Crooked Road CD Series [Back]

No Speed Limit:
Bluegrass Lullaby

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Galax, the friendly town on the border of Carroll and Grayson counties is named for the galax leaf, a broad green leaf that carpets some woodlands, and has been used for generations for decorative purposes. Galax has produced musicians in prodigious numbers that has puzzled and delighted musicologists for almost a century. This process continues. The most revered of American fiddler’s conventions is held here, and is in a state of vigorous good health. It began seventy years ago, but there are some who recall the top band and their song.  This town is as rich in musicians as it was fifty years ago, and it was very rich back then. The Lomax family of collectors was active here, beginning in the 1930s and continuing until the 1970s. These collectors (John Lomax and his son, Alan Lomax, and daughter Bess Lomax Hawes) were associated with the Library of Congress, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Galax is still blessed with an active downtown and main street, businesses that offer old-fashioned services at reasonable prices. At Roy’s jewelry store on Main Street, for example, they have the new fashions, but still know how to fix real watches and clocks. Roy’s shop is across the street from Tom Barr’s fiddle shop, which draws a constant stream of local and visiting musicians.  Tom’s son Stevie practically grew up in Barr’s Fiddle Shop, where he took up the banjo and became absorbed in the music that eventually led him to create this fine band. 

No Speed Limit is a brilliant young bluegrass band from this hazy blue heartland of the sound, and their contribution soars.  Here they perform originals as well as a few classics, all of which are imbued with a special fire. Like all great traditional bands, they keep the heritage by making it sparkle with quality.  They are a blessing of our time, and I hope you will join me in welcoming them.

- Joe Wilson
National Council for the Traditional Arts

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