Skaggs & Rice [Original recording remastered]

Skaggs & Rice [Original recording remastered]

ASIN: B000000EYQ

Track Listings

1. Bury Me Beneath the Willow

2. Mansions for Me

3. More Pretty Girls Than One

4. Memories of Mother and Dad

5. Where the Soul of Man Never Dies

6. Talk About Suffering

7. Will the Roses Bloom ( Where She Lies Sleeping)

8. Tennessee Blues

9. Old Crossroads

10. Have You Someone (In Heaven Waiting)

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com essential recording
Though these two musicians had blazed many trails by 1980, Ricky Skaggs and Tony Rice never lost their passion for traditional bluegrass and old-time country. This heartwarming collection, featuring classic bluegrass tunes and traditional folk songs done in the close-harmony duet style, still stands as a high-water mark for both men. By the time they'd joined forces in 1980, mandolinist Skaggs had gone through a tenure with Ralph Stanley's traditional Clinch Mountain Boys, retired at age 19, returned as part of J.D. Crowe's groundbreaking New South, graduated to his own Boone Creek, and done a tour of duty in Emmylou Harris's Hot Band. Rice, meanwhile, established himself as one of the most remarkable acoustic-guitar pickers of his generation through stints with Crowe's band as well as jazz-inflected "newgrass" endeavors with David Grisman and his own Tony Rice Unit. Here, these two forward-thinkers look backward to the 1930s and the heyday of the brother duets. Their harmonies shine and soar--an incredibly moving a cappella "Talk About Suffering" stands out--and Rice even sneaks in some masterful hot licks along the way. It remains a milestone in country music. --Marc Greilsamer

Skaggs & Rice,Ricky Skaggs,Tony Rice,Sugarhill [Country],Bluegrass,Country,Country & Western,Mandolin,Pop,Progressive Bluegrass,Progressive Country

Ricky Skaggs & Bruce Hornsby
Average customer rating:

You can tell right away they're having fun

The Reinvention of Bruce Hornsby

Companion (not soundtrack) to the CMT Crossroads TV show

One of Ricky Skaggs' Worst!

The Odd Couple

Ricky Skaggs & Bruce Hornsby
Ricky Skaggs & Bruce Hornsby
Manufacturer: Sony Legacy
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music
Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
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A Hundred Miles or More: A Collection

Intersections 1985-2005

Stars in My Crown

Last of the Breed

The Calling

ASIN: B000N4SA9G
Release Date: 2007-03-20

Tracks:

The Dreaded Spoon
Gulf Of Mexico Fishing Boat Blues
Across The Rocky Mountains
Mandolin Rain
Stubb
Come On Out
A Night On The Town
Sheep Shell Corn
Hills Of
Crown Of Jewels
Super Freak

Amazon.com

Virginia cool meets Kentucky thunder in a collaboration between genre-bending pianist Bruce Hornsby and multi-instrumental virtuoso Ricky Skaggs that expands the terrain of bluegrass. Highlights include a meditative, minor-key transformation of Hornsby's "Mandolin Rain" (with Skaggs on the title instrument) and a downhome revival of "A Night on the Town," though newer originals such as "The Dreaded Spoon" seem slight in comparison. The traditional "Across the Rocky Mountain" and original instrumental "Stubb" shift the spotlight to Skaggs, though Hornsby's sophisticated chord progressions fit fine within the backing of Skaggs's Kentucky Thunder band. Guests include Jerry Douglas and Stuart Duncan, with John Anderson contributing vocals to a wild-card rendition of Rick James's "Super Freak," which provides the closing bluegrass hoedown. --Don McLeese

Customer Reviews:

You can tell right away they're having fun.......2007-07-06

Bluegrass fans, forgive me. I come new to the genre from Bruce Hornsby fandom, so I'm not even going to try and comment on style. I only know what I like about bluegrass and this CD is a great entree for me.

The sheer joy of the players was the first thing I noted about the CD. "Dreaded Spoon" was a great opener that brought back memories of childhood days and having to share ice cream.

I liked both re-makes of Bruce Hornsby tunes. I have 3 additional versions of the song from various Hornsby CD's, but this one's a current favorite. "Night on the Town" takes on more of the city and country parts of the battle, too.

"Crown of Jewels" got stuck on repeat til I completely understood the whole thing. Very well done and one of the better story song I've heard.

"Super Freak" was a hilarious finish. Who'd have thought that song could be covered by bluegrass?

