Let Em Run

by The Bills

Overview

While all acoustic folk-based bands are throwbacks of a sort, the Bills purposely cultivate an "old time" aura. Even the group's photo, tinged in sepia, reminds one a bit of the Band circa 1968. The Bills' subject matter -- like the Band's and the Grateful Dead's -- is tinged with Americana, though presented in an elliptical manner. There are Biblical floods, wise fools, and references to jigger poles, temptress hens, and drunken moons. The title track tells the odd tale of chickens running free, though there also seems to be a pun on runny eggs, while "Lay Down" mixes images of food and sensuality. What exactly these songs are saying is anyone's guess, but as with the above-mentioned artists, literal meaning matters less than evoking a mysterious mood. The Bills -- Marc Atkinson, Adrian Dolan, Glen Manders, Jeremy Penner, and Chris Frye -- are also great musicians who add, surprisingly, a touch of the classical to their instrumental work. This combination of folk, classical, and, yes, even Cajun, guarantees a variety of approaches from song to song, and also gives the band a distinct sound. The Bills, good musicians and singers, combine solid material with an evocative presentation. While purists may prefer the rougher edges of old-time folk, most listeners will probably prefer the Bills' smooth professionalism and enthusiasm. ~ Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr.

Product Details

Release Date:	04/12/2005
Label:	Red House Records
UPC:	0033651018629
Rank:	218182

Tracks

1. Overture (Let Em Run)
2. Old Blue Bridge
3. Hello
4. Which Way Away
5. When the Bucket Runs Dry
6. Let Em Run
7. The Gatlinburg
8. The Traveller
9. Lay Down
10. Stardust
11. Nowhere to Be (And All Day to Get There)
12. Bamfield's John Uanden
13. Cambridge Set: Cambridge St. March/Jonah's Reel/Sierra ...
14. Oeil au Beurre Noir
15. The Walk Home

Album Credits

Performance Credits

The Bills   Primary Artist
Jeremy Penner   Violin,Vocals,Fiddle
Adrian Dolan   Fiddle
Chris Frye   Guitar,Vocals
Marc Atkinson   Vocals (Background),Mandolin
Atkinson, Marc   Tenor Banjo,Mandolin,Vocals
Calvin Cairns   Violin
Devon McCagherty   Vocals

Technical Credits

Atkinson, Marc   Group Member,Producer,Arranger
Jeremy Penner   Group Member
The Bills   Producer
A Man Called Wrycraft   Layout Design,Design
Joey C. Smith   Arranger
Hoagy Carmichael   Composer
Mitchell Parish   Composer
Joby Baker   Producer,Engineer,Photography
Chris Bellman   Mastering