Carson Peters has always been known for his first rate instrumentalism, vocal prowess, and leadership of one of bluegrass music’s most riveting acts. While each of Peters’ recordings have shown growth in his artistic abilities, his latest release, Hold On Heart with Billy Blue Records, paints a vivid picture of his development as a songwriter. All but three of the album’s eleven tracks were songs that Carson wrote alongside other strong songsmiths.
The opening track, To Make a Long Heartache Short, cowritten with Eric Marshall and Jerry Salley, is one of several that explores the theme of grief over a lost love. As typical of Carson Peters & Iron Mountain, this song is performed with a serious grit and intensity that captivates the listener. Alongside Carson on fiddle and vocals, Iron Mountain, at the time this was recorded, consisted of Eric Marshall on bass and vocals, Ben Marshall on guitar and vocals, Austin Tate on mandolin and vocals, and James McDowell on banjo.
Jim Croce’s Walkin’ Back To Georgia is one of a select few covers on this recording. Played at a comparably faster tempo than Croce’s original recording from 1972, Carson Peters brings great energy to this track, which features former Iron Mountain member Ethan Ratliff on guitar, along with current bassist Taylor Parks.
Same Ole Train and The Mirror are both brilliant examinations of heartbreak from different angles. The former written with Jerry Salley uses railroad metaphors to describe someone being continuously unfaithful, while the latter written with Ethan Phillips is told from the perspective of a man in the process of self-introspection at the end of what he thought was a deep, loving relationship.
I Need Jesus is one of two gospel songs included on this project. Popularized by the Marshall Family who recorded it in 1976, Carson Peters & Iron Mountain deliver a rendition that demonstrates the powerful a cappella quartet arrangements they’ve become known for.
Another element the group has become known for is their inflection of western swing within a bluegrass context. This comes through loud and clear on the title track, Hold On Heart. Written by Peters, Ethan Phillips, Davis Loose, and JT Dukes, this swingy groove perfectly fits the lyrics of one finding themselves discovering romantic feelings for another.
Hold On Heart shows even greater growth in Carson Peters’ artistry. While he has continuously proven himself as a master fiddler and exceptional vocalist, this effort shows how Carson has come into his own as a songwriter. It’s another skill he’s added to his creative arsenal.