The Reinvention of Bruce Hornsby.......2007-06-28

A Bruce Hornsby fan in high school in the late 80's I drifted away from his later albums because the creative curve of the first few albums had waned dramatically. Having caught several Skaggs/Hornsby tracks, including a brilliant retelling of Mandolin Rain, on WERU radio in Maine (best station in the USA), I think Horsnby has found his "niche" in a broad bluegrass groove with a delightful balance of haunting meoldies, interesting lyrics and good humor, with a bluegrass cover of Rick James' SUPERFREAK that literally jams! Skaggs brings back the life in Hornsby's piano; and Bruce's voice has aged perfectly.

Companion (not soundtrack) to the CMT Crossroads TV show.......2007-06-18

I was really disappointed -- partially my own fault -- because I bought this album after seeing the CMT "Crossroads" TV show with these two. I like them both. Bruce Hornsby's solo work is incredibly strong, and his piano playing with the post-Grateful Dead band, The Other Ones, made me like him even more. And Ricky Skaggs . . . anyone who likes bluegrass like Ricky Skaggs. But the TV show ran a setlist with "The Way It Is" and "Uncle Ben" and "Old Valley Road," and the versions of those songs were great . . .

BUT . . . I didn't read the song listing before I bought, and those songs aren't on the CD. I bought the CD so I wouldn't have to watch that TV show to hear the songs. Don't get me wrong the record is a good one, but I wish the producers had put the good songs from the TV show on the CD. I can't think of any reason not to.

One of Ricky Skaggs' Worst!.......2007-06-15

I am huge Ricky Skaggs and bluegrass fan, and I am surprised at how bad this CD is. Unless you are a fan of Bruce Hornsby, you will probably not like it. Do not buy it based on the fact that it is Ricky Skaggs, which is what I did. If I was Skaggs, I would be embarrassed to have my name on it.

The songs where Skaggs is featured are okay, but I would consider it mediocre work for him. The rest of it I could not even listen to. I had to skip most of the songs after listening to the first 10 to 20 seconds. It is that bad.

Most of the CDs I buy are excellent, and again I am a huge Ricky Skaggs fan. I am floored because I rarely dislike CDs as much as I dislike this one. Plus, I am even more disappointed that it is a Ricky Skaggs album.

I recommend you preview it heavily before purchasing. If you think you will like it, then by all means buy it. I wish that I had previewed it first because I would not have purchased this album based on that.

The Odd Couple.......2007-05-20

These two artists ably demonstrate their versatility. It's well worth the listen.

Average customer rating:

Another Home Run!

Cherryholmes II: Black and White
Cherryholmes
Manufacturer: Skaggs Family
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Country | Styles | Music

General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music

Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music
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Cherryholmes
A Hundred Miles or More: A Collection
Carrie Hassler & Hard Rain
Blind Man Walking
Fork in the Road

ASIN: B000QXDJBS
Release Date: 2007-06-12

Tracks:

You Don't Know What Love Is
Heat of the Morning
I Don't Know
Black and White
Nine Yards
Turned Me Down
Darkness on the Delta
Don't Give Your Heart to a Knoxville Girl
My True Love
Bootstrap Bill
Tell Me Why
Mansions of Kings
I'll Never Shed Another Tear
Greedy Hands

Amazon.com

Though the lightning crackling across the CD cover suggests a heavy-metal band (or perhaps a cross between the Addams Family and a Black Oak Arkansas reunion), the second release by Cherryholmes on Ricky Skaggs's label establishes the family band as one of the most promising acts in contemporary bluegrass. The star here is Cia Cherryholmes, the banjo-playing daughter who composes most of the album's original material and ranks with Alison Krauss as a vocalist on highlights such as the opening "You Don't Know What Love Is" and the prison-ballad title track. Yet the instrumental interplay and harmonies reflect the sextet's blood ties, while the range of material bridges the traditional and progressive (it's hard to hear Cia's "Don't Give Your Heart to a Knoxville Girl," sung by brother B.J., without thinking of the Louvin Brothers' classic "Knoxville Girl"). --Don McLeese

Customer Reviews:

Another Home Run!.......2007-06-15

Cherryholmes first Skaggs Family cd was excellent and it appears the family is starting a tradition. This cd is solid country and bluegrass. The instruments are played with technical skill , feeling, and the arrangements are perfect for each song. The singing is top notch and I much prefer Cia Cherryholmes voice in clarity and range. It is good to hear the boys sing more, and Sandy as well! Highly recommended.

