Well-Oiled Machine is the latest CD from folk/bluegrass/jam band Hot Buttered Rum. On this sophomore release, the band's mix of instrumental virtuosity and gorgeous vocal harmonies bring to mind such acts as Fairport Convention, The Grateful Dead, David Grisman, The Marshall Tucker Band, Bela Fleck, and even the more acoustic work of Ian Anderson and Jethro Tull. The title of the CD is in reference to their custom tour bus, which runs on a combination of recycled vegetable oil and biodiesel! The music on Well-Oiled Machine is performed on acoustic guitar, mandolin, fiddle, cello, banjo, flute, and accordion, and each of the five band members contribute vocals, making for an overall rich and full acoustic sound. The production of the CD by Mike Marshall is crisp, intimate, and warm, with engineering done by Dave Dennison, who handled the chores on the band's first album and also has worked with Jerry Garcia and Dave Grisman in the past. There's plenty of engaging and wild picking going on during songs like "Firefly", "Poison Oak", and the rootsy hoedown of "Waiting for a Squall". All the players are fine performers in their own right, but fiddler Aaron Redner and banjo player Erik Yates really stand out and deliver plenty of melodic yet fiery solos.
If you like groovy acoustic music with a multitude of instrumental fireworks and layers of bluegrass and country tinged vocals, then give Hot Buttered Rum's Well-Oiled Machine a try. It will certainly be a hit at your next picnic outing or barbecue for sure!
Track Listing
1) Firefly
2) Guns or Butter
3) Idaho Pines
4) Poison Oak
5) Watherpocket Fold
6) Always Be the Moon
7) Well-Oiled Machine
8) Waiting for a Squall
9) Butch and Peggy
10) Sweet Honey Fountain
11) Wedding Day
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