Owensboro Bluegrass Band Releases Debut Studio Album ‘Going Under’

Their first performance was at Owensboro's Porchfest 2023.  The Lowland Ramblers' singer, songwriter, and guitar player, Chris Martin Abell, and bass player Alex Abend kept playing gigs around town as they grew the gang of Bluegrass musicians to a quartet.

It happened pretty quickly, too. Chris shared, "Not long after, she [Alex] brought a guy she had been dating to Brasher’s Open Mic, and I found out he played mandolin, along with guitar and banjo. And she read my face and was like “No!” But it happened anyway, and that was how Blythe Dahlem (mandolin) joined the band." Sam Sanford joined on the banjo, and they were complete.

A little over two years later, they've released their debut studio album, "Going Under," with ten tracks. Nine of the songs were written by Chris, and the tenth is an instrumental by Blythe. Recorded at Hilltop Studios in Nashville and the Bluegrass Hall of Fame & Museum. Blythe Dahlem is the mixing engineer and producer (my goodness, he sure wears a lot of hats AND does it well!), and Brent Smith is the mastering engineer.

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“The songs in ‘Going Under’ are deeply personal. They are a written account of victories, defeats, heartbreak, and love throughout my twenties and into my thirties. I only started really seeing myself as a writer when I turned 29 (I’m now 31), so I had a lot of life to put to paper." Chris said.

After listening this morning, I would agree that the lyrics on this album are relevant and relatable to a LOT of folks right now. There is just something about Bluegrass music that connects with the masses in that way, but Chris' words are honest and real. Love & Morphine is one that I know has already touched many hearts.

"I think that these are songs that will make folks feel. These songs reek of humanity in the best way. I love songs that make me feel something profound, or take me back to a memory when I felt that way. I hope that these songs become that for others.”

Then you have track number nine, There's a Bear in Daviess County, that I would bet money will put a smile on your face. Especially if you remember when we had that special visitor about a year ago. 'Going Under' is a great listen all around. Wonderful storytelling, excellent musicianship.

And we're in luck! The Lowland Ramblers will play Live on the Banks tomorrow, Saturday, August 30th at 7:00 pm. The Pub on Second is hosting the official release party following the show, if you want to stop in and grab a special edition t-shirt, CDs, and more. 

Now, the answer to a question I KNOW you want to ask. That handsome cover model? His name is Kylo, and he's a Rambler through and through.

He's very excited about his dad's new music, he hopes to become famous, and he asked me to share this with you so you can listen and tell your friends!