Andy Leftwich: “The American Fiddler” (2022) CD Review

Andy Leftwich is known for his work in Ricky Skaggs’ band, Kentucky Thunder, a group he was a part of for fifteen years. He is also known for his work in Three Ring Circle, a trio that includes Rob Ickes and Dave Pomeroy. He’s played with a wide variety of artists over the years, from Ronnie Milsap to Taylor Swift, and has won multiple awards, including four Grammy Awards. He has released a few solo albums, including Instrumental Hymns. His new album, The American Fiddler, contains mostly original material. He plays both fiddle and mandolin on most tracks. Joining him on this release are Cody Kilby on guitar, Byron House on bass, Mark Schatz on bass and clawhammer banjo, Matt Menefee on banjo, and Scott Vestal on banjo, along with several guests on various tracks.

The album opens with its title track, “The American Fiddler,” a lively, cheerful number that takes me back to some of the best times I’ve spent at various Irish pubs and halls. This tune combines Irish folk and bluegrass elements to create a completely enjoyable piece. Special guest Ricky Skaggs joins him on mandolin for this one, and Jeff Taylor is on accordion. Special guest Fionán de Barra joins Cody Kilby on guitar, and the two deliver some exciting work. This is one of my personal favorite tracks. It’s followed by “Over Cincinnati,” which has a really pleasant vibe. You know those moments when you suddenly realize you are happy right where you are? This tune feels like those moments, when you do not long for some distant place, or to be with someone who is far away. It is the joy of the moment, and of those you find yourself with. Fellow Three Ring Circle member Rob Ickes joins Andy Leftwich on dobro on this track, delivering some excellent work. Music like this makes me feel good.

“Pikes Peak Breakdown” is a fast-paced gem featuring some joyful, impressive work on fiddle. Scott Vestal delivers some delicious work on banjo. This one is about movement, about flying forward, going farther, with hardly a glance behind. Bryan Sutton totally shines on guitar, and Mark Schatz keeps that pulse going on bass. That’s followed by “Jackson’s Ground,” a fun, light piece that seems to bound and dance over the land, eyes to the sky rather than the ground, and so each step takes us a little farther up into the air. We’re still aware that the ground is a safe place to land, and at one point in the middle of the track it provides a place to curl up in the sun’s warming rays before getting up to run and play once more.

“Liberty” is a traditional song that will be familiar to most people here in the U.S., particularly those of us who enjoy fiddle music. There is great joy in the playing, with Cody Kilby on guitar, Matt Menefee on banjo, Byron House on bass, and special guest Sierra Hull on mandolin. At one point in the track’s second half, it seems to be ending. Then the fiddle leads everyone into the next section, which is wonderful because we don’t want this one to end too soon. Andy Leftwich then takes us to Europe with a cover of Bireli Lagrene’s “Made In France,” which has a wonderful gypsy vibe. Fionán de Barra again joins Cody Kilby to deliver some excellent work on guitar, and this track also features some wonderful stuff from Jeff Taylor on accordion and Byron House on bass. And Andy Leftwich is fantastic on mandolin. I love music that is able to transport us, and this piece certainly accomplishes that. Jeff Taylor also plays accordion on the next track, “Kimper County.” This begins as a cheerful, pleasant number, creating a carefree atmosphere, but also a place where people still get things done. Bryan Sutton plays guitar on this track, and Mark Schatz plays both bass and clawhammer banjo.

Sierra Hull joins Andy Leftwich on mandolin for a wonderful, lively rendition of Bill Monroe’s “Big Mon,” a track that also features some excellent work by Cody Kilby on guitar and Matt Menefee on banjo. This is a totally delicious jam. That’s followed by “Dalvay’s Reel,” another tune that combines Irish and bluegrass elements, and features more excellent work by Sierra Hull on mandolin, Cody Kilby on guitar, and of course Andy Leftwich on fiddle. That is followed by a live recording of “Sally Goodin,” featuring Ricky Skaggs on mandolin. The rest of this band for this number includes Eddie Farris on guitar, Paul Brewster on guitar, Russ Carson on banjo and Scott Mulvahil on bass. It is the only live track on the album, but it is easy to see why it was chosen for inclusion. The energy is high, the playing fantastic.

“Back To The Garden” is a mellower, pretty piece, with a peaceful and joyful line running through it. Andy Leftwich plays both fiddle and guitar on this track, and Steve Brewster provides percussion. The title of course reminds me of a line from Joni Mitchell’s “Woodstock.” I love the way this track becomes more beautiful as it goes. Then there is a good deal of happiness in the disc’s closing track, “Through The East Gate,” which features Mark Schutz on both bass and clawhammer banjo.

CD Track List

1. The American Fiddler
2. Over Cincinnati
3. Pikes Peak Breakdown
4. Jackson’s Ground
5. Liberty
6. Made In France
7. Kimper County
8. Big Mon
9. Dalvay’s Reel
10. Sally Goodin
11. Back To The Garden
12. Through The East Gate

The American Fiddler was released on October 28, 2022.