Album Profile
Blue Moon Rising
On The Rise
PRODUCTION NOTES
The album On the Rise, released in 2005 on Lonesome Day Records (LDR 007), launched Blue Moon Rising—an emerging East Tennessee bluegrass band—into prominence with their debut full-length project. This 13-track collection, approximately 39-40 minutes long, showcases high-energy traditional bluegrass driven by strong original songwriting, tight vocal harmonies, and precise instrumental work that propelled the group onto year-end best-of lists and the Billboard Top Bluegrass Albums chart (debuting at #14).
Produced by Randall Deaton and Ron Stewart, the album was recorded at Lonesome Day Studio in Booneville, Kentucky, and mixed by Ron Stewart. The production delivers a vibrant, rootsy acoustic sound with excellent clarity, dynamic picking, and authentic energy—capturing the band’s youthful momentum and traditional spirit in a clean yet unpolished style characteristic of the label.
The tracklist features standout originals like “This Old Martin Box” (2:41), a lively ode to a cherished guitar; “Papaw Taught Me” (2:19), honoring family legacy; “The Next Big Thing” (2:55); “The Crime I’m Guilty Of”(2:59); “Cold Kentucky Rain”; “Big Wheels Turnin’” (a high-octane driver frequently praised for its drive); “I Keep Calling”; “Poor Boy Workin’ Blues”; and more, blending fast-paced pickers, story songs, and reflective pieces on love, hard work, and rural life.
Blue Moon Rising’s core lineup powers the album: Chris West and Keith Garrett on lead vocals (with Keith Garrett also handling mandolin), Justin Jenkins (banjo), Tim Tipton (bass), Randall Massengill (guitar), and Ron Stewart (fiddle on tracks 2, 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13)—delivering fluid rolls, tasteful fills, soaring harmonies, and seamless ensemble interplay that gives the material its infectious lift.
Critically and commercially, On the Rise marked a true breakthrough, earning spots in CMT.com’s Top 10 Bluegrass Albums and GRITZ Magazine’s Top Overall Albums of 2005. It was described as a “fitting title” for the fresh, up-and-coming band, celebrated for its energy, appeal, and role in putting Blue Moon Rising on the national map. As a Lonesome Day Records highlight, it endures as an exciting showcase of emerging talent rooted in classic bluegrass tradition with forward momentum.
TRACK LISTINGS
1. This Old Martin Box
2. Papaw Taught Me
3. The Next Big Thing
4. The Crime I'm Guilty Of
5. Cold Kentucky Night
6. He Arose
7. I Keep Callin'
8. Sling Blade
9. The Old Time Preacher Man
10. Modern Day Outlaw
11. Far Away From Home
12. Holy Manna
13. Big Wheels Turnin'
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