Average customer rating:

Cadillac Sky Rocks!
Cadillac Sky - awesome!
Now THIS is Bluegrass!
Fantastic Panda
A real kick if prog-grass is your bag

Blind Man Walking
Cadillac Sky
Manufacturer: Skaggs Family
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Country | Styles | Music

General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music

Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music
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Cherryholmes II: Black and White
Life in a Song

ASIN: B000KRN686
Release Date: 2007-01-23

Tracks:

Born Lonesome
Insomniac Blues For Matthew
You Again
Homesick Angel
Blind Man Walking
Neighborhood Bully's Long Look In The Mirror
Sinners Welcome
Redbird
Motel Morning
Can't Trust The Weatherman
Never Been So Blue
Mountain Man
Wish I Could Say I Was Drinking

Amazon.com

This quintet that refers to itself as C-Sky represents a formidable addition to the progressive bluegrass brigade, combining a deep respect for tradition ("Never Been So Blue," in tribute to Bill Monroe) with expansive instrumental interplay (the complex time shifts of "Neighborhood Bully's Long Look in the Mirror"). Yet what most distinguishes the band is the strength and range of its songwriting, much of it by mandolinist-vocalist Bryan Simpson (whose material has been recorded by George Strait and Gretchen Wilson, among others). Whether telling the story of a convict who can't learn from his mistakes in "You Again," exploring the spiritual dimensions of the title track and the call-and-response "Sinners Welcome," or turning more playful on the over-caffeinated "Insomniac Blues for Matthew" and the picaresque romp of "Can't Trust the Weatherman," the songs extend the realm of bluegrass possibility. And the tight harmonies of "Motel Morning" show the band's vocal blend at its best. --Don McLeese

Customer Reviews:

Cadillac Sky Rocks!.......2007-04-23

I love this album. It is full of rocking bluegrass energy and the lyrics are poetical and evocative and fun. It is fun to sing along with and to dance to. These guys know how to write both with words and with their music. I've listened to it many times now, have yet to be tired of it. I can't wait until their next cd. I saw Cadillac Sky at Wintergrass this February, 2007, can't wait to see them live again!

Cadillac Sky - awesome!.......2007-04-10

I love this CD... I am stuck on it. What a talented group!

Now THIS is Bluegrass!.......2007-03-08

This is the best new Bluegrass act I've heard in years. These guys really "get it", in my opinion. Keep up the amazing work, boys!

Fantastic Panda.......2007-02-16

Ive played it over and over and over. Love it and will keep playin it.

A real kick if prog-grass is your bag .......2007-02-14

Playing Time - 53:51 -- Record execs are always in search of the next big act to create a tsunami in the fairly stodgy and conservative bluegrass community. Ricky Skaggs heard Cadillac Sky and has decided to take a chance on them and their fresh, progressive brand of bluegrass. Penning all of their own material, C-Sky clearly has some country, Celtic and even rock influences. Only in existence since late-2002, the band doesn't have a long-tenured track record of success, but it's very likely that their supercharged vocals and novel sound will touch a nerve with younger listeners. At least, Skaggs thinks so. What he probably heard was their ability to be both precise and reckless, controlled but spontaneous, happy yet lonesome....in other words, the perfect ingredients for a young, unique bluegrass group. I think you'll agree with me. They're a real kick if prog-grass is your bag.

Bryan Simpson plays a pivotal role in the band's songwriting, lead singing, and mandolin playing. Simpson's songs have been recorded by George Strait, Martina McBride, Gretchen Wilson, Diamond Rio, Jo Dee Messina, Neal McCoy, and Kenny Rogers. He even bows fiddle on one track, "Never Been So Blue." The other stellar band members are Mike Jump (guitar, vocals), Matt Menefee (banjo), Ross Holmes (fiddle, vocals), and Matt Blaize (bass, vocals). National championship fiddle and banjo wins at Winfield, Kansas only add to the mystery and romanticism of this group.

The band's creativity and wild, boyish exuberance are a product of their familiarity with traditional bluegrass. In the CD jacket, one photo shows Simpson proudly displaying his Monroe T-shirt. This 13-song debut is certain to draw comparisons to the ground-breaking directions of Nickel Creek, New Grass Revival, Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, and others. It's important that bands follow their inner muse. If band members can all share a common vision and have fun together while they're collaboratively moving ahead, then we'll have a strong purpose-driven group like C-Sky....what a fantastic futuristic name for such a band. But even if they're "mountain boys" at heart, they're motivated and eager to solidify their own musical persona. Already with this 13-song debut, I can tell you that it's characterized by considerable talent, maturity, and charisma. National press coverage, widespread airplay, extensive touring, a record contract, and a 2004 showcase at the IBMA World of Bluegrass Trade Show have people talking .... about an innovative progressive band that's easy to embrace. They're not out to reform bluegrass music but merely nudge it into the new century. They know about the lonesome soul of the genre, and in "Never Been So Blue" they eulogize Bill Monroe with "the twin fiddles play and the whippoorwill sings .... the bluegrass has never been so blue." Do you think they included this song, respectful of his music and legacy, just to appease those staunch traditionalists who think C-Sky is blasphemous? I doubt it.

