Pickin’ In The Bushes by Moonshine Mountain Boys: A Rustic Gem from 1976
If you’re into raw, down-home country vibes with a dash of worldy flair, Pickin’ In The Bushes is one album that might just stick to your ribs. Released in ’76 on Sandcastle Records, this little slice of Americana feels like sitting around a campfire with old friends—except these friends happen to be really talented musicians. The Moonshine Mountain Boys bring together banjo twangs, mandolin strums, and even some bagpipes (yep, you read that right) to create something both familiar and refreshingly quirky.
The lineup here is tight-knit but versatile. Danny McKeown does quadruple duty on banjo, mandolin, drums, and yes, those aforementioned bagpipes. Martin McKernan holds it down on guitar, bass, and harmonica. It’s clear these guys weren’t messing around—they knew how to stretch their talents thin without losing the heart of the music.
Now, let’s talk tracks. This album has twelve tunes, each with its own charm, but two stood out for me personally. First up, there’s “Glendale Train.” Man, this one gets stuck in my head every time. It’s got this driving rhythm that makes you want to hop aboard an imaginary locomotive bound nowhere special. The interplay between the banjo and mandolin feels like they’re having a friendly argument—you can almost picture them grinning while playing. It’s simple, sure, but sometimes simplicity hits hardest.
Then there’s “Banjo Man,” which is exactly what it sounds like—a love letter to the five-string wonder. Danny McKeown lets loose on this track, showing off his chops without ever feeling showy. There’s a playful energy here, like he’s daring you not to tap your foot along. By the end, I found myself wondering if I should pick up a banjo too. Spoiler alert: I probably won’t, but hey, a guy can dream.
What I dig most about Pickin’ In The Bushes is how unpolished yet genuine it feels. These aren’t studio-perfect recordings; instead, they breathe with life, as if the band recorded everything live in someone’s backyard shed. And honestly? That’s part of the magic. You get the sense that these songs are less about impressing critics and more about sharing stories and good times.
One thing that struck me as funny was realizing Danny McKeown played four instruments AND handled the bagpipes. Like, who wakes up one day and says, “You know what this folk-country album needs? Bagpipes!” But weirdly enough, it works. Maybe it shouldn’t, but it does.
So yeah, give Pickin’ In The Bushes a spin if you’re craving real-deal country with a twist. Just don’t blame me if you start dreaming about hopping trains or learning the banjo yourself. Oh, and next time you’re out camping, throw this on—it’ll make the marshmallows taste better, promise.
