Live and Learn

Country gospel outfit the Kenny and Amanda Smith Band's LIVE AND LEARN is an acoustic bluegrass album in the traditional style (without percussion) featuring 13 thoughtful but low-key songs that move away from the more overtly gospel material of earlier albums like TELL SOMEONE into secular country songs such as the lost-love lament "Drive That Fast." The band's most enchanting element, Amanda Smith's lovely, dusky voice, is well-suited to these neo-traditional bluegrass and country sounds, as is the band's relaxed playing style.