The Splinters - In the Pale Moonlight (2023)

Presenting 10 fresh songs from The Splinters, showcasing their signature groove, harmonies, and instrumental prowess. The album features soulful renditions of bluegrass classics like "I'm Blue, I'm Lonesome" by Bill Monroe/Hank Williams, and the heartfelt "Things in Life" by Don Stover, and energetic old-time fiddle tunes like "Reuben's Train," "Greasy Coat," and "Sally Goodin." The album concludes with "Swannanoa Waltz" by Rayna Gellert. The band's second album brings a refined touch to the arrangements and song selection, always staying interesting, bold, and surprising.

I'm Blue, I'm Lonesome is the classic Bill Monroe/Hank Williams song. Lead vocal by Garrett with J on the harmony and falsetto on the chorus.

Reuben's Train features J on lead vocal and Garrett on backup with Chris and Annie providing the banjo and fiddle drive behind them.

I've Endured was written by Ola Belle Reed. Annie takes the lead vocal duties. This song really evokes a mood with it's minimal lyrics. You get a real sense of the narrator's endurance through their life events.

East Virginia Blues is a reworking of the standard bluegrass song, sung in harmony throughout by Chris, J, and Garrett. We learned these chords at a jam session at Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival many years ago.

Snowin' on Raton was written by Townes Van Zandt and sung by Chris. The Splinters do not quite 'grass it up, but there is definitely a different feel from the sparse Townes version.

Greasy Coat is another old time standard 'tune with words' or is it a 'song with a tune'(?). In any case, it is fiddle and banjo driven with the mandolin commentating as well. Sung together by Chris and Garrett with J on the last one.

Sally Goodin is a popular bluegrass and old time number, usually done in the key of A. This one comes from Lily Mae Ledford, one of the founding members of the all-woman band The Coon Creek Girls. It has 3 parts, in the key of G.

Sittin on Top of the World is song by Garrett in a slow, bluesy manner that is perfect for a lazy summer day.

Things in Life by Don Stover is a great song we learned fairly recently. Stover was in the Lily Brothers, who played at the Hillbilly Ranch in Boston, MA for many years starting in 1952. J takes the lead with Garrett on harmony.

Swannanoa Waltz is written by Rayna Gellert. Annie and J take turns on this simple yet emotional melody.

We hope you enjoy this new offering from The Splinters and catch us out there for a live show.