The dreams of a handful of diehard traditionalists notwithstanding, it always seemed likely that the Dan Tyminski Band would be transitory. But refugees Adam Steffey (mandolin) and Ron Stewart (banjo, fiddle) have fielded an impressive successor in The Boxcars, now wrapping up work on a debut CD and starting to get out and about. Given how bluegrass works, plenty of former bandmates can almost always be found, and Steffey and Stewart have two strong ones in bass man Harold Nixon (who worked in J. D. Crowe’s band with Stewart) and under-appreciated veteran multi-instrumentalist John Bowman (who has served with both Crowe and Alison Krauss, not to mention a long stint next to Steffey with gospel standouts The Isaacs). Rounding out the lineup is Keith Garrett (guitar), who’s more than ready for the brighter spotlight this new gig will give him. Unless you’ve been under a rock for the last eight months, you already know this is one can’t-miss show.
— Jon Weisberger