Aiming for new heights in the Americana market, The Skylighters have the necessary luminescence to go far. The also have the ability to see through and beyond any perceived or self - imposed ceiling in the music market. With solid footings in multiple genres, the ensemble is a collaboration of three members of the Nashville - based group Last Train Home (Eric Brace, J. Carson Gray, Martin Lynds) with mandolinist Jimmy Gaudreau and pedal steel guitarist Mike Auldridge. Brace's expressive lead vocals are warm and good - natured, and they wrap agreeably around the breaks, fills and vocal harmonies provided primarily by Jimmy and Mike.

The Skylighters' likable repertoire draws upon both successful established oft - recorded hits and balances them with more obscure songs. Clearly fans of The Louvin Brothers, the band covers four of their songs. An appetizing and spirited rendition of Pee Wee King and Redd Stewart's "Bonaparte's Retreat" gets the toes tapping. Another favorite is Jim Croce's "Maybe Tomorrow" that incorporates the piano of Jen Gunderman who also flavors "Carolina Star" with some laid - back accordion. That Hugh Moffatt composition is also given a slightly different mood with the use of Gaudreau's mandola. While the steel and mandolin are integral elements of their band sound, some diverse guest instrumentation is always a wise move for greater attention - grabbing variety in a 45 - minute set. A heavier drum track and Gaudreau's electric guitar seem problematically overbearing for "Dear One," but another listener might actually like this more raucous rendition. While I love the classic country wail of pedal steel, I personally found some of the more acoustic numbers with Auldridge's resophonic guitar to be satisfying treats for a little change.

I was impressed by the band's interest in songs from various decades. Harry Ruby and Bert Kalmar's "Nevertheless" (a hit for Bing Crosby and Rudy Vallee) dates to 1931. Eric Andersen first released "Close The Door Lightly" in the mid - 1960s, and I think Norman Blake and Tony Rice released "Last Train to Poor Valley" about 1990. Eric Brace's bluegrassy murder ballad "See What Love Can Do" also appears on Last Train Home's 2003 "Time and Water" release and is a warning to any father who stands in the way of true love.

All songs on the 46-minute project include: See What Love Can Do, My Baby's Gone, Close the Door Lightly, Last Train From Poor Valley, Bonaparte's Retreat, Nevertheless, Are You Missing Me, Maybe Tomorrow, Dear One, Carolina Star, Are You Wasting My Time, Guess My Heart Has a Mind of Its Own, I Wish You Knew, Going Up Home to Live in Green Pastures

The Skylighters have songs that impart ample variation in tempo, tones and rhythms. "Going Up Home To Live In Green Pastures" closes the album on spiritually - tinged note. Given the great potential and proficiency of this group, I hope they'll dig even deeper into the archives for lesser known western swing, jazz, bluegrass, blues and classic country numbers. They're building a musical vision together, and a combination of their innovative nimble - fingered musicianship coupled with a strong belief in their own ideas could lead to some real cutting - edge contemporary sounds that both recall a bygone era and offer new originals with that classic sound. I can hardly wait to hear their next volume. (Joe Ross)