The Pickin’ Singin’ Professor (Diploma Disc)
The amazing thing about Rod Moag isn’t the variety and scope of the songs on
The Pickin’ Singin’ Professor; it’s how well he does them –even more
impressive considering that there’s nary a hint of bluegrass on the record.
Bluegrass is Moag’s stock and trade, and there’s none of it save for the
mandolin-workout instrumental “Goofus,” which is more of a country swing number
anyway, but that’s something for his next record. It’s not exactly a loss,
though as Moag sings everything from rockabilly (“Party Doll,” “Rave On”),
Western Swing (“Rose of the Alamo”), and old-timey country (“Give Me Forty
Acres”) to traditional numbers (“Just a Closer Walk With Thee,”), and an
absolutely moving rendition of the olde Irish ballad “Galway Bay.” Moag’s
degree is in South Asian languages, but this record alone contains enough
credits to qualify him for a Ph.D. in American music. And just wait ’til he
whips out the bluegrass again.
HHHH — Christopher Gray
This article appears in February 16 • 1996 and February 16 • 1996 (Cover).