Jett's Creek

In case you haven't noticed, this is a golden age of bluegrass. The genre has enjoyed a resurgence over the past number of years, thanks partially to the mass popularity of the soundtrack to "O Brother, Where Art Thou", but mostly because excellent bluegrass bands are coming out of the woodwork lately. Lonesome River Band's No Turning Back really caught my ear and the Dixie Bee-Liners' Ripe, completely floored me (though they step a ways beyond bluegrass), and then there is Jett's Creek.
Fronted by Angie Young, whose voice lies somewhere south of Alison Krauss and north of Dale Ann Bradley, Jett's Creek exhales all that is good in modern bluegrass. You can hear the mountains in their music, and Nashville as well, and the combination makes them not only accessible to those not into country music, but to those who are. Influences grab them by the song rather than defining their sound and that makes Supposed To Be the really fine album that it is.
The real strength of the album lies in the choice of songs. They only provide four originals, which might be a deathtrap for others, but they provide us with the best of everything outside of Jett's Creek: Rodney Crowell's A Song For Life, a beautiful country ballad presented with a George Jones tone to the harmonies; Dan Seals' God Must Be a Cowboy at Heart, plucked (and very well, indeed) from a deep songbook of Seals classics; the bluegrass gospel song When God Dips His Pen of Love In My Heart, borrowed from Cleavant Derricks; the harmonically and stellar I'll Be Back, a nod to Buddy Cannon, Marla Cannon Goodman and Ronnie Bowman. And let us not forget the fifties' style Lester Flatt tune, Why Don't You Tell Me So.
This is a great cross-section of what makes roots and Jett's Creek pulls it off like real pros. When they blend voices on slow mournful songs, it is a lonesome train whistle from across a valley. When they rock the cradle, it rocks. When it's time to play—well, they come to play. And the topnotch musicianship is matched by harmonies worthy of Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver and the Seldom Scene. And while we're at it, let's give a pat on the back to Evan McGregor, who had the sense to let Jett's Creek be Jett's Creek, honest and simple, his dials twisting to capture and not alter the sound.
There has to be somewhere on the Net (try Jett's Creek's website) where you can sample some of this album. If you lean toward the vocal side of bluegrass, a sample might just lead toward a new addition to your collection. And more than likely have you wondering when their next album will be released.
Edited by: David N. Pyles)
Copyright 2008, Peterborough Folk Music Society.
Reprinted with permission.
- FAME by Frank Gutch Jr

"Jett’s Creek gives it the full touch with stirring vocal harmonies and carefully blended instrumentation.
A magnificent debut and this will be a band to watch."

Brenda Hough, California Bluegrass Breakdown
- California Bluegrass Breakdown

"Jett's Creek is a truly wonderful experience in acoustic music. I heard their music on compact disc and immediately called to schedule them on our nationally syndicated television series, Song of the Mountains! I'm glad I did. Our audience loved their performance. Their future is bright!"
Tim White, Executive Coordinator & Host, Song of the Mountains
- Song Of The Mountains

“Jett’s Creek covered all the bases that should and need to be covered in their performances at the High Mountain Hay Fever Festival. Their songs were unique and presented with energy and creativity. Their vocals and musicianship were always the very best and sometimes bordered on the dazzling.”
Ron Thomason, Coordinator High Mountain Hay Fever Westcliffe CO
- High Mountain Hay Fever

Jett’s Creek is an Ohio-based band that apparently enjoys a good deal of regional popularity — and they’re looking to spread their wings into the national bluegrass circuit.

“Supposed to Be,” the group’s first CD, just might prove to be a good ticket for the band to ride — and ride far. I listened to the disc about two and a half spins worth on Saturday night on my way to and from a friend’s house who was throwing one of those freeze-your-butts-off, late October social happenings in my part of the country known as a weenie roast.

I didn’t read any of the liner notes, just took a glance at the cover and assumed I was going to be listening to another self-produced CD by yet another regional band. Rest assured, fitting into that category is not at all a bad thing. I’ve listened to and reviewed some darned good music from these regional favorites, some of which are simply gems and worthy rivals to their big-label, star-power acts. After my introduction to Jett’s Creek, I’m going to put them into that category.

“Supposed to Be” is a very enjoyable, well-produced and well-executed CD. The liner notes, which I did eventually get around to reading, add a hefty take-notice punch to this group. They are written by Ron Thomason, patriarch of Dry Branch Fire Squad.
Adam McIntosh is the link between Jett’s Creek and Thomason. When he was 18, McIntosh joined Dry Branch Fire Squad, a gig that would last three and a half years. He sang lead and harmony with the band and also played guitar and mandolin.

