Jaywalkers - Move On (2025) Hi-Res

Intricately alive music from UK-based americana old time music virtuosos. The Jaywalkers are a three piece band hailing from the UK, but with a sound that is steeped in classic Appalachian old time and bluegrass music. Comprising fiddle virtuoso and lead singer Jay Bradberry, mandolinist and main songwriter Mike Govern and the skilled and infectious rhythms of double bassist Lucille Williams, they first broke through as finalists in the prestigious BBC Young Folk Awards in 2008. Since then, they have continued to work together, honing an ambitiously focused sound.

‘Move On’ is their latest album, and the years of experience show at every turn on this very fine record. Opener ‘The Radio’ clever lyric bemoans the lot of the skilled artist whose music seems doomed never to reach the mainstream. It’s both wry and heartfelt, as somehow the doors do seem to be closed to the sort of musicianship on show here, where class and ability are front and centre, and autotune and preprogrammed beats are unknown. “It’s the same old songs through the stereo / how you break through I’ll never know”. If anyone does know the answer, please do let them know, ‘cos heaven knows they are deserving of wider recognition. Some stunningly tight musicianship and harmonies, it’s a great way to ease us in.

There is some really high quality songwriting in here to match the individual skills on show. ‘Highway 40 Blues’ has a delightful melody and rhythm, a sort of sister track to Nanci Griffith’s ‘Lone Star State of Mind’ in feel and mood. ‘Gone Forever’ similarly has a substance which lingers way after the beautiful picking fades away. Closing track ‘December In The Desert’ has some wonderfully high and lonesome harmonies, a classic ballad to finish the record.

Overall, ‘Move On‘ is a beautiful addition to the pantheon of bluegrass-style music. Anyone who is a fan of Alison Krauss, the O Brother soundtrack or just solid good music is bound to find so much joy in here – and if they are playing live in your vicinity, their intimate live shows are full of joie de vivre. They may be Jaywalkers, but there’s nothing haphazard about their music, so why not let them stroll into your listening headspace right now.