Press

Featured Review Bluegrass Music Profiles
FEATURED REVIEW:

BLUE MAGGIE- The Nearest Way
By Robert Steelman


This is the second release from the Charleston, West Virginia-based Blue Maggie. All of the songs were either written by Richard Patrick or by Cheryl Patrick. Richard, on bass, and Cheryl, on mandolin, are joined by Brent Stapleton, the third founding member of the band, on banjo and guitar. Some cuts also feature Stevenson Page on the guitar. The vocal arrangements vary with Cheryl and Richard taking turns on the lead. Some of the numbers are duets; Stapleton joins in on several cuts for a three-part arrangement. The songwriting talent shared by this couple is quite evident. The songs are crafted with strong lyrics, though at times you may detect a sense of familiarity among some of the melodies. Although there are several good cuts to choose from, I was drawn to Sweet Amanda, a nice tune with a lovely melody enhanced by Cheryl’s pleasant, ear-pleasing voice. BMP




Read More