Spring Creek created a good deal of media reaction and fan support with last year’s self-released CD, Lonesome Way To Go, so much so that Rebel Records signed them to the label. In so doing they became the first band from west of the Mississippi to record for Rebel.

They have another unique place in bluegrass history because, in 2007, they became the only group to ever to win the band competitions at the Telluride and RockyGrass Festivals in the same year.

The young Colorado-based quartet, Chris Elliott (banjo), Jessica Smith (upright bass) Taylor Sims (guitar) and Alex Johnstone (mandolin), are all graduates from South Plains College and are now looking to build on the interest generated by the aforementioned album.

Way Up On A Mountain features several original song penned by band members, such as It’s Alright My Darlin’, Drivin’ Me Crazy and Slow Down. Intermingled are a couple of new songs from John Diamond, (the opener My Love Is Way Up On A Mountain and Another Lonesome Night My Dear) one from Mark Brinkman (Try and Catch The Wind) and the John Pennell-Dave Peterson co-write Til’ You Come Back To Me.

Also included are a couple of covers; Ricky Nelson’s forlorn Lonesome Town and Bill Monroe’s In Despair; and two instrumental pieces; Cuba Vera Swing and Under The Gun.

Each of the foursome sing lead and all except Johnstone provide harmony on various tracks.

IBMA award-winning fiddler Michael Cleveland contributes his masterful work on half a dozen tracks and another guest, Sally Van Meter, adds resophonic guitar to three others.

Way Up On A Mountain was released earlier this week (May 5), and the band is out now touring in support. You can find their schedule online.

Audio samples are available on MySpace.