Record execs are always in search of the next big act to create a tsunami in the fairly stodgy and conservative bluegrass community. Ricky Skaggs heard Cadillac Sky and has decided to take a chance on them and their fresh, progressive brand of bluegrass. Penning all of their own material, C-Sky clearly has some country, Celtic and even rock influences. Their supercharged vocals and novel sound will touch a nerve with younger listeners. At least, Skaggs thinks so. What he probably heard was their ability to be both precise and reckless, controlled but spontaneous, happy yet lonesome, in other words, the perfect ingredients for a young, unique bluegrass group. I think you'll agree with me. They're a kick if prog-grass is your bag. 

Bryan Simpson plays a pivotal role in the band's songwriting, lead singing, and mandolin playing. Simpson's songs have been recorded by George Strait, Martina McBride, Gretchen Wilson, Diamond Rio, Jo Dee Messina, Neal McCoy, and Kenny Rogers. He even bows fiddle on one track, "Never Been So Blue." The other stellar band members are Mike Jump (guitar, vocals), Matt Menefee (banjo), Ross Holmes (fiddle, vocals), and Matt Blaize (bass, vocals). National championship fiddle and banjo wins at Winfield, Kansas only add to the mystery and romanticism of this group. 

The band's creativity and wild, boyish exuberance are a product of their familiarity with traditional bluegrass. In the CD jacket, one photo shows Simpson proudly displaying his Monroe T-shirt. This 13-song debut is certain to draw comparisons to the ground-breaking directions of Nickel Creek, New Grass Revival, Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, and others. It's important that bands follow their inner muse. If band members can all share a common vision and have fun together while they're collaboratively moving ahead, then we'll have a strong purpose-driven group like C-Sky, what a fantastic futuristic name for such a band. But even if they're "mountain boys" at heart, they're motivated and eager to solidify their own musical persona.

This 13-song debut released in 2004 is characterized by considerable talent, maturity, and charisma. National press coverage, widespread airplay, extensive touring, a record contract, and a showcase at the IBMA World of Bluegrass Trade Show got people talking about an innovative progressive band that's easy to embrace. They're not out to reform bluegrass music but merely nudge it into the new century. They know about the lonesome soul of the genre, and in "Never Been So Blue" they eulogize Bill Monroe with "the twin fiddles play and the whippoorwill sings, the bluegrass has never been so blue." Do you think they included this song, respectful of his music and legacy, just to appease those staunch traditionalists who think C-Sky is blasphemous? I doubt it. 

And thanks guys for not including percussion in the mix_you don't need it. Sonya Isaacs' guest vocals on "Homesick Blues" are a nice touch, as is Kenneth Soper's didgereedoo on the title cut. When asked a standard canned interview question once about their influences, the band's reply was something to the effect that their music is just something that feels necessary. If the bluegrass genre is going to continue to grow and prosper with younger folks, then I think you'll understand that C-Sky is on somewhat of a mission to fulfill a purpose and need.

Cadillac Sky subsequently put out a total of three albums before disbanding in 2011 Simpson left the group. While their recorded music lives on, there have also been calls for a reunion from their fans. (Joe Ross)