Credibility Gap
Forty Days

Review by Steven Stone
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CD Stock Number: C GAP10-2

 

  If you've ever attended a bluegrass festival you know that as many folks go just to play in the informal jams in camping sites and parking lots as to hear the bands on stage. Something about bluegrass music encourages folks to play it recreationally. Credibility Gap is a local Colorado-based band that includes a dentist, a geologist, a roofing contractor, and a machinist. Three members, Bob Hickam, Terry Cox, and Jeff Meyer have been playing together for nearly ten years. Credibility Gap is an example of a fine "semi-pro" band. They prefer to integrate their music into their regular lives rather than go out and chase the elusive and often soul-killing dream of being a full-time professional musician. Sound's like the best of both worlds to me.

Most of the original material is written by mandolinist Terry Cox, but guitarist Robert Hickam also contributes a pair of tunes. I especially liked the bluegrass-reggae number "River of Tears". The acapella number "Forty Days" demonstrates Terry Cox's deft touch with gospel material. Tiny Tim would appreciate the lyrics to the wry "Miss Vickie".

While the production values aren't quite equal to Compass and Sugar Hill releases, it is still good enough to stay out of the way. If you want to hear how good a semi-pro band can be, pick up a copy of "Forty Days' and find out.

Enjoyment: 90

Sound Quality: 80