After a steady stream of original songs by its namesake, the Mountain Home Music Company’s Gina Furtado Project takes a nifty side trip with an energetic version of a classic old-time-by-way-of-bluegrass instrumental, the “Kansas City Railroad Blues,” their first single produced by award-winning banjo player Kristin Scott Benson. The latest release places the spotlight squarely on the group’s impeccable virtuosity, while offering an introduction to new contributors to the Project’s authentically unique sound.

The newest member of The Gina Furtado Project is bassist Lu Furtado, joining sisters Gina (banjo) and Malia (fiddle) in what’s both a personal and, given their past performances as teens in a family band, a musical reunion, too. “Kansas City Railroad Blues” is tailor made for a muscular rhythm section, and after Lu’s brief, punchy introduction, she’s joined by guitarist Drew Matulich in a convincing demonstration of driving train rhythms—cast first in bluegrass mode and then, mid-way through the track, shifting to a more swing-flavored feel. The foundation serves as an irresistible platform for deft solos in both styles by Matulich, Gina—twice nominated for the IBMA’s Banjo Player of the Year award—Malia and guest mandolinist Wayne Benson (Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out), and the result is a performance that shows off the distinctive, multi-dimensional playing of each.

“How in the world I made it all these years as a banjo player and not heard of ‘Kansas City Railroad Blues,’ I have no idea,” confesses Gina. “Nonetheless, I heard this tune for the very first time last year, and it quickly became my new favorite. This tune has the magic fire that drew me to the banjo as a kid and hasn’t let me put it down since. I chose it knowing it would be a great way to show off the hot pickers in the band. It provides a perfect template for Drew and Malia to exhibit their pristine swing style chops.

“This is also the first single of ours that includes our newest band member, Lu Furtado,” she adds. “And boy, does she make a grand entrance with her stellar bass playing! Lastly, Wayne Benson and Kristin Scott Benson, joining us on mandolin and from the producer’s chair, respectively, made this a super special recording. I hope you enjoy listening to it as much as we enjoyed recording it!”