King of Bluegrass

King of Bluegrass

ASIN: B00005Y8AF

Track Listings

1. Sweet Little Maggie

2. I Can't Give My Heart Again

3. Run Pete Run

4. Bluegrass Singing Man

5. Beautiful Brown Eyes

6. Play Me Some More George Jones Songs

7. Goodbye Old Pal

8. Lovers' Lane

King of Bluegrass,Jimmy Martin,Power Pak,Bluegrass,Country,Pop,Traditional Bluegrass

Low Country Suite
Average customer rating:

A heartbreaking mediocrity

A new sound - King Wilkie

A Class of Their Own!

... and 1/2 .... A genuine, relaxed, good-time vibe full of alluring radiance & emotional pathos

Low Country Suite
King Wilkie
Manufacturer: Zoe Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Country | Styles | Music
General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music
Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
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Cherryholmes II: Black and White

Emotionalism

Broke

Waterloo, Tennessee

Compadres: An Anthology of Duets

ASIN: B000PAU2VC
Release Date: 2007-06-26

Tracks:

The Raising Of The Patriarchs
Wrecking Ball
Millie's Song
Rockabye (Farewell Lonesome Dove)
Angeline
Savannah
Crazy Daisy
Stone & Steel
Oh My Love
Ms. Peabody
Captivator

Amazon.com

Though the uptempo "Wrecking Ball" shows that King Wilkie can function just fine as a straightforward bluegrass band, most of the music by the acoustic Virginia sextet draws more from classic rock and vintage country, and particularly from the influences where the two converge. The harmonies of "Millie's Song" recall those of the Everly Brothers, "Savannah" sounds like one of the Band's evocations of the American South, the singalong "Crazy Daisy" and the atmospheric insistence of "Stone & Steel" suggest the Byrds of the same era, and the honky-tonk shuffle of "Angeline" draws from the country side of the Rolling Stones. Yet bittersweet ballads such as "Rockabye (Farewell Lonesome Dove)" and "Captivator" are the sort of material that could fit just fine on country radio. From the chamber strings of "Oh My Love" to the ragtime whistle of "Ms. Peabody," this label debut showcases a band of impressive range, depth, and potential. --Don McLeese

Album Description

Even as they were named 2004's Emerging Artist of the Year by the International Bluegrass Music Association, the sound of King Wilkie was extending outward in directions that could no longer be comfortably contained under the bluegrass banner. The band spent the next two years touring non-stop, building a die-hard following and honing an idiosyncratic new sound. The result is the evocative, harrowing Low Country Suite - a dramatic push into uncharted sonic terrain. Produced by Jim Scott (Tom Petty, Dixie Chicks, Wilco), Low Country Suite draws on the pioneering spirit of Sweetheart of the Rodeo-era Byrds, Gram Parsons' solo LPs, and "Country Honk" Stones, while the album's gentler songs are equally informed by the stark, confessional folk of Nico, Nick Drake, and Leonard Cohen. Haunting yet strangely uplifting, Low Country Suite is the captivating sound of a band willing to leave precedent behind to create intoxicating new music from the jagged remains of yesterday.

Customer Reviews:

A heartbreaking mediocrity.......2007-07-06

Following a brilliant debut album and a lively, imaginative self-produced EP, King Wilkie has spiraled downward into the mind-numbing, self-indulgent depths of contemporary singer-songwriterdom. The band's mostly lackluster original songs get a full-tilt, budget-busting studio treatment from Los Angeles producer Jim Scott. And for what? Satellite radio airplay? Opportunities to play trendy alt-country venues? Unfortunately, this sophomore effort completely undermines King Wilkie's key strengths: its youthful energy and dynamic use of contrasts. King Wilkie isn't the first bluegrass band to take a shot at a broader pop audience. But "Low Country Suite" is no "Wheatstraw Suite," if you catch my drift. Don't do this again, boys.

A new sound - King Wilkie.......2007-06-27

Do yourself a favor and buy/download/share this album. Best so far of 2007, and combines influences such as the beach boys, the byrds, stones, simon/garfunkel. But the voices here (both literal and lyrical) set them apart as their own. They aren't a bluegrass band, or a country band, or any other "kind" of band - they're just King Wilkie.

oh, and see them live in small venues while you still can.

thank me later

A Class of Their Own!.......2007-06-27

Excellent!
A little something for everyone!
Music to relax, dance, work, clean, drive, and play to!
I listen to it over and over again.
King Wilkie has earned another loyal fan!

... and 1/2 .... A genuine, relaxed, good-time vibe full of alluring radiance & emotional pathos .......2007-06-26

Playing Time - 42:48 -- From Charlottesville, Virginia, King Wilkie has a new contemporary Americana sound. Named for Father of Bluegrass Bill Monroe's favorite horse, the band's easy-going acoustic jaunt in this set is more of a canter than a gallop. Rather than high lonesome bluegrass, King Wilkie's "Low Country Suite" gives us a soothing folk-pop sound with rootsy feeling and earthy lilt. Striving for a more personal musical statement than traditional bluegrass afforded them, their approach has come to emphasize life experiences, their individual strengths and personal influences.

