Playing Time - 42:43 -- Cedar Hill has been around since 1967, and the current lineup features members from Missouri, Arkansas, Iowa and Oklahoma who have worked together for about 4 years. Cedar Hill consists of Frank Ray (mandolin), Mel Besher (guitar), Lisa Ray (fiddle), Kenny Cantrell (banjo), and Ali Keisler (bass). All band members also sing. Although not on this album, guitarist Jesse Durham (formerly with the Waring Family) also now performs with the group.On January 15, 2005, Cedar Hill won five Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music (SPBGMA) Mid-West Awards. The band received Vocal Group of the Year, Frank Ray received Songwriter of the Year, Mel Besher received Male Vocalist of the Year (Contemporary), Kenny Cantrell received Banjo Player of the Year, and Lisa Ray received Fiddle Player of the Year. That alone should tell you about the support and confidence that their many friends and fans show for Cedar Hill. A contract with the Hay Holler label will launch them to even greater heights on the international bluegrass scene."Stories" emphasizes story songs...songs of lost love, train wrecks, tragedy, death and life. With a distinctively traditional stamp, their music draws some covers from the likes of Bill Monroe with "Close By." However, a clear strength of this album is the eight originals from band members along with some other new material from others. Lisa sings lead on her self-penned "Unwanted Children," a sad tale of abandonment. Frank Ray contributes five originals, with his collaborations with Mel Besher, "Who's Gonna Pray For Me" and "Ice on the Timber" being standouts. The latter is a ballad that sends a chill right up your spine like a freezing norther. Two original Frank Ray instrumentals, "Leavin' Egypt" and "D B's Blues" have strong Monroesque feeling. Kenny Cantrell's instrumental "Flowers Creek" (played on his Gibson Granada) was inspired by the creek behind his house.Most importantly, Cedar Hill's songs come from their own insights and perspectives on life. Whether a song written by Frank Ray thirty years ago for his wife ("Country Girl") or one based on a story told by his father and grandfather ("Ice on the Timber"), the result is a deep introspection into messages that impacted them personally. The story of "Echo Mountain" was shared by Mac Elliott with Mel Besher a few years back, and the song has also become a recent hit for James King who put it on his "Bluegrass Storyteller" album. Guest artists on "Stories" include Robert Bowlin, Ferrell Stowe, and Ronnie McCoury. Ferrell Stowe played resophonic guitar on Slide, Whippoorwill, Ice on the Timber, Country Girl, and he played Oahu slide guitar on Echo Mountain. Robert Bowlin played guitar on the entire CD. Lisa Ray also clearly enjoyed playing lead to his twin fiddle. Ronnie McCoury does an outstanding job with the twin mandolin on "D B's Blues."Story songs are typically presented with slower to moderate tempos that allow their compelling narratives to be accentuated. Cedar Hill's presentation is deliberate, their bluegrass has a rare charm with choruses that resonate with conviction. (Joe Ross, staff writer, Bluegrass Now)