Steam, released in 2018 on Mountain Fever (MFR 180629), is Deeper Shade of Blue's label debut after more than seventeen years and six self-released albums as a working North Carolina band. The lineup pairs Troy Pope on guitar and lead vocals with Jim Fraley on banjo and vocals, Jason Fraley on mandolin and vocals, Frank Poindexter on Dobro, and Scott Burgess on bass and vocals, with Wyatt Rice guesting on guitar. The twelve-track set is built around tight five-part harmony and runs through eight originals plus reimagined covers and gospel. Steam marked the band's move from regional self-release into the broader bluegrass label circuit after nearly two decades of road work — an unusually patient runway for a Mountain Fever debut.
Tracklist
- 1 Steam 2:57
- 2 Pearly Gates 3:09
- 3 Kentucky Slave House 4:33
- 4 Hook It (instrumental) 2:53
- 5 Rain and Snow Source Recording 4:11
- 6 Put Some Bluegrass In My Ear 3:06
- 7 Out Of The Blue 2:43
- 8 How Great Thou Art alt version 4:04
- 9 Most Of All 2:45
- 10 Steal Away and Pray alt version 2:44
- 11 In Your Eyes 2:55
- 12 Uncle Josh the Dobro King 2:55