Primitive Quartet

It’s Wonderful
Mountain Heritage

Members of the Primitive Quartet are what I call “matter-of-fact” people — nothing is contrived or cooked up. If you were to ask these guys why, after decades of travel with millions of miles behind them, they are still going strong, I believe the straightforward answer might be contained in the title of their new Mountain Heritage record, “It’s Wonderful.” Mike, Reagan, Larry, Norman, Randy and Jeff give us the standard bluegrass gospel sound they absorbed growing up in the mountains of North Carolina.

“It’s Wonderful” showcases the unmistakable guitar playing of Mike Riddle. Norman Wilson keeps the upbeat in the rhythm with lead and harmony parts on “That’s What I Want to Be.” Jeff Tolbert is a one-man band; his banjo kicks the record off on “What a Time in Heaven,” and then take note of his fiddle work and lead vocals on the title track, “It’s Wonderful,” and on “He’s Holy.” Reagan and Randy lend the perfect support of rhythm guitar and bass throughout the record.

A tip of the hat also goes to North Carolina all-star musicians David Johnson and Tony Creasman for their work on additional instruments.