Casey Penn’s debut album, “One Step Away” is a deeply personal album, dedicated to the memory of Casey’s father, Chuck Hanes, who was her biggest supporter and lived a life of faith. The album reflects this sentiment in its title, as Casey states, “He was One Step Away from Heaven.”
Casey’s talent shines through on “One Step Away,” as she sings lead and harmony vocals, joined by a talented ensemble of musicians including Justin Moses on banjo, resophonic guitar, and mandolin; Jason Roller on fiddle, rhythm, and lead guitar; Kevin Grant on bass; Tim Crouch on fiddle for the Prelude; Thomm Jutz on lead guitar for “Journey to Providence,” and Scott Mulvahill on cello for “How to Bend.” Harmonizing with Casey are a host of gifted vocalists including Larry Cordle, Carl Jackson, Chris Latham, Tim Raybon, Mike Rogers, and Val Storey. Executive producer Mark Hodges, owner of Mountain Fever Records, and producers Casey Penn and Chris Latham have created a masterpiece with this album.
Engineer Chris Latham, of The Gorilla’s Nest Studio, was effusive in his praise of Casey, saying, “Casey’s voice and songwriting are pure and honest. Her delivery is clear and relatable, and her personal character perfectly matches her creative talent. Anyone who gets to know her will surely love her.” Tim Raybon, a fellow musician, also attested to Casey’s skill, stating, “Casey Penn is a phenomenal writer and singer, and she has put together an album that bluegrass and country fans will love. It’s truly inspiring.”
Before the release of “One Step Away,” Casey Penn had already generated buzz with three hit singles, including “We Go Together Like a Guitar and a Fiddle,” “Little Lives,” and “Chasing Rainbows,” all of which reached the Bluegrass Today’s Top 20 Song chart. With her solo career now underway and her touring band in place, Casey is poised to build on her past accomplishments, especially as a songwriter. She was a finalist in the Hazel Dickens Songwriting Competition in 2016 for her song “Oceans,” co-written with Rodger King, and has won multiple awards, including the Arkansas Talent Search Songwriting Competition and a 2022 New Song Showcase at Walnut Valley Festival Competition win for “No More Tears,” another collaboration with Rodger King.
Buy One Step Away.
Author: World Music Central News Room
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