Initially formed in 2002 by Ted Pitney (guitar) and Reid Burgess (mandolin), these two graduates of Kenyon College in Ohio moved to Virginia to start a bluegrass band. The rest of the group includes Abe Spear (banjo), Drew Breakey (bass), Nick Reeb (fiddle), and John McDonald (guitar). In 2003, King Wilkie signed with Rebel Records. In 2004, they won IBMA's Emerging Artist of the Year Award. In 2005, their thoughtful melody-driven songs began marking an evolution of their musical makeover. The compositions on "Low Country Suite" are a number of pleasantly smooth movements that take us on a breezy jaunt through nostalgic, romantic or placid emotions. With some understated lap steel, organ, piano, harmonica or percussive embellishment in the mix, the set's result is one of mostly serene, laid-back imagery. "Angeline" is one of the more raucous offerings, with a hint of 1970s folk rock tonality. With its raw emotion and gritty realism, "Wrecking Ball" is a wild, thrilling ride with old-time spirit. "She's a wrecking ball coming through my wall so tall, like a house of straw these beautiful dreams will fall ....." The slow swing and bright lyricism of "Ms. Peabody" also provides some nice diversity to a mostly ethereal set mainly about "restlessness, coming of age, loss of innocence." The themes of absolution and liberation are clearly stated in "Captivator."

Produced by Jim Scott, an objective of "Low Country Suite" was to capture the band's own pioneering spirit in a manner reminiscent of the Byrds, Gram Parsons, Rolling Stones, Neil Young, or Bob Dylan. "King Wilkie creates their own genre of music -- a beautiful, true and honest sound," Scott once said. It's a lofty goal, and King Wilkie demonstrates both the aptitude and confidence to make a significant mark. The band now has the support of the reputable Rounder label, and I commend them for their flexibility, adaptability and relaxed sophistication. Thirty years from now, "Low Country Suite" may not be looked at as their defining work that established King Wilkie as an irresistible, clarion voice, but it certainly is a genuine, relaxed, good-time vibe full of alluring radiance and emotional pathos from their collective gut. (Joe Ross, staff writer, Bluegrass Now)

Average customer rating:

Amazing and beautiful
Another Bela Fleck Masterpiece!
Definitely a Winner
Soul Food
AN AMAZING WORK ! ! !

Perpetual Motion
Bela Fleck , Edgar Meyer , Evelyn Glennie , Joshua Bell , Gary Hoffman , John [guitar] Williams , Domenico Scarlatti , Johann Sebastian Bach , Claude Debussy , Fryderyk Chopin , Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky , Johannes Brahms , Niccolo Paganini , and Ludwig van Beethoven
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Mazurkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Duets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Inventions | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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Bluegrass Jam Bands | Jam Bands | Rock | Styles | Music

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Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
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ASIN: B00005OSX6
Release Date: 2001-10-02

Tracks:

Scarlatti: Keyboard Sonata in C Major K. 159
Bach: Two-Part Invention No. 13
Debussy: "Doctor Gradus ad Parnassum" from Children's Corner
Chopin: Mazurka in F-sharp Minor
Bach: "Prelude" from Partita No. 3 for Solo Violin
Chopin: Etude in C-sharp Minor
Chopin: Mazurka in F-sharp Minor
Bach: Three-Part Invention No. 10
Tchaikovsky: Melody in E-flat
Brahms: "Presto in G-Minor I after Bach"
Bach: "Prelude" from Suite for Unaccompanied Cello 1
Bach: Three-Part Invention No. 15
Paganini: Moto Perpetuo
Scarlatti: Keyboard Sonata in D Minor K. 213
Bach: Two-Part Invention No. 6
Beethoven: "Adagio sostenuto" from "Moonlight" Sonata
Bach: Two-Part Invention No. 11
Beethoven: Seven Variations on "God Save The King"
Bach: Three-Part Invention No. 7
Paganini: Moto Perpetuo (Bluegrass version)

Amazon.com

Bela Fleck is one of the greatest five-string banjo players performing today. Beginning in the 1970s, he honed his lightning-fast chops performing bluegrass, then moved on to contemporary jazz and fusion sounds. With this album, he broadens his horizons once again by performing an entire program of classical music transcriptions. Reminiscent of classical guitar albums by John Williams (who makes a guest appearance here), the disc traverses a wide range of repertoire--from Chopin mazurkas to Bach's Two and Three Part Inventions. Throughout, Fleck displays a feathery touch on his banjo, and his instrument offers a pleasant, brassy tone with very little twang. The technique he displays on Perpetual Motion is astounding and a refreshing change of pace from the smooth grooves found on the banjoist's Flecktones recordings. The arrangements are generally minimalist and understated, but violinist Joshua Bell, bassist Edgar Meyer, mandolinist Chris Thile, and percussionist Evelyn Glennie join in on this groundbreaking disc. Bluegrass purists may be disappointed (this is a far cry from the free-spirited, folksy abandon found on Sony's Short Trip Home and Appalachian Journey CDs), but classical fans will be astounded by how perfectly natural Fleck's banjo sounds on these works. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

Amazing and beautiful.......2007-01-02

Fleck's 2001 disc `Perpetual Motion' is by far his most ambitious foray into virtuosity, performing classical works by Bach, Scarlatti and Chopin.

