This review is a contribution from independent journalist Rick Heldmann, a tremendous lover of bluegrass living in Colorado.
I have been following the journey of The Steve Bruce Band for the last two years. Today, I received my copy of A Family Tradition a very recent CD by the band, which is unquestionably their crowning achievement to date. The album is independently produced by Dennis Money and Steve Bruce, and recorded at SweetSong Nashville Studio. The selections on the 11-track album are primarily original music by various members of the Bruce Family, and the rest are traditional bluegrass gospel numbers. It is accurate to say that the Bruce family has currently taken bluegrass gospel to heights of popularity. The proof is not in my writing, but evidenced in the popularity their recent work has achieved.
I’ll start the review by discussing my views of the various musicians in the band, their instruments, and vocals; then the various songs, in the sequence they appear.
It is very impressive that almost all the musicians, on the project, are members of the Bruce family. In addition, all the instrumentation on the album was performed by the band members, and not augmented by studio musicians. Most of the instrumental and vocal arrangements are done by Steve Bruce, with other members consulting. The majority of the band members have not worked in other professional bands, with the exception of Steve Bruce ‘the banjo-playin’ Preacher’ (banjo, dobro, vocals) and Robert Powell (mandolin) who have played together for 40 years, including with New Tradition 1985-1989, and New Harvest 1991-2021. The other members of the band are Andrew Bruce (guitars and vocals), Whitney Alderman (vocals), Lukus Alderman (bass guitar) and Steve’s teenage granddaughter Eden Alderman (fiddle). Unquestionably, the performer who stands out, to me, is Eden. I believe she was originally trained in classical violin and now she just may be a rising star in bluegrass with her fiddle. In my opinion, the instrumentation on this album, is all top-notch.
The lead vocals by Andrew Bruce are all very well done. Whitney Alderman’s lead vocal on the gospel classic, Heaven’s Bright Shore is nothing short of magnificent. Here’s my two cents for more lead vocals by Whitney. Both Andrew and Whitney have clarity, quality, tone, and expressiveness that are spot on for each of their songs. The other band members provide excellent harmony.
Now, to the tracks themselves!
Pool of Bethesda is a lively banjo tune, vocal by Andrew Bruce (written by Herman & Steve Bruce), and is a great choice for the opening song indeed. The song was released as a single, has been popular already, and I believe, appeared on some minor charts.
Alone At Calvary (Herman Bruce) features some mighty fine a cappella harmony, a fiddle break from Eden, banjo-led instrumentation, and is a quintessential example of bluegrass gospel! Andrew’s excellent vocal, the group harmony, the band’s combination of mandolin, fiddle, banjo, and some excellent flatpickin’ guitar are guaranteed to get your feet and spirit moving.
If that wasn’t enough to get you interested, Heaven’s Bright Shore (A.E. Kennedy) is purely a gospel classic, and completely well suited to this band. As previously mentioned, the lead vocal by Whitney Alderman is beautiful, powerful, and glorious. The band chips in with fine harmony vocals, with the band following along to support the singing. One of my absolute favorites in the project, this one moves me easily to emotion. This rendition, previously released as a single, debuted at #2 on Bluegrass Today’s Gospel Chart.
Then comes Elijah’s Run (Stephen Bruce), which is an instrumental that is at once ‘down homey’ and contemporary in its sound. The alternating banjo, mandolin, and guitar riffs tug at my memory of Dueling Banjos, and is totally captivating. Outstanding!
I purely love the simplicity of the song and the message of Jesus Stopped By (Herman Bruce). I fell in love with it from the moment I first heard this wonderful tune. Listen along, and visualize how it would be, if Jesus came by to see you today… Great banjo, great fiddle break, great flatpickin’!
There’s A Reason (Herman Bruce) is an interesting melodic journey, not necessarily completely dedicated to bluegrass, and I find that enjoyable. On this one, the vocal harmony really stands out, and I can begin to hear the fiddle making its statement. Another two cents for more fiddle!
The beginning of See The Need (Stephen Bruce/Greg Marlow) presents a sad story, but evolves to a story of hope for mankind, by virtue of Jesus’ life. It is very well done, with the addition of a dobro on this selection, which was a nice touch. This tune, released as a single, got up to #8 in the ‘Nashville Spin Top 100.
Of course, Let’s All Go Down To The River (Earl Montgomery/ Sue Richards) is a traditional gospel song. This classic is equally appropriate for worship or entertainment. In this rendition, the entire band joins in to back the lead vocal thus encouraging us to join in. The mandolin and banjo breaks stand out. The fiddle is gorgeous.
Road To Damascus (Stephen Bruce) has a haunting melody that dominates this Instrumental tune. It’s a wonderful change of tempo and tone, with all the instruments taking their turn in delightful expression. There isn’t anything about this project, that I don’t love.
On Don’t Wait (Andrew Bruce), I found a capsule of advice, that I would recommend to everyone, especially those who profess to believe. I see this is as a signature tune for Andrew, as he has written it, played it, and sung it; all to the top of his strength. Well done!
Come Thou Font is another traditional gospel classic. I found this rendition to be at least as beautiful as any I have ever heard, in 67 years of listening to gospel music. I was overwhelmed with the beauty and the inspiration of the recording. I believe that young Eden Alderman can be a rising star in the music business, however she chooses to apply her talents.
In conclusion, I found all aspects of this project to be very professional, thoroughly entertaining, and truly inspirational. Further, I believe we will hear much more from The Steve Bruce Band. That’s my story, and I’m stickin’ with it! The 11-song CD is available for ordering online. It can also be found at various streaming and download sites.
I hope it is worth mentioning that I came out of a self-directed retirement, this last week, because I discovered two recording projects that inspired me to continue to write, and help some good people. Since 2021, I have written for The Bluegrass Jamboree, Bluegrass Today, and Western Way Magazine.