And thanks guys for not including percussion in the mix...you don't need it. Sonya Isaacs' guest vocals on "Homesick Blues" are a nice touch, as is Kenneth Soper's didgereedoo on the title cut. When asked a standard canned interview question once about their influences, the band's reply was something to the effect that their music is just something that feels necessary. If the bluegrass genre is going to continue to grow and prosper with younger folks, then I think you'll understand that C-Sky is on somewhat of a mission to fulfill a purpose and need. (Joe Ross, staff writer, Bluegrass Now)

Average customer rating:

Ricky and Thunder Bring Blue Lightening
The most fun listening in a long time.
Outstanding music mix
Great Music by Talented Instrumentalists
A tasteful tune set with several interpretive twists

Instrumentals
Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder
Manufacturer: Skaggs Family
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music

New Traditionalist | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000G8NXJG
Release Date: 2006-08-01

Tracks:

Goin' To Richmond
Missing Vassar
Wayward To Hayward
Montana Slim
Crossing The Briney
Crossville
Gallatin Rag
Dawgs' Breath
Spam Jelly
Goin' To The Ceili
Polk City

Amazon.com

Though the title describes the contents of the latest release by the veteran mandolin virtuoso and his crack band, it hardly suggests how far this musical interplay extends beyond bluegrass convention. The soaring strings of "Crossing the Briney" suggest the soundtrack to an imaginary movie, while "Going to Richmond" and "Goin' to the Ceili" both springboard from Irish reels as well. There's a clarinet break in the jazzy "Gallatin Rag," and accordion graces a couple of the other tracks. Skaggs pays tribute to a couple of other bluegrass progressives in "Missing Vassar" (in homage to the late Clements) and "Dawg's Breath" (for David Grisman). Though all of the musicians get ample opportunity to showcase their chops, what's most impressive is the cohesiveness of the ensemble, the way they serve the music and support each other instead of simply showing off. --Don McLeese

Customer Reviews:

Ricky and Thunder Bring Blue Lightening.......2007-05-30

I have gotten hooked on bluegrass - it took one live concert with Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky at One World Theater here in Austin. This was a year ago and I now have an entire collection of new grass (and some old). But, no one is better than Ricky and his elite troop of instrumental talents. They produce the tightest sound I've ever heard. And, while I love Ricky's vocal work and harmonies, there is nothing more purely bluegrass than his instrumentals. This CD is a winner - every track delivers bluegrass thunder and lightening.

The most fun listening in a long time........2007-04-02

It seems I've been buying a lot of CD's lately for just one or two worthwhile tunes on the whole CD. This one was different.
I don't think there was a throwaway cut on the whole thing.
I haven't had this much enjoyable listening on one CD in a long, long time.

Outstanding music mix.......2007-02-08

This is a truly beautifully composited CD with a very eclectic mixture of musical styles and a **VERY** high level of musicianship. Thanks, Ricky... this is a wonderful CD that I can listen to many times without ever tiring of its freshness!

Great Music by Talented Instrumentalists.......2007-01-24

This is my first and only venture so far into bluegrass. Attracted by watching Skaggs Christmas show, decided to venture further by buying one of his CD's. Taking chance on this latest of instrumental offering, not disappointed at all.

In fact, I find myself listening often, and liking more and more each of the eleven offerings. Doesn't matter to me if not all is pure bluegrass, enjoy the accordian, clarinet, strings, etc. The blues rag song is terrific as well as the Celtic sounding "Crossing the Briney."

These are certainly fine musicians on their instruments who play wonderfully together, with their turns at jamming, or whatever it's called in bluegrass. In any case, they've got a new fan.

A tasteful tune set with several interpretive twists.......2006-12-25

Playing Time - 47:32 -- I assumed that all eleven of these instrumentals were written by Ricky Skaggs because liner notes didn't provide tune credits. A little info from the label's publicist indicated that nine are new compositions by multiple Grammy award-winner Skaggs. Also, the CD jacket for this band's first-ever all-instrumental project has the entire seven-piece band on the cover, but a few of the regular members appear to be missing in the musical mix. Bios for Darrin Vincent and Paul Brewster are provided, but I don't see them listed in the credits. We do hear Ricky Skaggs (guitar, clawhammer banjo, mandolin, percussion), Jim Mills (banjo), Cody Kilby (guitar), Andy Leftwich (fiddle) and Mark Fain (bass). Guests include Jeff Taylor (accordion, whistle), Andy Statman (clarinet), and the Nashville String Machine with orchestration by Jim Gray on one cut.