And he does it without really showing off. He only tackles mazurkas, fugues and Bach classical inventions on the five-string banjo, a simple instrument for which this music was never conceived.

I once flirted with playing the banjo, and it wasn't an easy task, even trying to play 'Uncle Pen'.

But the man must be possessed to play it like Bela does. Alternating between delicate and complicated, slow to fast, Fleck gets about as much out of the humble banjo as anyone possibly could. He plays it precisely and with a light touch, with respect for the music and his instrument.

Some reviewers think it pretentious of Fleck to attempt a banjo foray into the classical genre. That's bunk. How is virtuosity measured, after all? By playing many genres: classical, bluegrass, pop, jazz, Indian, fusion. And by playing them well.

Fleck wasn't awarded a Grammy for this recording just by looking pretty. He earned it.

Another Bela Fleck Masterpiece!.......2006-09-17

Who knew there could be classical banjo. It may sound dumb to some of you, but Bela Fleck pulls it off perfectly. I prefer the jazz fusion of his work with the Flecktones, but that does not mean this is not brilliant. Technically speaking, Bela and all of his collaborators are the best around, and who can argue with the songwriting of the classical composers(no one openly insults Mozart). If you haven't heard Bela Fleck, here's some advice. Get one of his Flecktones albums if you're into jazz, rock, or funk, this if you like classical, and his Newgrass Revival, Strength in Numbers, or Sam Bush stuff if you're a bluegrass fan.

Definitely a Winner.......2006-07-05

It is apparent to my ears why this CD won a Grammy. It takes familiar classical music pieces and puts the distinct Bela Fleck style on them. The pairing of the banjo with different instruments makes this album texturally interesting for the ear and one does not tire of the selections, even if they are familiar. My favorite pairing is the marimba with the banjo. The liner notes are interesting, as is Bela's story on how difficult it was to make the album. It was definitely worth his time and the listener's .

Soul Food.......2006-01-30

This is exquisite! The best of human experience encoded on a simple CD disk.

AN AMAZING WORK ! ! !.......2005-11-12

I was searching a classical music CD for a long time which is something different.Which consists variety of instruments. Like guitar,violin,banjo,mandolin...for example.Something different and also exiting music.This CD fullfills my wishes. The music like this doesn't come up very often I suppose!
Béla Fleck did a great job by working with people who is masters of their instruments like John Williams etc. This causes the CD to be more joyful.You won't get bored to listen it again and again!
Anyway ,either you are a fan of classical music or not, you won't be dissapointed with this.I guarantee :)

Average customer rating:

Another great album from Sam
My Goodness, What an Album!!
Sam Bush: King of My World (Sugar Hill)
Passion, energy, spirit and even with a little humor
The Bluegrass King has Done it Again!!!!

King of My World
Sam Bush
Manufacturer: Sugarhill [Country]
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Country | Styles | Music

General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music

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Laps in Seven
Ice Caps: Peaks of Telluride
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Glamour & Grits

ASIN: B0001NBLTK
Release Date: 2004-04-13

Tracks:

Puppies 'N Knapsacks
A Better Man
Eight More Miles To Louisville
They're Gonna Miss Me When I'm Gone
Bananas
King Of The World
Spirit Is The Journey
Majestic
Bless His Heart
The Mahavishnu Mountain Boys
The Wizard Of Oz

Amazon.com

Mandolin and fiddle maestro Sam Bush helped pioneer "newgrass" in the 1970s by deftly mixing and matching traditional bluegrass influences with contemporary rock, reggae, and jazz sensibilities. On this outing, Bush is joined by a tight-knit coterie of fellow super-pickers--including Brad Davis (guitar), Jon Randall (vocals and guitar), Byron House (electric and acoustic bass), and Chris Brown (drums)--to forge a similarly exhilarating, genre-bending blend of traditional and cutting-edge influences. These 11 masterful cuts--ranging from a spirited, old-timey reprise of Grandpa Jones's "Eight More Miles to Louisville" to a soaring instrumental extravaganza called "The Mahavishnu Mountain Boys"--are every bit as soulful as they are super-charged. --Bob Allen

Customer Reviews:

Another great album from Sam.......2005-07-30

This is another great solo effort from Sam Bush. In fact, all his solo albums are extremely strong, going all the way back to "Howling..." or "Late as Usual". There isn't a throw-away track on this CD, and like someone said before, it's hard to imagine anyone not enjoying this collection. I was lucky enough to see this crew perform in Memphis around October 2004, and the music was possibly even better live. I've seen Sam a number of times live, and it's worth any drive you have to make to see him play. As a very amature banjo player, I wish I had enough talent to pick with these guys for 10 minutes!! Anyway, buy this album (just buy ALL of Sam's and NGR's stuff) and enjoy....LDG

My Goodness, What an Album!!.......2004-06-20

Well, if you like Sam Bush, then this is a no-brainer. Simply put, this is a great collection of both traditional and not-so-traditional bluegrass, etc. that almost anyone can enjoy. To be sure, you can hear strains of Sam's New Grass Revival heritage on certain songs, but there is a lot of great traditional picking as well. "Eight More Miles to Louisville" will satisfy any bluegrass traditionalist. My favorites are "A Better Man" and the title song, "King of the World," which are a little more contemporary but I found rather moving and personally satisfying. All in all, one of the best albums I've bought in awhile. Highly recommended!!!

Sam Bush: King of My World (Sugar Hill).......2004-06-18

Sam Bush is a musician's musician and a really nice guy (I've met the man). His playing is deeply rooted in American traditional music. Sam doesn't let tradition stand in the way of expressing a fresh look at his world, which he is the king of.

If you are talking tasteful tunes with mando lines "like butter": Sam is the king. Look at it this way, Sam is driving his rambler while we ride shotgun for a little fun, see the sights, and maybe take in a ball game.

So here is a question: What do Grandpa Jones and Johnny Clegg have in common? Answer: they've both written tunes played by Sam Bush on this album. "Eight More Miles to Louisville" and "Spirit is the Journey" as interpreted by Mr. Bush are as fresh as Rocky mountain snow (near Telluride of course).

The backing players fit like a glove and include Byron House (bass), Brad Davis (guitar) and Jon Randall (vocals and guitar) who generally tour with Sam. These guys are tight and it really shows especially on the instrumental numbers co-authored by the group "Puppies `N Knapsacks" and also on Sam's original "Bananas".

Sam borrows from one of his favorite songwriters, Jeff Black, for two tunes on this CD namely the title cut and "They're Going to Miss Me When I'm Gone". Sam really seems to find his voice with Jeff Black songs.

The final stop on the CD is the heartland with a swing tune tribute to his beloved St. Louis Cardinals and their shortstop, Ozzie Smith in the "The Wizard of Oz". This reminds me of swing tunes that came out in 1950s that paid tribute to players and teams of the era and of Steve Goodman's musical tributes to the Chicago Cubs.

As someone once said, Sam never misses a step, more fun that a barrel of monkeys, and always lets you sit back and enjoy the ride.

Thanks for the wonderful ride Sam!

Passion, energy, spirit and even with a little humor.......2004-04-18

Playing Time - 49:59 -- Sam Bush has always been somewhat of a maverick, an independently minded musician who isn't necessarily constrained by the traditional sideboards of bluegrass. While many appreciate his innovation and creativity, some will always struggle with and question his use of drums, piano, organ and electric instruments on this project. My advice to them is to take their blinders off. Bush associates himself with some excellent musicians, and the songs aren't so far out there that this is rock music after all. He follows his own muse and explores a jamgrass territory into Americana that melds new sounds with old, spicing them with electric flavors that invigorate his acoustic spirit. His primary picking pals include Jon Randall Stewart (guitar), Byron House (bass), Chris Brown (drums), Brad Davis (vocals, guitar, BradBender). Others that appear include Reese Wynans (piano or organ, two cuts), Andrea Zonn (fiddle, one cut) and Larry Atamanuik (drums, one cut).

Bush collaborated last year with David Grisman on the project, "Hold on, We're Strummin'," but it's been about four years since Sam put out his last solo album called "Ice Caps: Peaks of Telluride" in 2000. "King of My World" pulls from many genres from bluegrass to jazz, reggae to country. The mountain consciousness is most apparent on a couple tracks (Puppie `N Knapsacks, Eight More Miles to Louisville) that Sam even picks banjo on. I never knew he could do that. "Bananas" is an instrumental with a distinctly Latin jazz feeling. The band really rocks on "Spirit is the Journey" written by Johnny Clegg, while the bluesy downstrokes on his mandolin drive Ed Snodderly's composition, "Magestic." The album even closes with a swingy self-penned "The Wizard of Oz," presumably a tribute to the great St. Louis Cardinals shortstop, Ozzie Smith. An avid Cardinals fan, Sam collects baseball memorabilia, has a dog named "Ozzie," and even performed the national anthem in 2002 at a Cardinals home game.

