Legendary bluegrass hitmakers Lonesome River Band showcase a bold sonic evolution with their latest single “Bernadette” which blends traditional acoustic instrumentation with electric flair. This track introduces the innovative Telegrass treatment by incorporating the chicken pickin’ style of Telecaster wizard Rod Riley into the group’s high-energy rhythm. National Fiddlers Association Hall of Fame member Mike Hartgrove opens the piece with a sharp instrumental performance that anchors the song in classic bluegrass excellence. The narrative comes from the songwriting team of Bob and Ginger Minner who found inspiration for the title while discussing unique names for a novel. Guitarist Jesse Smathers handles the lead vocals with a soulful grit that captures the doleful story of a farmer abandoned by a trifling woman. The arrangement features a unique structural approach with split solos and distinctive open fifth harmonies throughout the chorus. Hearing the interplay between Sammy Shelor’s award-winning banjo work and the electric guitar leads is an absolute revelation for the genre.
The origin of the track is as unique as its sound because the idea sparked while the songwriters were driving and joking about names. Bob Minner recalls that “out of nowhere I sang that name and first line” before returning home to finish the composition quickly. He specifically intended to use the word “trifling” to describe the character in this bluegrass tale of abandonment. Minner sent the demo immediately to Jesse Smathers because this specific group was exactly who he heard in his head during the writing process. The band utilizes split solos to highlight the individual talents of Miller, Shelor, and Riley throughout the recording. This release successfully honors the history of the band while pushing the boundaries of modern roots music.