When it comes to household names, the list of banjo players may be relatively short, but it undoubtedly includes Rob McCoury, and not just because his father is Del McCoury. McCoury’s stage presence is laid-back and inconspicuous, but his playing is as heated as the title of his debut solo album suggests. While he can easily share a stage with contemporaries like The String Cheese Incident, this album includes 15 tracks that showcase years of listening to and playing with string music’s best. Comprised mostly of instrumentals, there are a couple of vocal numbers courtesy of father Del (“I’ve Lost You”), Bobby Osborne and even McCoury himself. Don Reno numbers and hat tips to Earl Scruggs are dispersed throughout, while Sonny Osborne, J.D. Crowe, Walter Hensley and Larry Perkins all make guest appearances. It’s safe to say that The 5 String Flame Thrower is a must for any bluegrass-blooded lover of the banjo.