Don't call them a bluegrass band

Calling Wayfaring Strangers a bluegrass band is a little like calling Paul Simon a rock and roller. The term fits in a very broad sense but doesn't adequately describe the type of music the band produces. \nJust as Simon evolved into an eclectic musician who embraced folk, rock and world sounds, the Wayfaring Strangers have adapted a variety of musical styles -- including jazz, old-time country, folk and klezmer -- to produce a unique concoction on Shifting Sands of Time.\nTrue, if you had to pigeonhole the band -- which is led by musical director and strings player Matt Glaser -- you'd call them bluegrass. But from the opening strains of the album's first track, it becomes apparent that the Strangers are just as much a jazz band.\nUnderpinning the album is Jim Whitney's subtle bass and the old-timey sound of Tony Trischka's banjo. The singing duties are shared by a diverse group of voices, from the classic cowboy yodel of Ralph Stanley to the haunting vocals of Jennifer Kimball. In between are guest appearances by, among others, Lucy Kaplansky and Tracy Bonham.\nDescribing the resulting sound is somewhat difficult; think John Coltrane crossed with Chet Atkins. The music is sublime, so much so that the full effect doesn't really sink in on the first listen, or maybe even the second or third.\nAt times, the album drags, becoming a little too atmospheric for its own good. But overall, it's a refreshing shot of creativity and originality that more musicians in both jazz and country could take a lesson from.