Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs have been a major influence on every bluegrass player, even Bill Monroe. Usually, Scruggs"s fleet three-fingered banjo rolls are the most obvious reflection--and Jake Jenkins handles that role here with aplomb--but Karl Shiflett"s crew replicates the entire Flatt & Scruggs sound with uncanny ease. Shiflett"s phrasing and amiable vocal delivery show a strong Flatt influence, and the ensemble harmonies and instrumental interplay certainly recall the Foggy Mountain Boys. And while the Big Country Show break no new ground, their debut record is quite an enjoyable and charming listen. They pull material from expected (Monroe, Flatt & Scruggs) and unexpected (Buck Owens, Tompall Glaser) sources while adding three strong originals to the mix. Keeping the classic bluegrass sound alive is a noble ambition, and imitation executed as sincerely as this beats self-conscious innovation any time. --Marc Greilsamer