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There must be some sort of relative magic about what goes on in a songwriters head as they begin to pen a new song. There must lie innumerable thoughts, words and visions that  inhabit the depths of their soul, much like the morning dew rests upon the early morning grass and effortlessly, the two are one. Their minds, thoughts, words, pen in hand work together in the grand scheme of things much like a scientific calculator computes a mathematical sentence into a single answer in the blink of an eye. That is the way I envision the gift of songwriting, mere words, spilling forth from the lips of a never ending flow of very deep and though provoking  lyrics. Before I realize it, I am lured and I become a prisoner at my own free will to the words that she will speak next. Who is ’she’? It is the multi-talented lead singer, songwriter and fiddler for the bluegrass gospel group, Harvest Wind, Revonda Roberts.  Other members of the group are Lonnie Roberts on mandolin, Justin Bowles on guitar, Amanda Torrence on bass, Brandon Rowe on banjo and James Torrence on dobro.  I am amazed at how this six member group becomes one and the way their music flows, truly like an autumn’s harvest wind. Is it some sort of unconscious gift that they possess?  Are they seeing up ahead in the distance a road less traveled? Maybe. This group is destined to become a permanent fixture in bluegrass gospel music. It is not often that a group so distinct rises upon the face of the horizon and spills forth such a mesmerizing blend of singing and playing that keeps the ears attentive to the next note, the next word, the next song.  How is it that one person alone can conjure up such lyrics? I have come to conclude that it is truly a God given gift. Revonda’s singing and songwriting is a welcome addition to the bluegrass scene.

The group is equally talented on their instruments of choice and the harmonies lack nothing. They perform with drive and enthusiasm and it truly shows. Revonda’s husband Lonnie opens several of the songs and he plays with such strict accuracy, that it is easy on the ear and makes you pay attention to the melody and tone of the song. His keen sense of the material lets you know that he is attentive to each and every detail of the song. That is the making for a master musician. Justin is one of those incredible musicians that steps onto the scene from out of no where and plays like he’s always been there.  I have no doubt that he could put out an instrumental cd and it would become a classic.  His playing is effortless and he is truly a force to be wreckoned with. Brandon’s banjo picking mixes in to form the true bluegrass sound and delivers every bit that it should. It leaves no gaps and one thing you don’t hear in this group is the overused clucking banjo.  There are some groups that it serves well and other groups it doesn’t. Harvest Wind definetly knows their sound does not include the classic cluck. Don’t get me wrong, and as I said earlier, it works well when the music calls for it. However, if your music doesn’t call for it, then leave it alone and they have done just that. (Kudos!) I have also enjoyed the dobro on this project. Again, kudos! Why? Because the dobro can be an overworked horse too and it can quickly become irritating. However, this is another feather in the cap for this group. James’ playing is not overbearing in the least.  What I have noticed is that the dobro is continually filling in when not taking lead and that is certainly another compliment to this project. The dobro rises when it is supposed to and sets when it should. The sound is then completed with Amanda on bass. She handles her post playing wonderfully and she seemlessly channels her energy to exude a mellow form of bass playing. Conclusively, the entire group shines throughout entire album handing off split breaks like they’re hot cakes! 

‘Stillwater’ is the brand new project from this well favoured group and it’s certainly a masterful collection of prime, soul stirring lyrics and a sound that has set them apart. I have enjoyed every song and I must say that there is not one ‘dull’ song on the album. It’s a perfect bluegrass gospel blend that is soothing to the weary soul. The album sets sail with the hair raising number one song ‘Wicked Man’ telling of an eerie meeting with the devil himself, early one mornin’ ’bout a quarter til three.  Every instrument is ‘wide open’ on this song and you just have to be amazed at the unison of the group. The mandolin kicks off ‘The Only Door’ and from the first note, any discerning ear will tune in to enjoy. This song is sure to bring a tear to any eye as it tells of a young child’s death. ‘I Feel Like Peter’ is another song that feels like rain falling on a dry desert as it tenderly nurtures the seed of faith in us all. I can’t help but hear the country girl coming out when Revonda sings ‘Thinking of A Brighter Day’, another song that caught my ear. Finally, ‘Stillwater’ is a testament to the band’s unique sound and effortless harmonies and kicks off with Justin’s distinctive guitar pickin’.   ‘Draggin Chains’ is simply put, a monster of a song! Love It! ‘Back To Where You Belong’ , ‘Doin’ Time in My Mind’ and ‘I Traveled On This Road’ are all three masterfully written, played and sung and they are sure to be ‘pleasers’ for many, many years to come. Last, but certainly not least, is the ballad ‘Come and Go With Me’ which tells of a chance meeting with death itself. It is another song that is very thought provoking.

Track Listing: Wicked Man, Stillwater, I Feel Like Peter, Thinking of A Brighter Day, Back To Where You Belong, The Only Door, Come & Go With Me, Doin’ Time In My Mind, Draggin’ Chains, I Traveled On This Road

If you are looking for something that gently goes against the grain, then you are sure to be pleased with the new release from Revonda Roberts & Harvest Wind. With such a wonderful blend of all the key ingredients to an excellent project, this group is poised to be a permanent fixture in the bluegrass gospel genre. This group has it all, excellent timing, a firm musical foundation, sailing harmonies and a lead singer that really, really knows how to belt it out!  

Visit their website: www.revondarobertsandharvestwind.com

Review By: Mike Carroll