No one can doubt the astonishing fluency with which these string practitioners speak. While they have a strong preference for moderate-tempo'ed offerings, they manage to create an eclectic state of musical mind with tastes of old-time, Celtic, bluegrass, Dawg, blues, jazz and classical idioms. Green hues of the Land of the Shamrock color compositions like "Going to Richmond" and "Goin to the Ceili." If a fusion of Celtic and Classical sounds are your cup o' tea, listen to the embellished brogue provided by the Nashville String Machine on "Crossing the Briney." With the band "playing their thoughts" in a manner similar to how fiddler Vassar Clements used to, "Missing Vassar" establishes a hillbilly jazz groove based on a recurring lick that honors that musical philosopher. With a copious amount of respect for another mandolinist (David Grisman), Ricky Skaggs and the boys lay a hot little tune, "Dawg's Breath," on us. The melody inhales and exhales with precision, bounce and pizzazz. When "Gallatin Rag" begins, as on a few others, we clearly hear the only minimal shortcoming in this album's music - some distraction caused by Ricky's pick on his fingerboard. Statman embellishes that offering with some euphonious clarinet. In Statman's hands, it becomes clear why the instrument was once affectionately called the "hot licorice stick" among swing musicians in the 1930s and 40s.

All in all, this album is a tasteful tune set with several interpretive twists along the way. Performed by exceptional musicians, the composite is a product that would make Bill Monroe proud. They don't betray their bluegrass pedigree. Rather, their adventurous vision provides a treasure trove of unique tunes. I'd like to see some music notation and/or tablature for them so I can learn a few favorites. (Joe Ross, staff writer, Bluegrass Now)

Average customer rating:

Great hard driving bluegrass
Today, they are better...
An impressive major-label debut
Such a Great Family Band
This band is hot!

Cherryholmes
Cherryholmes
Manufacturer: Skaggs Family
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music

New Traditionalist | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music

General | Country | Styles | Music

General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music

General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music

Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B000AYYTYY
Release Date: 2005-09-27

Tracks:

How Long? - Scarface
Workin' Man (Nowhere to Go)
Will I Be the Winner?
Tallahassee
Heart as Cold as Stone
Red Satin Dress
Makin' Time
Brand New Heartache
Shelly in the Heather/Linda's Reel (Medley)
He Goes to Church
Workin' Girl Blues
Don't Fall in Love
Coastline
No One to Sing for Me

Customer Reviews:

Great hard driving bluegrass.......2007-04-29

I am more of a acoustic fan and not really a Bluegrass junkie, but I have now seen this group 3 times and am now getting more into bluegrass. This group(famiy) is absolutly great!!! They put on a great show and the kids have continued to improve. Cia (23/24) plays a great banjo and has that great high soaring voice that a truly great bluegrass band needs. BJ the oldest son (19) has simply imroved tremendously over the last 2 years and is now in my opinion the best fidder in bluegrass. His sister Molly Kate (14) plays the fiddle left handed and with a more mellow sound but togother with BJ are an unbelevable twin fiddle combo. Ship (17) plays a really great hard driving guitar.

They play over 300 dates a year and run do not walk to the next show. Their live show is fast-paced oldtime 2 micrphone performance and simply the best show in all of bluegrass.

They are generous with their time and great with their fans, they make you feel like one of the family.

Today, they are better..........2007-03-19

I saw Holmes familiy a couple of weeks in Switzerland. Performance was outstanding. The CD is from 2005 and music have not same quality like in the live performance because the family members are better today than two years ago. (-> they started to play music in 1999!)
For me a little bit too much singing and to less instrumental. I am looking forward to the second CD.

An impressive major-label debut.......2006-10-10

Cherryholmes self-released two previous albums, but this is their first with the backing of a label (Skaggs Family). One listen reveals why this band won the International Bluegrass Music Association's Entertainer of the Year award in 2005.

The band's story is partly responsible for the interest. Cherryholmes is a family, and a somewhat strange one. Father (and bass player) Jere Cherryholmes and mother (and mandolin player) Sandy Cherryholmes are devout Christians, home schoolers and, if one reads between the lines, distrusting of modern American culture. Not long after the death of their oldest daughter about six years ago, they took the remaining four kids to a bluegrass festival to lighten things up and fell in love with the people and the music. Not long afterwards, they decided to form a family band.

Only Sandy had any degree of musical background. Instruments were purchased - guitars, bass, fiddles - and the family set to work. A couple of years into the process, oldest daughter Cia Leigh, who was rapidly becoming a good guitarist, was told - not asked, told - by Jere that she was to learn the banjo.

