Circles Around Me

On his seventh solo release Sam Bush shows again why he’s one of the world’s most revered mandolin masters. Surrounded by his ace band of Scott Vestal (banjo), Stephen Mougin (guitar), Byron House (bass), and Chris Brown (drums) they tear through traditional bluegrass numbers, heartbreaking ballads written and sung by Bush, scorching instrumentals, and a couple of New Grass Revival classics (“Souvenir Bottles,” “Whisper My Name”) all with jaw-dropping musicianship (Bush also plays fiddle here). Guests include Jerry Douglas and Edgar Meyer as well as the great Del McCoury on a pair of Bill Monroe standards, “Roll On Buddy, Roll On” and “Midnight On the Stormy Deep.” Also of note is a version of “Apple Blossom,” which is from a recording made in 1976 that features Bush’s former New Grass Revival band mate, the late Courtney Johnson, on banjo. There is not a single dud on *Circles Around You*, and Bush’s legion of loyal fans will likely find this to be one of his stronger solo efforts.