Kaintuck Band “Hold Whatcha Got”

The latest album by Kaintuck Band is ‘Hold Whatcha Got’, and was recorded and mastered by Jeff Baxter, and produced by Jim Armstrong at JB Audio in Louisville, Kentucky in 2023. Previously, I was unfamiliar with the band, except for a couple singles receiving airtime on the Jamboree. So, I was looking forward to reviewing the Project.

This is the fourth album, for the band, which was formed in 2017. The musical contributors include Jim Armstrong – Fiddle, lead & tenor vocals, Sonny Doak – acoustic Guitar, lead vocals, Mark Payne – 5 string Banjo, Bobby Parton – Mandolin, and newest member Larry Franklin – upright bass, lead & baritone vocals.

The band comes to you, at this point, with prestigious and deep experience by the individual musicians. (See info on their website.) In my opinion, the individuals also fit together very well, to produce a cohesive and entertaining collective sound.

The album contains 12 songs, six Bluegrass selections, and six Bluegrass Gospel songs. The selections are primarily covers and traditional songs, some of which are 100 years old, while one of the Gospel tracks is a new, original, written by Jim Armstrong.

Now, as far as the tracks; ‘Girl From West Virginia’ (Clyde & Marie Denny, Wade Hill) is the first and is lively, moving, and fun. ‘The title track, ‘Hold Whatcha Got’ is a Jimmy Martin Classic, with this rendition being very well done! ‘Nellie Kane’ (Tim O’Brien) rather than say, ‘hard-driving’ which I feel is often over used, I prefer to say, ‘the progressions & breaks are excellent, along with the lead vocal, and I believe the band had fun with this.’ ‘Using My Bible as a Roadmap’ (Don Reno, Charles Schroeder) is a good, light, banjo tune, that follows with mandolin, guitar, and fiddle. ‘Dreams of a Miner’s Child’(Andrew Jenkins/Public Domain), is a traditional and somewhat mournful tune, which was written over 100 years ago.

‘Milwaukee, Here I Come’(Lee Fikes), is a fast movin’ tune that fully involves the whole band. A real toe-tapper! ‘Lonesome Feeling’ (Billy Henson) is a Traditional tune, that may have the best instrumentation of the project, along with excellent harmony. ‘You Go To Your Church’ (Phillips H. Lord/Public Domain), is simple, lively, and upbeat Bluegrass about diversity & unity. Extra Good! ‘Slipping Away’ (Bill Anderson) is a good example of a Bluegrass arrangement, but the tune is not my favorite. ‘Crying Holy To The Lord’ (Public Domain) is Traditional, old timey, with an unknown composer. It is genuine Gospel, with a Bluegrass arrangement. ‘Do You Call That Religion’ (Public Domain) is another example of an old, Traditional, set to a Bluegrass arrangement, and well done. ‘Walking Down God’s Road’ (Jim Armstrong) is a new, original Bluegrass Gospel song, and a fitting wrap up for the album!

Kaintuck Band tells everyone that they are committed to keeping the traditions alive for Traditional Bluegrass and that is a priority for them. In private, I believe you can sense that they love what they’re doing and are having fun with what they do. I believe both are admirable goals. Personally, I’d like to see and hear more from them. I believe you will, as well.

The band plays Festivals, specific music shows, and private events. Currently, their intended orbit includes Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, Tennessee, and Ohio. You can follow Kaintuck Band on facebook @Kaintuck.Bluegrass.Band, or their website www.KaintuckBand.com or email contact KaintuckBand@gmail.com .