Frank Solivan
pivots off his 2015 Grammy nomination by recording
Family Friends & Heroes
, an album that delivers what it promises: a record bursting with guest appearances from colleagues and fellow travelers. Among the heroes are such stalwarts as
Sam Bush
,
Jerry Douglas
Ronnie McCoury
, and
Del McCoury
, but
Lorene Solivan
shows up too, as do several friends. For as much star power as there is, the record never feels overstuffed. In fact, it's often gentle, reaching an apex in the breezy "You Don't Write," but also tapping into a similar sweet spirit on covers of roots classics ("I Still Miss Someone," "Wayfaring Stranger"), pop tunes ("Pretty Woman," "Leaving on a Jet Plane"), and originals. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine