Having been a classically-trained double bassist since the age of fourteen, Trish Imbrogno entered the bluegrass scene over a decade ago. Since that time she’s performed and recorded with a number of artists in the West Pennsylvania region. Bluegrass Love Songs Volume 1 is Trish’s first project under her own name.
This five song EP is made up of standard traditional bluegrass fare. That said, Imbrogno’s renditions are well executed, and the cast of backing musicians that Trish has enlisted here is stellar. Along with Trish on bass and lead vocals are Dede Wyland on guitar and harmony vocals, Murphy Henry on banjo and vocals, Becky Buller on fiddle, and Rainy Miatke on mandolin. The opening track, Think Of What You’ve Done, is a great example of the natural blend that Imbrogno and Wyland’s voices have with each other.
Speaking of vocals, Don’t This Road Look Rough and Rocky, as well as Bury Me Beneath The Willow, are fine showcases of trio harmony with Murphy Henry adding a solid alto alongside Trish and Dede.
The true highlights of this recording are the instrumentals. Cherokee Shuffle and Clinch Mountain Backstep are both performed with a nice mid-tempo groove, the latter spotlighting Henry’s commanding approach to the five string banjo.
According to Trish Imbrogno’s biography, she is a genre-bending bassist and composer. While Bluegrass Love Songs Volume 1 doesn’t place these characteristics of her artistry on display, there’s no question that she’s a skillful bassist and vocalist who knows how to surround herself with equally gifted musicians. Let’s hope Imbrogno’s future releases demonstrate her originality in even greater depth.
