Bradford Lee Folk and Caleb Roberts front one of the hottest bluegrass bands of today, Open Road.

Open Road are REAL bluegrass entertainers, reminding me of what it might have been like to see Doc Watson and Bill Monroe in their early days. They walk the walk and talk the talk, from their stage attire to their traditional approach to songwriting and performance. More than that, they truly are country gentlemen. Their politeness comes across in every aspect of their demeanor, naturally connecting them with their audience.

Guitarist Bradford Lee Folk is the primary songwriter and lead vocalist. His traditional country tenor vocals are the identifying signature sound of Open Road, but his vocal phrasing and knack for writing great songs has already earned him national acclaim. Bradford was also one of twelve songwriters selected for the 2001 International Bluegrass Music Association's Songwriters Showcase.

I got to meet the band and speak with Caleb at a bluegrass festival last month in Maltby, Washington. A tall fellow with horned rimmed glasses and an infectious smile that automatically makes you like him, Caleb is an exceptional mandolinist, going beyond great chops. His creativity as a soloist sets him apart as a true master of his instrument.

Cold Wind, the title track from their 2nd CD is a barnburner of a song and a great lead-in to a 13 song CD of traditional and original songs performed in the traditional sense of bluegrass. Some of my favorite highlights of their original songs on the album include Hard Times, a slow ballad with heart piercing lyrics and solid three part harmonies, and a Caleb Roberts original called South Saluda Ramble which features his inventiveness on mandolin. Cold Wind furthers the tradition of bluegrass and establishes Open Road as a premier band in the bluegrass realm.

For more information on Open Road, CLICK HERE

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