Autoharp virtuoso Bryan Bowers is known for his unique fingerpicking style attached to an instrument that is normally strummed. Bowers no doubt developed this style during his early proficiency on guitar as a kid. Bowers is primarily a live performer and storyteller, so his recorded works are few. Friend for Life is his first release on the Flying Fish label in over 18 years. He delivers an eclectic 21 tracks that cover traditional folk compositions as well as the blues of Howlin' Wolf, the traditional country of the Carter Family, the bluegrass of Jimmy Martin, and even lullabies ("Frere Jacques" and "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star").