Simple Man

Family bands seem to have an edge—the musicianship blends in ways that must be based in the genes.

That’s true of The Chapmans, three brothers and their dad who really show their Bluegrass stuff in their fourth album. Some of the songs, like the instrumental “Pickle Flavored Ice Cream,” have that old-time feel. Others, like “Photograph,” have a Pop Country structure. John Chapman is a fine lead singer and even better guitarist, and he gets some able help from his Union Station counterpart Ron Block. This is a great effort, all in a family way. —Mark Boardman