Bluegrass outfit Tellico sizzle on debut album ‘Relics and Roses’

‘Relics and Roses’
Tellico (self-released)
4 stars out of 5

Fresh from the fertile roots music scene in Asheville, N.C., comes bluegrass foursome Tellico, who make a remarkable first impression with splendid debut album “Relics and Roses.” If you’re a fan of mountain music, I urge you to check out this up-and-coming outfit.

The one-two singer/songwriter punch of Anya Hinkle (guitar/fiddle) and Stig Stiglets (bass) provides Tellico’s musical backbone. They’re joined by Aaron Balance (dobro/pedal steel) and Jed Willis (mandolin/clawhammer banjo) to give the band four first-rate musicians.

The 11-track release is comprised of 10 originals and a set-closing Neil Young & Crazy Horse medley (“White Line/River of Pride”). Hinkle and Stiglets are accomplished songwriters as well, with tunes like “Backstep Blues,” “Can’t Go Home Again,” “I Want to Know,” “Hawkeye Pierce and Honeycutt Blues” and personal favorite “Lean Into It” especially impressive. This one’s a winner, y’all. (Jeffrey Sisk)