Music Reviews

Giving fresh vision to deep musical roots

Let’s face it. For some of us, the word “bluegrass” conjures up images of toothless old mountain men picking away at rugged stringed instruments. But the up-and-coming sister duo, Scenic Roots, may transform that stereotype. With tight performances, heartfelt vocals, and an earthy energy, Scenic Roots shares their love of Bluegrass music.

Erin and Amber Rogers grew up making music together. Erin (23) plays piano and mountain dulcimer. Amber (21) plays fiddle and banjo and performs most of the group’s vocals. Raised and homeschooled by parents who played and listened to bluegrass, the music is practically in their blood.

At early ages the girls began playing music with their Dad and tagging along at festivals and jams. Amber asked for a fiddle when she was two years old and began lessons when she was four. Erin received a mountain dulcimer for her seventh birthday and ten years later became the youngest musician to win the National Mountain Dulcimer Contest. Later Erin and Amber took their talent to new levels by attending South Plains College’s bluegrass music program where they graduated in 2010.

Since then, Erin and Amber have taken their music on the road, traveling and performing nationally as Scenic Roots.

Their pursuit of music is a journey the sisters have shared. Their lifelong experiences of playing and studying music together give them solid chemistry as performers. They blend mountain tradition and toe-tapping bluegrass flare to create a unique roots sound.

The Rogers sisters present their music with admirable boldness. They know who they are as artists and as Christians, and they’re not afraid to belt out gospel tunes such as “Ain’t No Grave.” At the same time, they don’t wear a Christian label and are happy to perform for anyone who will listen. They believe music is their God-given calling, and they play it with all their hearts, as if to say, “This is who we are. Take it or leave it.”

For a great sample of Scenic Roots, check out their latest EP, “The Bound for Somewhere.” Scenic Roots’ recordings are refreshingly under-produced. Amber’s vocals give their songs a gutsy rawness, and their instrumental tracks make audiences feel as if they are listening in on a front porch jam session.

Their talent is evident in their intricate instrumentation and harmonies. More than that, the sisters’ passion for their music resonates in each track. They bring new energy and unique edge to an old-fashioned genre.

Their journey through roots music has proven scenic and blessed so far. Hopefully the route they have chosen will take them far.

- Grace D. Williamson

Look for an interview with the Rogers sisters in the next issue of Generation Impact
Check out the Scenic Roots website!

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