The family got better and better and started playing festivals and attracting attention. And they revealed true talent; fiddlers Molly Kate and BJ are each impressive, and together can develop a twin-fiddle knockout punch. Cia has turned into a very competent banjo picker in the Scruggs/JD Crowe style. Son Skip is a rock-solid rhythm guitarist who can step out and deliver impressive flat-picking leads. Jere performs the critical function of a bluegrass bassist - rhythm and beat - as well as anyone working. Ironically, Sandy - the only family member with previous musical training, and who essentially guided the kids' musical education - is revealed as the weakest player of the bunch - a competent bluegrass mandolin player, but nothing particularly dramatic (then again, it's hard to be commanding when the competition includes players like Chris Thile and Sam Bush).

Cia, at 23, is the oldest of the kids; Molly Kate, at 13, the youngest. All of the kids have now done session work for top country and bluegrass acts (pretty impressive considering both ages and the fact that they've all got roughly five years of playing experience). The family leads an insular life; they essentially live on their tour bus, and play upwards of 200 shows per year.

Every song on this album is nicely arranged and the production is impeccable. Molly Kate and BJ approach virtuousity at their instruments (it's hard to tell who's playing which break; the otherwise comprehensive liner notes don't let on). The vocals are solid and tight. Cia clearly has star potential as both a singer and a banjo player.

With 9 original tunes and five covers, the album's biggest weakness is the songwriting. The self-penned instrumentals are terrific ("Coastline" has phenomenal fiddle playing; the "Sally in the Heather/Linda's Reel medley is a nearly perfect Celtic jig-into-reel masterpiece), but the band's lyrics are highly derivative and not particularly interesting. Cia Leigh's paens to love lost are particularly revealing of this. Though melodically and instrumentally solid, the words just aren't that interesting - you've essentially heard these songs dozens of times before. Not surprising, in that the kids really don't yet know the romantic heartbreak of which they sing.

All of which said, this is a solid album of bluegrass music, and this band just keeps getting better. The next album is scheduled for release in the Spring of 2007, and considering the musical growth of this family it's likely to be remarkable. Watch these folks while you can - it only stands to reason that these kids will continue to improve, but will also ultimately go their own ways.

Such a Great Family Band.......2006-09-05

I saw this band on Woodsongs Old-Time radio hour, brilliant. Got to have the CD. CD has great Blugrass tracks, listen and play along, if you can't keep up, just listen anyway. Fantastic can't wait for the next Album.

This band is hot!.......2006-03-28

I heard this family bluegrass band on NPR and ordered the same day. The feature on NPR explained that the kids were home schooled and dad got them all to learn an instrument. They got REAL good, winning several bluegrass competitions. How good are they? Goosebumps good. Teary-eyed good. WAAYY good.

Average customer rating:

timeless tunes
2 living legends and one bluegrass great
A work of bluegrass art!
No Matter How You Classify It, It's Just Good Music
Traditional and Excellent Bluegrass

The Three Pickers
Earl Scruggs , Doc Watson , Ricky Skaggs , Doc Watson , and Ricky Skaggs
Manufacturer: Rounder / Umgd
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00009XFQR
Release Date: 2003-07-15

Tracks:

Feast Here Tonight
What Would You Give in Exchange for Your Soul?
Spoken Introduction
Who Will Sing For Me?
Spoken Introduction
Soldiers Joy
Walk On Boy
Daybreak Blues
Dont Let Your Deal Go Down
Pick Along
Spoken Introduction
What Is A Home Without Love?
Doin My Time
Earls Breakdown
The Storms are on the Ocean
Down in the Valley to Pray
The Banks of the Ohio
Ridin That Midnight Train
Spoken Introduction
Road To Spencer
Katy Hill
Foggy Mountain Top
Roll In My Sweet Babys Arms

Amazon.com

It took a North Carolina concert for PBS's Great Performances series to get bluegrass legends Earl Scruggs, Doc Watson, and Ricky Skaggs together for the first time. It was a celebratory occasion, and this live session, supersaturated with hot licks and down-home warmth, successfully captures the excitement of the unprecedented event. For all the assembled instrumental expertise, it is the traditional vocals--with Skaggs leading the way--that makes the music work. The trio opens with the lively "Feast Here Tonight," featuring scintillating sounds from Skaggs's mandolin, Scruggs's banjo, and Watson's guitar, before taking on the high, lonesome gospel of "What Would You Give in Exchange for Your Soul." Each member of the trio gets feature spots for his individual band, in addition to the dozen or so songs where the three combine forces. Watson is joined by grandson Richard for a couple of country blues tunes before Scruggs, reinforced by his Family and Friends, takes over for two songs, showcasing his seminal banjo technique on "Earl's Breakdown." Skaggs and his Kentucky Thunder also take center stage for two songs, and, as if the litany of legends wasn't enough, fiddler Alison Krauss even joins the trio of principals for three songs. --Michael Point

