Texas Platters

Wood & Wire

In spite of several talented entities working the genre, bluegrass remains a redheaded stepchild in Central Texas. Wood & Wire endeavors to change that. At the time they recorded their second disc, The Coast, the trio comprised guitarist Tony Kamel, bassist Dominic Fisher, and banjo player Trevor Smith. A recent addition to the band of nationally recognized mandolin stud Billy Bright boosts their chances along with the 11 solid originals. While getting top-notch assistance from Del McCoury Band fiddler Jesse Carter on a few tunes, the combination of solid harmonies and melodies in the tradition make The Coast an album worthy of attention beyond the band's local roots. The fine-textured "Greener Grass" and intense interplay on the newgrass instrumental "Elucidation" are just two sides of this well-mannered ensemble.