Never Say Never Again is mandolinist/vocalist
Dwight McCall's second solo release, a solid bluegrass recording featuring his bandmates from
J.D. Crowe & the New South along with a number of other players. The overall emphasis here is on the songs themselves, with
McCall's lead and harmony vocals (along with a little help from his bandmates) offering enjoyable renditions of both original and traditional songs. The material is strong, from the spunky "Time of Our Lives" to the easy-rolling "West Virginia Ground." As has become extremely common in contemporary bluegrass,
McCall includes at least two songs about the Civil War, "Blue Eyed Boston Boy" and "Logan's Crossroads." The obsession is hard to explain, unless it somehow reflects anxiety relating to the war in Iraq. Both songs are handled well, and "Blue Eyed Boston Boy" is especially catchy. There's also room for religious material ("Pathway of My Savior"), love songs ("Don't Break My Heart Again"), and songs about home ("West Virginia Ground").
McCall and his bandmates play well together, and they've left just enough room for some fine, pithy solo work. For those who like contemporary bluegrass that leans toward tradition,
Never Say Never Again will hit the spot. ~ Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr.