I always enjoy hearing a new band, especially if they’re good. I discovered Hard Ryde a while back and I’ve been listening to their CD, Expressed, for several weeks and thought I’d share it with our readers here on The Bluegrass Blog. The CD isn’t new, it was released in 2006, but it will probably be new to many of you.

Hard Ryde hails from Ontario, Canada. The band consists of five members comprising the classic bluegrass instrument line-up: guitar, bass, mandolin, banjo, and fiddle.

The CD is a combination of traditional bluegrass numbers, originals, and at least one song stolen from another genre. Fifteen songs are included on the disc, giving a listener a good value for their money. The traditional tunes are done well, the performances and arrangements are traditional enough to satisfy even the most fundamental bluegrass listener.

Hard Ryde really shines though when you get to the original tunes on the disc. Nick McDonald, the mandolin player in the band, penned what has become my favorite tune on the CD. Let It Rain, is a traditional sounding song, with an interesting chord progression, great melody and lyrics. It’s one of those medium tempo songs that can really drive.

The band does have sound samples available on their website and MySpace page. If you’re looking for some new music, this is one band from up North that you’ll want to check out.