Besides mandolin and banjo, Bush also offers some hot licks on slide mandolin, slide guitar, guitar, and fiddle to various tracks. Six of the eleven songs each span five minutes or longer, and this gives the arrangements plenty of room to breathe with dynamics and instrumental improvisations. Speaking of eleven, that's the age that Bush started playing mandolin. By age 19, he was involved with the New Grass Revival which turned a lot of heads until their breakup in 1990. Bush, of course, went on to be a member of Emmylou Harris' "Nash Ramblers" from 1990-94, then toured for a year with Bela Fleck and the Flecktones. Bush's first solo album hit the streets in 1996, and "King of My World" is now his fourth solo release. He also maintains a very hectic schedule of touring, as well as recording with others.

"King of My World" continues his high-energy unfettered approach to music that refuses to be restricted by certain boundaries. While a staunchly traditional bluegrass fan will find little to please them here, others with more open musical minds will realize that Sam Bush's eclectic music is impeccably performed with passion, energy, spirit and even with a little humor thrown in. (Joe Ross, staff writer, Bluegrass Now)

The Bluegrass King has Done it Again!!!!.......2004-04-15

Known as the founder and a pioneer in the Bluegrass revival this album does nothing but reinforce that title. With this album Sam continues to create music that exceeds all expectations. Sam has always been known for his diversity, and the seamless way he blends a variety of musical styles. Although each song is of a different musical styling the album is so well constructed that it smoothly takes you from one track to the next and makes the whole album flow. Some of my favorite songs include classic rockin Bluegrass tracks like "They're Going to Miss me when I'm Gone" which includes Sam Bush trademark ripping mandolin solo. Some of my other favorites are the reggae infused "Spirit is the Journey" and the fun loving big bang/swing influenced "The Wizard of Oz". I highly recommend this album!!!!!

Average customer rating:

Great CD from a great band
Good First Effort
King Wilkie - traditional bluegrass - alive and kickin'
The closest to the masters yet...
A band with a lot of horsepower

Broke
King Wilkie
Manufacturer: Rebel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Country | Styles | Music

General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B0001O3YUS
Release Date: 2004-04-20

Tracks:

40 West
It's Been A Long Time
Broke Down And Lonesome
All Night Blues
Blue Yodel #7
Goodbye So Long
Little Birdie
Where The Old Red River Flows
Sparkling Brown Eyes
Lee And Paige
Drifting Away
Some Glad Day
40 West

Customer Reviews:

Great CD from a great band.......2007-01-05

New Bluegrass with a classic sound. Great new sound without departing too far from the standard.

Good First Effort.......2005-02-02

I found this CD after hearing a song that King Wilkie had on an Americana compilation and decided to give them a chance. I was not disappointed.

The covered material on this CD is solid, particularly Blue Yodel # 7 by Jimmie Rodgers and Where the Old Red River Flows by Jimmie Davis.

The new efforts, by Ted Pitney and Reid Burgess of the group seem fresh, but maintain a definite connection to their Bluegrass forerunners. Broke Down and Lonesome and Goodby So Long are two excellent new songs.

Craftmanship is evident from every member of King Wilkie, and they weave their talents into a pleasing blanket of good ole mountain music.

Highly recommended.

King Wilkie - traditional bluegrass - alive and kickin'.......2004-09-18

I just saw King Wilkie at the Wheatland Music Festival in Michigan where they made a ton of new fans. The crowds really loved the energy and enthusiasm they bring to traditional bluegrass. I got the feeling that the band really appreciates and respects its bluegrass musical roots but still feels free to explore and create new, original material.

King Wilkie's lineup features a mandolin, fiddle, banjo, two guitars, and a bass. Their playing is very clean and tight and their harmonies nice and smooth. The band has a nice, relaxed, unpretentious style that makes them a pleasure to watch and to hear. Whenever they got going on a hard-drivin', fast tempo tune, it was a real kick to see them smile and lean into each other as if they were just really enjoying playing music together.

I've just been listening this afternoon to their CD, Broke. I had to borrow a friend's since they immediately sold out at Wheatland before I could get one. The CD does a great job of capturing their sound and, in some ways, almost has the feel of a live performance. It contains a nice variety of traditional tunes as well as some very strong, original material.

I have a feeling that we'll be hearing a lot more from King Wilkie. If you ever have a chance to see them in person, do it. You're in for a treat and I guarantee that you won't be disappointed.

The closest to the masters yet..........2004-06-13

Amidst a glut of bluegrass King Wilkie's ancient sound stays close to the twangy Appalachian drone that banjo purists strive for. King Wilkie is six young cats doing traditional old-time and bluegrass tunes. Named after Bill Monroe's favorite horse, they do mostly originals (This flipped me out; I thought I was listening to a 1940's Pete Seeger record) and pay homage to the music's forefathers. "Broke," features 13 tracks of acoustic old-time that will leave you yearning for yet another trancelike ballad. There is a lesson to be learned for their grasp of a dying art. The group consists of Drew Breakley on bass, Reid Burgess on mandolin, John McDonald on guitar and vocals, Ted Pickney on lead guitar, Nick Reeb on fiddle, and Abe Spear on banjo. If Bela Fleck is too Rock & Roll for you, go pick up this record. - all content copyright www.maximumink.com

A band with a lot of horsepower.......2004-05-16

Their name inspired by Bill Monroe's Tennessee walking horse, King Wilkie is a Virginia-based band that plays bluegrass that really gallops. While only in their twenties, their high-stepping traditional approach to the music illustrates the horsesense that often only comes with years of experience. King Wilkie's first album, "True Songs," was an independent release in 2003. Now, with their sophomore release, they have the support of the reputable Rebel Records label. The band plays well together with a feisty energy full of bluegrass oats, and their lively set on "Broke" offers plenty to enthuse fans of all ages.

