Sam Bush – Laps In Seven

Sam Bush started many years ago in traditional bluegrass before turning that world on its ear - advancing a genre beyond recognition - and, in the process, became the godfather of what would eventually become known as Jamband music. With Laps In Seven, Bush is still leading the charge and, in many ways, still doing it better than just about anyone. Laps In Seven captures the energy of Bush's live performance with a batch of songs new to his stellar live show, pairing freshness with chops to make this a must-hear for all fans of progressive acoustic music. Bush has always had an excellent ear for song : Laps In Seven includes songs by Darrel Scott, Julie Miller, Leon Russell, Robbie Fulks, and John Hartford and a cover of It's a Beautiful Day's classic 'White Bird'! Includes guests Emmylou Harris, Buddy Miller, Jean-Luc Ponty, Tim O'Brien, and Shaun Murphy (Little Feat).

Track Listing:
1. The River’s Gonna Run -  3:59   2. Bringing In The Georgia Mail - 3:55   3. The Dolphin Dance - 3:12   4. On The Road - 4:59   5. Ridin’ That Bluegrass Train - 3:44   6. I Wanna Do Right - 4:31   7. Where There’s A Road - 3:50   8. New Country -  4:06   9. Ballad For A Soldier - 4:34   10. River Take Me -  7:09   11. White Bird - 5:58   12. Laps In Seven - 5:00

Personnel:
Sam Bush (vocals, mandolins, guitars, fiddle) , Emmylou Harris (duet vocal on 1) , Buddy Miller (guitars on 1) , Scott Vestal (banjo, synthesizer) , Keith Sewell (guitars, harmony vocals) , Byron House (acoustic bass, electric bass, harmony vocals) , Jean Luc Ponty (violin on 8) , Andrea Zonn (violin, viola, vocals, harmony vocals) , Chris Brown (drums, percussion, congas) , Tim O'Brien / Shaun Murphy / John Pennell (harmony vocals) ,

Reviews:

1. AllMusic - Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr.
Sam Bush has been one of the most respected and loved bluegrass icons since his work with the New Grass Revival during the early '70s. Few folk today remember what a stir the New Grass Revival made at the time with their long hair and acoustic rock take on "Great Balls of Fire." On 2006's Laps in Seven, singer/mandolinist Bush covers the bluegrass continuum with ease, offering fairly traditional fare like "Bringing in the Georgia Mail" and progressive jazz like Jean-Luc Ponty's "New Country." It's an eclectic stew, and he has no problem shifting from acoustic to electric, from vocals to instrumentals. Even with this open approach, Bush's music often expresses a "settled" quality that feels rather safe and lacking in soul. A prime example is his take on John Hartford's "On the Road" (from Hartford's Morning BugleLP). Obviously, Bush has a great appreciation for Hartford's music, and he's chosen -- structurally -- one of his most challenging songs. Bush's vocal and the band's plodding, however, change Hartford's edgy paean to living on the road into a song that wouldn't be too out of place on bluegrass radio. Sure, Bush's mandolin solo is breezy and, unlike Hartford's version, a listener can actually understand the lyrics. But something has been lost in the process. "I Wanna Do Right," filled with a buoyant groove and soulful backing vocals, works much better, though the song may remind old New Grass Revival fans of "Going to the Fair." Despite these criticisms, Bush can't be accused of sleeping on the job. He always turns out a professional product that pleases fans, and in this fashion, Laps in Seven is no different.