Excerpts from iBluegrass.com article of Aug-01-2000 by Michael Routh:

"Any musicians bold enough to identify with progressive bluegrass, or 'newgrass,' must be ready for the inevitable comparisons to New Grass Revival. Crucial Smith does have elements reminiscent of the New Grass Revival sound. Clean, crisp vocals backed by precise instrumentation and strong melodies are certainly common elements. Pat Flynn, former New Grass Revival guitarist, produced both Crucial Smith (studio) releases."

The music of Crucial Smith can fairly be described as (the) fusion (of bluegrass and rock-n'-roll) yet the elements being fused together are very different from past 'newgrass' attempts. The Crucials balance the warm acoustic sound of bluegrass instrumentation with the melodic sensibilities of savvy pop and rock artists. Long improvisational jams are jettisoned, creating music with the potential to please many ears, not just instrumental aficionados.

While Kyle Wood and Tim May provide the majority of lead vocals, each member gets a chance to display his own vocal abilities. On (the band's sophomore CD, 'Morning Light') the track 'Silver Moonlight', we find bassist Dave Holladay possessing an affable country voice reminiscent of Chris Hillman. Kyle Wood's clear high tone could in all fairness be compared with John Cowan (from) New Grass Revival. The bluegrass faithful should enjoy the more traditional gospel cut 'King of Babylon,' which received airplay on some regional bluegrass radio programs.

It's plainly obvious that these guys love bluegrass music. Why else would anyone play it? Certainly not for fame and fortune! So put aside the artificial barriers that separate genres and generations. Judge Crucial Smith on their own merits and you'll discover some highly innovative yet accessible contemporary bluegrass, certainly deserving of a wider audience."