Just as they might open a bluegrass festival set, they blaze from the chute with a one-minute version of Ralph Lewis' "40 West." Tapping material from the backroads of the genre, they give us snappy renditions of the traditional "Little Birdie," Jimmie Davis' "Where the Old Red River Flows," and Jimmie Rodgers' "Blue Yodel #7." They cover Bill Cox's "Sparkling Brown Eyes" and Will Ramsey's "Some Glad Day." Between band members Ted Pitney (lead guitar) and Reid Burgess (mandolin), the CD also includes six original tunes that offer some memorable lines such as Pitney's "drifting away into loneliness," and Burgess' sentiments to "head down south to that old abode." These are very common themes in bluegrass music and the subject matter for traditional music lovers. With their songwriting, I would encourage them to respect these traditional themes but to also strive for new inspiration messages that tell us things that haven't been heard before. Pitney, for example, gives us a sad and tragic ballad with a new interpretive twist called "Lee and Paige," about a young loving couple's encounter with a train. "Broke Down and Lonesome" is getting some good airplay as a result of being featured on Prime Cuts of Bluegrass, Volume 68.

Pitney and Burgess met at college in Ohio in 2000. After graduating in 2001, they moved to a Charlottesville farmhouse and got the band together that now also includes Drew Breakey (bass), John McDonald (guitar), Nick Reeb (fiddle), and Abe Spear (banjo). Pitney, Burgess and McDonald are the sextet's vocalists. King Wilkie is a band with a lot of horsepower. Galloping in a traditional groove, they will go far on the bluegrass festival and concert circuit. (Joe Ross, staff writer, Bluegrass Now)

Average customer rating:

bluegrass of today

Bluegrass storyteller

Each lyric is delivered with very convincing emotion

Bluegrass Storyteller
James King
Manufacturer: Rounder / Umgd
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Country | Styles | Music
General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music
Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music
Rounder Records | Specialty Stores | Music
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40

The Grascals

ASIN: B0006V6TKI
Release Date: 2005-01-25

Tracks:

Coldest Day
Echo Mountain
She Took My Breath Away
Stumbling In My Father's
Jerusalem Tomorrow
Flowers In The Dell
Second Hand Flowers
Saginaw
Garage Sale
Carrol County
Cold Hard Facts
Julie
Julie As The Sun Sets

Customer Reviews:

bluegrass of today.......2007-05-13

I have been a fan of bluegrass since the days of Bill Monroe, Reno & Smiley, Jimmy Martin, etc. . This singer and his music revert back to
what I have always enjoyed not like Allison Krauss, Nickle Creek, Rhonda Vincent etc. I now have 4 of Jas. King's albums and now listen to Bluegrass with a story again.

Bluegrass storyteller.......2007-03-22

I am a big fan of james king I see him perfrm every year its a great cd i purchased used and it was in great shape and no problems playing. If you look for some good bluegrass include this cd.

Each lyric is delivered with very convincing emotion.......2005-03-02

Playing Time - 45:51 -- James King's robust vocals are known for being raw, pure and full of emotion. King also has a clear affinity for sad songs. He plays no guitar on this project, and instead just concentrates on telling his stories. And a sad song like "Echo Mountain" (written by Billy Smith and Mac Elliott) might bring tears to your eyes. There are no rollicking and smoldering extremes on "The Bluegrass Storyteller," but rather messages and musicianship that hold your attention in a different sort of way emphasizing a more subtle bluegrass framework. James renders a ballad, "Jerusalem Tomorrow," with only his vocals, some mournful fiddle and rhythm accompaniment. Two other numbers ("Second Handed Flowers" and "Carroll County Accident") are sung solo; five songs are arranged for duets. This leaner approach to the vocals allows us to stay focused on James King's emotive messages and personal intensity. James delivers each lyric with very convincing emotion.

King's consummate bandmates add a lot to this project. Guitarist/mandolinist Kevin Prater's high baritone on "Echo Mountain" is spine-tingling. Ben Greene's banjo drives "Flowers in the Dell" and "Carroll County Accident." Adam Haynes is blessed with a silky touch on his fiddle bow that allows him to move effortlessly from note to note. Jerry McNeely's bass provides a rock solid foundation, especially on more up-tempo selections like "Saginaw, Michigan." That piece builds to a soaring 3-part chorus with Prater and Greene assisting.