Customer Reviews:

timeless tunes.......2006-06-27

this is my favorite bluegrass album of all time.. i listen to it more than any of my other ones... its awsome cause three of the greatest men in bluegrass are here together, legends just the same as any of them... and the songs are some of the best in bluegrass history. i give it a 5 stars. wish bill monroe couldve made this one.... im sure he was somewhere above.

2 living legends and one bluegrass great.......2006-03-23

This is one of the best bluegrass/folk discs around. I've seen Scruggs, Watson and Skaggs play live separately on multiple occasions and would've loved to have been at this great show. It's hard to believe this was a one time performance as Watslon and Skaggs' vocals blend so well with Watson's incredible guitar-picking and Scruggs' classic banjo sound.

This is a live set that you can definitely listen to over and over again.

A work of bluegrass art!.......2005-12-07

In December of 2002, three legends of bluegrass sat down to do some picking - Earl Scruggs (on banjo), Doc Watson (on guitar), and relative newcomer Ricky Skaggs (on mandolin). It was aired on the American Public TV program Great Performances, and it certainly was that! This is a great CD, a work of bluegrass art.

The music is absolutely wonderful to listen to, sure to be enjoyed by any bluegrass fan. I love listening to this album, and highly recommend it to you!

No Matter How You Classify It, It's Just Good Music.......2005-08-01

About a year ago, I bought three albums --the latest album by the Blind Boys of Alabama (wonderful), R. L. Burnside's A Troubled Mind (one of the two best I bought from Fat Possum records --the other was Robert Balfour), and this album. In other words, I bought three outstanding albums, all at the same time.

So which one do I listen to most often? The Three Pickers.

I've been a fan of Earl Scruggs for a long time. His albums with Lester Flatt are incomparable. They're the only blue grass albums that compare to jazz in my opinion, like listening to early Louis Armstrong.

I like Ricky Skraggs, mostly for his background work on the Evangeline album, by Emmy Lou Harris. (I don't greatly like the one album I bought by Ricky with his own group.)

I know that Doc Watson is a giant and I love his voice and manner but I've never spent time listening to him, principally because C&W and folk aren't my first thing. I've spent fifty-five years listening to jazz first and classical music second. It's not that easy changing gears.

I bought this album first because Earl Scruggs was on it, second because Ricky and Doc are premiere players, and lastly because it looked pure and unadulterated, just world class performers playing together for fun.

That's what it is. All three pickers are in good form. They are having fun. It's clear they like being together. All of the songs they play are good, some wondrous.

I like the cuts with Ricky Scraggs' group least, those with the three of the pickers and with Doc and his son most. Doc Watson has a beautiful tenor-baritone voice; he plays fine guitar both in background and solo. Earl Scruggs still plays with the fire and passion he had thirty-five years ago. What technical control he has! Ricky Scraggs is a first rate instrumentalist and very good in ensemble singing, but less successful as a solo vocalist. I wish I liked Ricky's group better --it's good but the cuts with the other groups are better. Alison Krause is on some cuts but doesn't have much to do.

I usually don't like chatter on a music record but here it fits. The love --for the music they are playing and among the three men themselves -- is transparent. It adds a warm glow to an exceptional record.

Dave Keymer
Modsesto CA

Traditional and Excellent Bluegrass.......2005-07-09

It has been years since I have listened to bluegrass. Recently I listened to Nickel Creek's excellent self-titled CD, and was very impressed. Then I switched to the more traditional American bluegrass of this album. The "three pickers" are Earl Scruggs, 79 years old and playing banjo, Doc Watson, 80 years old and playing guitar, and Ricky Scaggs, at 49 years old the youngest member of trio and playing mandolin. While these three men are not just pretty faces (they really are not), they are incredible artists, both instrumentally and vocally. They are also joined by various guests, most especially Alison Krause, who sings and plays violin.

I almost felt as though I was listening to early Grand Old Opry, because the Opry frequently featured bluegrass, and this bluegrass is some of the best available. Excluding the four spoken introductions, there are 19 superb instrumentals and songs that are sure to delight anyone who enjoys this uniquely American style of music.

