written or co-written by Bryan Simpson. The first song on the album is "Born Lonesome," and it shows us that tradition is alive and well in the bluegrass world. One of my favorite songs on the album is also very traditional. "Sinners Welcome" includes the talents of the C-Sky Soleful Stomp and Holy Hands Quartet to lend a little extra something special to the lyrics, using their voices and clapping for rhythm instead of instruments at the beginning of the song, then lending their harmonies as backup throughout the song. I really like the message that conveys everyone is a sinner and forgiveness is for everyone who asks, not just a special few. "Homesick Angel" is a very sad and poignant ballad that features the guest vocals of Sonya Isaacs. The title track, "Blind Man Walking" has a very powerful message if you just stop and really listen to the lyrics. I think what really impresses me about the songwriting skills on this album is that each and every song carries a great message within the lyrics. The instrumental talents and vocal harmonies make it an album that leaves you wanting more at the end of each song. They have set the bar high with this one, and the challenge to create material to beat it on their next album won't be easy to meet. However, I have no doubt that these young men will blow this album out of the water with their next release. I can't wait to hear what they come up with.