James King has won great acclaim from the bluegrass community for his heartfelt and soulful singing. A vocalist also knows that he must interpret songs with poignancy and character. He draws material from Tom T. Hall, Lefty Frizzell, David Olney, Bob Ferguson, Fred Eaglesmith, Buddy Miller, Carl Jackson and others. With a distinctive country feeling, James Kings' "The Bluegrass Storyteller" tells a baker's dozen of beautiful, life-affirming tales. Lilting melodies and tender sentiments characterize this album which closes with a stirring gospel quartet on "Just as the Sun Went Down." (Joe Ross, staff writer, Bluegrass Now)

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King of the Road!

King of the Railroad: 21 Country Tracks
Boxcar Willie
Manufacturer: Country Stars
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Country | Styles | Music

General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music

Country | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Best of Boxcar Willie
Best Loved Favorites
Truck Driving Favorites
King of the Hoboes
Best Loved Favorites, Vol. 2

ASIN: B00000DBJT
Release Date: 1998-09-01

Tracks:

King Of The Road
Wabash Cannonball
Don't Let The Stars Get I
Boxcar Blues
You Are My Sunshine
Your Cheatin'heart
Wreck Of The Old '97
Hank And The Hobo
I Saw The Light
Peace In The Valley
Mule Train
Hey Good Lookin'
Kaw-Liga
Move It On Over
London Leaves
Rolling In My Sweet Baby'
Divorce Me C.O.D.
Red River Valley
Heaven
San Antonio Rose
Train Medley: Fire Ball M

Customer Reviews:

King of the Road!.......2001-02-17

Boxcar Willie really is the 'King of the Road', I always play this CD when I am traveling! Great singalong music that gets everyone going!

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28 Big Ones
The Stoneman Family
Manufacturer: King
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Blues | Styles | Music

General | Country | Styles | Music

Old-Time Country | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music

General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music

Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music
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Family Tradition: The Stoneman Legacy
Ernest Stoneman: 1928 Edison Recordings
Gospel Music Treasures
Sing the Original Carter Family's Greatest Hits
Gonna Shake This Shack Tonight/Put Me to Bed

ASIN: B000050G7W
Release Date: 2000-10-24

Tracks:

100 Years Ago
Life's Railway to Heaven
When the Snowflakes Fall Again
Turn Me Loose
In the Sweet By and By
Orange Blossom Breakdown [Instrumental]
Family Life
Little Susie
Somebody's Waiting for Me
On the Banks of the Wabash
That Pal of Mine
Snow Deer
Springtime in the Mountains
Lee Highway Blues [Instrumental]
Going Home
Nobody's Darling But Mine
When the Roses Bloom Again
I Want to Wander
Lonesome Banjo [Instrumental]
Guilty
White Lightning #2
Wreck of the Number Nine
Wild Bill Hickok
It's Rain [Instrumental]
Heroes of Bataan
Out of School
Girl from Galak [Instrumental]
Sinking of the Titanic

Average customer rating:

Forever fresh and original.

The Best of Hank Snow
Hank Snow
Manufacturer: King
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Cowboy | Country | Styles | Music

General | Country | Styles | Music

Honky-Tonk | Country | Styles | Music

General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music

General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Country | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

The Essential Hank Snow
Faron Young - All-Time Greatest Hits
Greatest Hits & Favorites
20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of Ernest Tubb
Blues for My Blue Eyes

ASIN: B0000060HG
Release Date: 2007-01-08

Tracks:

I'm Moving On
I've Been Everywhere
The Rhumba Boogie
Married By The Bible, Divorced By The Law
The Gal Who Invented Kissin'
Tangled Mind
Conscience I'm Guilty
The Golden Rocket
Marriage Vow
When Mexican Joe Met Jole Blon

Customer Reviews:

Forever fresh and original........1999-07-12

No one can give life and vigor and interpretation to a song as well as Hank Snow. His voice and guitar carry him far beyond all other artists. "I've Been Everywhere" illustrates his absolute mastery of novel tongue-twisters; "Over the line illustrates his sensitive interpretation of lyrics. Thanks, Hank, for decades of musical joy.

Average customer rating:

best one yet
Thirty Years of Farming.
TRUE BLUEGRASS
Another Solid Effort From James King

Thirty Years of Farming
James King
Manufacturer: Rounder Select
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Country | Styles | Music

General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music

Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music

General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

Rounder Records | Specialty Stores | Music

General | Country | Indie Music | Stores | Music

Bluegrass | Country | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Bluegrass Storyteller
Bed by the Window
Lonesome & Then Some
These Old Pictures
40

ASIN: B00005YSL4
Release Date: 2002-02-12

Tracks:

Thirty Years Of Farming
I Don't See What I Once Saw
Heartbreak Express
Roy Lee
Flame In My Heart
Toil, Tears And Trouble
Here Today And Gone Tomorrow
A Faded Rose, A Broken Heart
Color Of The Blues
Days OF Grey And Black
I Overlooked An Orchid
Whoopin' It
Play Us A Waltz

Customer Reviews:

best one yet.......2002-07-19

As one of the biggest artists in bluesgrass today, James King comes back with a hit again. The title track, "Thirty years of Farming" happens to be my favorite. This album is his best yet and i hope there is more to follow.

