This 2003 CD is reviewed here to fit in with our 2005 HSB concert report.
Available from PMW Website No CD number.

11 tracks 44 mins: Train To California; Sonoma Mandolin; Come Tomorrow; Old Friend; Lake County Lady; Beer Goggle Blues; Gotta Find A Way; Love Light Glows; Nani; Makin' Hooch; Whiskey Creek; and if you find that lot a bit crazy you ain't heard nothin' yet.

All songs written and performed by Poor Man's Whiskey, which consists of 6 or more excellent musicians and singers.

Anyone who's ever heard San Francisco oddball band The Wags will recognise this CD as somewhere between them and Bluegrass, though less than half way and more frantic... Don't be fooled by reviews trumpeting the likes of, "Poor Man's Whiskey is one of the hottest bluegrass bands to emerge from Sonoma...." PMW is not a bluegrass band but they are a must-have group at any festival or event. They play a fusion of bluegrass, blues, reggae, folk and jazz with a rock 'n roll attitude that gets you moving and creates a hoedown wherever they go. They are very outgoing, entertaining performers and much better to watch than simply listen to. Nonetheless this CD is a well-produced and interesting investment.

For me, the endings spoil several of the numbers; something bluegrassier would have been a very easy alternative and sound worlds better at the same time. This is not the #1 CD for true-blue 'grass addict, what with the snare drum, cymbals and all, but hey! What do I know, with all the (what I would call) hardly- or even none-bluegrass stuff that passes as the real thing these days? And maybe it wasn't a snare drum - could it be a 10 string mandolin?

If you get a chance to see them live then do so and if you book them you won't go far wrong.

The Wags website no longer works, but (e.g.) http://www.solanarecords.com/bands/Wags,_The/ gives some impression.

Jac O'Bean

13 Feb 2006