That gig alone doesn’t qualify for “seasoned pro” status, but McIntosh is evidently a driving force behind this family band, which also includes his sister, Angie Young on vocals, and his dad, John McIntosh on guitar and vocals. On “Supposed to Be,” Adam McIntosh furnishes some mighty fine banjo and lead guitar work. Thomason, incidentally, offers high words of praise for his former bandmate, who co-produced the CD with Young.
Other musicians on the CD are Pearl Bradley on mandolin (a regular band member), and guest Evan McGregor on fiddle and Tim Kidd on bass. All turn in quite capable performances.

From gleaning material on the band’s Web site, “Highway 40 Blues” is a fan favorite during Jett’s Creek’s concerts. That’s easy to believe after giving the recorded version a listen.
The song selection consists of original tunes and an electic selection of covers. Track No. 1 is the Larry Cordle scorcher, “Highway 40 Blues,” which was pushed into mega-hit status by Ricky Skaggs back when he was courting the Top 40 country music crowd. My immediate thought was that Jett’s Creek might be pushing things a bit by not only covering this tune, but being blatant enough about it to have the song open the CD. By the time the cut’s final notes had been silenced for Track 2, I was ready to admit an error in my initial judgment. From gleaning material on the band’s Web site, “Highway 40 Blues” is a fan favorite during Jett’s Creek’s concerts. That’s easy to believe after giving the recorded version a listen.

One of my personal favorites on this CD is “A Song for Life,” an older tune written by Rodney Crowell. Years ago, I fell in love with this song when Kathy Mattea covered it on one of her CDs. Country superstar Alan Jackson also had a hit with it. Young, who does a bulk of the lead vocal work on the CD, delivers a soulful rendition of this wonderful song.
Soulful, in fact, is a good description of Young’s vocal work on the CD. Not soulful, as in rhythm and blues fashion, but soulful as extra special delivery from the heart. She shines on two of her own songs, including the title track, “Supposed to Be” and “The Prayer,” the latter delivered in a capella style on the CD.

John McIntosh also proves his worth with a couple of composing efforts on the CD, “Now I’m Through with You” and the cleverly written “Two Ships.”

While Adam McIntosh gets a lot of credit for putting the instrumental polish on this recording, the vocals are what might be expected by a family band. They’re strong and tight.

According to Jett’s Creek’s Web site, the band is already having some success in booking gigs outside of the immediate Ohio area. Upcoming are band appearances in Nashville, Colorado and Virginia. If the group’s performances are cut from the same mold as this first recording, I’d venture saying it’s time the band starting shopping around for a tour bus.
A couple of postscripts: Since the CD was recorded and released, bass player Gary Selby has joined the group. And, “Supposed to Be” is being marketed via CD Baby. A link is on the band’s Web site, www.jetts-creek.com.
- BluegrassJournal.com, Dan Tackett

With a sweet authentically grassy country voice, Angie Young will excite you as a new female voice to add to your Bluegrass "favorite female vocalists" list and the talented band of pickers, are sure to gain attention very quickly. Their sound is authentic and being from Monroe's state of Kentucky, they do justice to what Bluegrass is all about. They have a nice sound that will be most pleasing to ALL ears tuned in. - Gracie Muldoon – WorldwideBluegrass

I received an email from an agent friend who asked me to book a new band called Jett's Creek. Now, I've got to tell you I've heard many, many "new" bands and well, most of the time the music just lies flat. I was prepared for this same experience when I received "Supposed To Be" from Jett's Creek. Wow! I was not prepared for the sparkling new voice of Angie Young. This girl can sing! What's more, her voice is all her own. I hear no attempt to try to sound like some other singer. She knows her voice and uses it to perfection.

Things get started with a spirited version of "Highway 40 Blues." Sticking true to the melody as written by Larry Cordle, Angie and the band nail it. I can't tell you what band members sing what harmony parts or which male voice takes the lead on the songs not lead by Angie. I do want to say that the harmony parts are smooth and fit well with Angie's unique lead voice. Two of the slower and heartfelt songs are sung and written by Angie Young. Cut number three, "The Prayer" is a gorgeous a capella song of hope and faith. All members carry the song with their strong harmonies. Angie's second song is cut number five, "Supposed To Be," the title cut, is a great solo song of heartbreak. Jon McIntosh, rhythm guitar and lead vocals penned two of the songs on this fine project. Cut number six, "Now I'm Through With You," is a song with an opposite point of view aside Angie's "Supposed To Be." This tune has a great Bluegrass feel and is among my favorites on the CD.