Thirty Years of Farming........2002-05-08

I heard James King on the radio and had to have the CD. I'm not usually a fan of Bluegrass but I really enjoy this music. Buy it, you'll like it.

TRUE BLUEGRASS.......2002-05-07

James King has THE voice in Bluegrass, today. This particular CD absolutely supercedes and surpasses not only his previous solo efforts, but also his collaborations with the supergroup "Longview", which is no small feat!!! If anyone you know has ever owned a farm, you'll break down to the title cut. Play this endlessly, and cry, dance, and laugh yourself into exhaustion! (Then go out and see him live in concert!!)

Another Solid Effort From James King.......2002-03-04

Very strong album from James King. Wonderful selection of songs. King has one of the best voices in bluegrass and his band is very tight. Highly recommended.

Average customer rating:

Great Historic Bluegrass!

Poor Rambler
Ralph Stanley
Manufacturer: King
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Country | Styles | Music

General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music

General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music

Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music

Traditional | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music

Country Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Songs My Mother Taught Me & More
Great High Mountain
Saturday Night & Sunday Morning
A Distant Land to Roam: Songs of the Carter Family
Ralph Stanley And The Clinch Mountain Boys: 1971-1973

ASIN: B00009UVYQ
Release Date: 2003-06-17

Tracks:

Sharecropper's Son
Hemlock and Primroses
That Beautiful Woman
Poor Rambler
Lonesome
Lost Train
Row Hoe
Wonderful World Outside
Sweet Sally Brown
Love Please Stay
I'm Better Off Now That You're Gone
You Could Never Be True
Roll on Buddy
I'm Coming Back But I Don't Know When
I'm Coming Down the Road
Rabbit in the Log
In the Pines

Tracks:

Over the Sunset Hill
Going up Home to Live in Green Pastures
What Kind of Man
I Want a Clear Record
Prepare Me O Lord
I Wanna Go Home
Little Soldier for Jesus
Jesse James Prayed
Snow Covered Mound
I'll Be With Dad and Mother
Thou Long Expected Jesus
Be Ready to Go
Let Me Walk Lord by Your Side [#]
Old Crossroad [#]

Tracks:

Hills of Home
Darling Brown Eyes
My Long Skinny Lanky Sarah Jane
Coosy
Midnight Storm
Let's Go to the Fair
Dark Hollow
Dug-gunn Shame
Kitten and the Cat
California
I Only Exist [#]
Medicine Springs
Footprints in the Snow
Sunny Side of the Mountain
God Gave You to Me [#]
Stone Walls and Steel Bars [#]
I Only Exist

Customer Reviews:

Great Historic Bluegrass!.......2005-03-21

When I was a child, my grandmother owned an old KING album by Ralph Stanley called "Brand New Country Songs". That recording was made in 1967 and has been out of print for far too many years, but finaly, here it is in the first twelve tracks of this wonderful box set.
At the time, I didn't know much about Bluegrass Music itself, other than the fact that I loved this album.
The best and most memorable of the songs on that album were "Hemlock and Primroses", "Wonderful World Outside", and "Love Please Stay". These are beautiful lonesome mountain love songs. However, there are humerous moments too (Poor Rambler), and great instrumentals ("Roe Hoe" and "Lost Train").
What I didn't know at the time was the fact that the "Brand New Country Songs" album was the first Ralph recorded after the passing of his brother Carter (together Ralph and Carter were the legendary Stanley Brothers), and Ralph hired a young 19 year old fellow named Larry Sparks who sounded much like the late Carter Stanley.
Larry went on to have a great career in bluegrass music.
Anyway, also featured here are two other great albums by Ralph ("Over The Sunset Hill" and "Hills Of Home"). Both of these albums featured the haunting lead vocals and guitar of Larry Sparks, who sounded much more mature at the time than his 19 years.
In addition to these classic albums, you get the entire session recordings made for Ralph's colaboration with Jimmy Martin (recorded in 1980). - Let's try not to upset some of the Bluegrass musicians out there but there are drums in the Martin/Stanley portion of this set. So much for the argument that drums and traditional Bluegrass don't go together.
At any rate, this set is well worth the money, and it deserves 5 stars... the only reason I gave it four instead of five is the quality of the master tape was poor and (especially if you listen to it on a headset) you hear lots of tape flutter and noise, but it's well worth sitting through that for these long lost treasures.
It's worth the money and more. If you like good traditional Bluegrass, buy this today and consider the Stanley Brothers box sets on the KING label.

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