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The first Foggy Hogtown Boys recording since singer/bassist John McNaughton was replaced by Max Heneman finds the Toronto bluegrass stalwarts pursuing the logical course after losing their vocalist – they’ve gone instrumental for a swing through 10 original compositions, most of which could pass for overlooked old-timey classics. There was some concern that, suddenly free of the slower tempo requirements that ballad singing demands, the Hogtowners might accede to a need for speed to keep pace with what’s happening in the rest of the contemporary bluegrass world, but thankfully, they’ve maintained their longstanding connection to the spirit of Bill Monroe’s concept, which favours soulfulness over showiness while continuing to challenge conventions. You aren’t likely to hear the near-Eastern modal moves of the Hogtowners’ tune Paul David coming out of Kentucky.
Foggy Hogtown Boys launch their CD at Hugh’s Room Friday (April 6).
