From North Carolina, The GoodFellers are not a bunch of gangsters but rather a band of bluegrass homeboys who first got together in 2011 and released their debut self-titled album in 2018. Their band name is a take-off on the 1990 “Goodfellas” movie, widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made, particularly in the gangster genre. With a clearly progressive bluegrass sound, Teddy Barneycastle (rhythm guitar), Kyser George (lead guitar), David George (bass, Dobro), Ralph McGee (mandolin) and Tommy “Moss” Morse (banjo) are similarly creating some great music in the Newgrass genre. In fact, a couple former members of the New Grass Revival (John Cowan and Pat Flynn) appear as backup vocalists on “I Know Where Love Lives,” complementing Teddy Barneycastle’s strong, soaring lead vocals throughout the album. I understand he’s comfortable singing material ranging from Journey to Led Zeppelin, Flatt & Scruggs to The Eagles. Other special guests on a few tracks of Love Somebody include banjo players Rex McGee or Hersie McMillian (who was a charter member of The GoodFellers when they formed). All these guys bring a lot of versatility to the band and just seem to like presenting these eight songs with a copious amount of energy.

Now associated with the Bell Buckle Records label, The GoodFellers’ Love Somebody album is a real tasty treat of acoustic force, sincerity and drive. With an affinity for adventurous grassified music from a wide variety of diverse sources from Bill Monroe to The Bee Gees, standout tracks include “Where the Streets Have No Name,” “I Know Where Love Live” and “To Love Somebody.”  The GoodFellers are well on their way to making a big impact and solid contribution to bluegrass with their powerful music full of instrumental prowess and compelling messages. I just wish they’d put out a full-length album with about 4-5 more songs on it because Love Somebody ends all too quickly. (Joe Ross, Roots Music Report)