"You Don't Know My Mind" is the seventh song on the project. This is a gutsy song to cover, since the original is a masterpiece. But, Adam McIntosh drives the song from the very beginning with his rendition of the famous J. D. Crowe banjo break. He hammers it home! When a cover is done this well, I never tire of the old songs. Angie, again, breaks your heart with her soulful singing of Craig Market's "Your Haunting Goodbye." Adam's lead guitar is a strong and fitting accompaniment to Angie's voice.

Suddenly we are awakened by the driving Bluegrass, "Two Ships" written by Jon McIntosh. Many years ago this writer was in a Bluegrass Gospel band and we used to sing "When God Dips His Pen Of Love In My Heart." This version brings back fond memories of those days so long ago.

What debut Bluegrass project would be complete without either a Lester Flatt or Bill Monroe song. Jett's Creek has chosen the Lester Flatt chestnut, "Why Don't You Tell Me So." A great job on a fine old song.

There is a strong closing on Jett's Creek's "Supposed To Be" project. That song, "I'll Be Back" is sung by Angie. I don't know that I can recall hearing this song before and I'm glad I can't. To me, no-one could do a better job in it.

"Supposed To Be" is a very strong first effort by a young Bluegrass band, Jett's Creek. I suspect this band name will become one we will hear often in the years to come.

Gary Robertson - "Bluegrass Virginia"
- Bluegrass Virginia

In the midst of all that’s fine (and the older I get, the longer the list gets) about Bluegrass Music, it’s possible to hear some non-sensical things said. And I’ve noticed over the years that the better the music is when you hear such an utterance, the more it will stick with you. Such was the case one day when a very famous Bluegrass D.J. and I were conversing and suddenly he broke away in a rush with “Uh oh; I’ve got to go introduce Bill Monroe.” It struck me immediately that you don’t introduce Bill Monroe to a Bluegrass audience; you present him.

I mention that here because I feel like I should be presenting Jett’s Creek to you. This CD (their first) has all the maturity, quality, depth, and soul that Bluegrass fans and aficionados have come to expect from established, experienced, and road-worn bands. But there are a few clues here that Jett’s Creek has yet to plumb the “working” depths of the Bluegrass Music industry. There is a raw freshness, an exuberant enthusiasm, and a noticeable uniqueness that is both excellently presented and deeply respectful of its roots that will not escape the “practiced” ear of folks who love Bluegrass Music. And so I find myself with the enviable privilege of introducing Jett’s Creek.

This is fun. It’s like writing a sincere “Thank You” note after attending a successful social gathering. The words come easily and from the heart: “I enjoyed the party. The treats were great; the interchange was stimulating, and the company was superb. What could be better?”

Jett’s Creek is a family band. And so they play with the security, dignity, and respect for one another that comes from growing up together. They also exhibit the complex interactions that can only manifest themselves with folks who know each other so well, and feel the comfort that comes with that knowledge, to let themselves take risks without the fear of “failure” that accompanies performers who can never let their respective guards down in front of each other. These performers Support each other (with a purposeful capital S) and the result is simply wonderful.

I would like to point out that for those stuck-in-the-mud folks who tend to think that “all the good Bluegrass songs have already been written”, it’s time to change your mind. Listen to the “The Prayer”, “Supposed to Be”, and “Two Ships” and find there songs that will equal the Jimmie Skinner and Lester Flatt numbers that are also included here. And if you think that all the great bluegrass musicians are working in bands that you already know; check out the expert, sensitive, and always appropriate work done on banjo, bass, guitar, and mandolin by Adam McIntosh—incidentally one of the finest, most honest, and talented men that I have ever had the personal honor to work with.

Bluegrass fans should expect that the songs will be varied, exciting, and appropriately adapted to the genre. Et viola!!! Jett’s Creek has selected material that ranges from Larry Cordle to Dan Seals—and extends to writers like Rodney Crowell and Cleavant Derricks who may be less associated with Bluegrass music or even relatively unknown but who do write great songs. The arrangements here not only fit but even enhance the songs they present.

And I have saved the best for last: The vocals and harmonies here are fantastic. If I were to add to that description it would only be with words synonymous with fantastic—and a lot of them do occur to me when I listen to this CD—but you’ll get the picture when you do the listening.

Folks it is a great privilege to introduce to you my new favorite band: Jett’s Creek. There should be no questions.

Ron Thomason, Cotopaxi, Colorado April 3, 2008
- Written By Ron Thomason - Dry Branch Fire Squad