"Feast Here Tonight" starts the album off right with a very traditional bluegrass song. The instruments generally stay in the background until an Earl Scruggs banjo solo. Later in this song Ricky Scaggs's mandolin takes front honors, and for a brief time Doc Watson's guitar takes a turn, all to introduce the quality to come. The more melancholy "What Would You Give in Exchange for Your Soul?" follows; also a traditional bluegrass song. After a spoken introduction is yet another traditional song, "Who Will Sing for Me?" The harmonies in this song are traditional and as nicely executed as any harmony in a studio containing millions of dollars of electronic manipulation. After a second spoken introduction is a short, peppy instrumental, "Soldier's Joy."

The style changes a little with "Walk on Boy." This time we hear Doc and grandson Richard Watson play a song that has a strong blues flavor. This song is powerful because of its simplicity. The next song, "Daybreak Blues," stays in the blues vein, and even includes some yodeling.

The pace and style changes once again on "Don't Let Your Real Deal Go Down." There is some fast-paced picking on this song and a good deal of enthusiasm that the audience picks up. The next selection is "Pick Along," an instrumental that initially highlights Earl Scruggs's banjo, moving along to what I believe is Glen Duncan's fiddle. Next Doc Watson's guitar takes the lead with gusto. I believe Rob Ickes then takes a turn on banjo, followed by Ricky Scaggs on mandolin. Earl Scruggs then takes the lead to the end of the song. Somewhere on this instrumental is Mark Fain on bass, though I have difficulty picking the bass out.

The next song, "What Is a Home without Love," returns to a more traditional bluegrass style. This simple song is readily reminiscent of the Appalachian Mountains and an era but recently gone. "Doin' My Time" has a blues style that is similar to some of the music in "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" Earl's father wrote the next instrumental, which Earl says in the introduction he though he named after him, "Earl's Breakdown." This instrumental is fast-paced and, as with the other instrumentals, features several instruments in the lead.

The next song is "The Storms Are on the Ocean." This lovely bluegrass song is about separation and longing, and is a rarity among bluegrass songs in that it includes oceans. The first song on this CD to have a strong gospel flavor is "Down in the Valley to Pray." This a capella song features guest artist Alison Krause. "The Banks of the Ohio" follows and is as mellow as the former song. Alison Krause also sings on this song.

The pace picks up significantly with "Ridin' that Midnight Train." Having a train song is an excellent enhancement to this bluegrass collection.

The next instrumental was written by Ricky Scaggs and was performed by Scaggs and Kentucky Thunder, his band. "Road to Spencer" is bluegrass with a Celt flavor. I was immediately reminded of Nickel Creek's music when I heard this instrumental that is more strongly bluegrass than Nickel Creek's music.

The last three songs include Alison Krause and the performers who appeared on the previous tracks. "Katy Hill" and the last song, "Roll in My Sweet Baby's Arms," are traditional bluegrass music. The song in the middle, "Foggy Mountain Top," was written by A.P. Carter, Maybelle Carter and Sara Carter, also known as the Carter Family. The three songs are a marvelous finish to this CD, and will leave bluegrass enthusiasts wanting more.

Some of us may have forgotten what it means to play music. Today electronic effects hide mistakes and mediocre performances, turning street corner crooners who would scare chickens into marketable commodities. The three pickers and their ensemble remind us what it means to be in front of an audience with acoustic instruments and their voice. There are no pretty people here, just us. This music may have something to do with reminding us of our roots, but it may also tell us about ourselves, as we are now. The next time someone drives by and you hear thundering bass vibrating your bones, remember that loud electronic noise does not make music great, nor does it make up for lack of virtuosity, which does exist, here. You just need to reach for it.

Average customer rating:

Really good
wonderful album
*both* bluegrass and country
Great Tunes But Only Half Of His Best
Good Collection of His Best

16 Biggest Hits
Ricky Skaggs
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music

New Traditionalist | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music

General | Country | Styles | Music

General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music

Country Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

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

Bluegrass Rules!
Brand New Strings
Instrumentals
Live at the Charleston Music Hall
Country Gentleman: The Best Of Ricky Skaggs [2-CD SET]

ASIN: B00004XSX9
Release Date: 2000-09-12

Tracks:

Don't Get Above Your Raising
You May See Me Walkin'
Crying My Heart Out Over You
I Don't Care
Hearbroke
I Wouldn't Change You If I Could
Highway 40 Blues
You've Got A Lover
Don't Cheat In Our Hometown
Honey (Open That Door)
Uncle Pen
SOmething In My Heart
Country Boy
Wheel Hoss
Cajun Moon (Live)
Lovin' Only Me

Customer Reviews:

Really good.......2006-08-16

Bought this CD before going to see Ricky as he played in our small town. This CD will give you a great range of his songs. All are really good if you like his Bluegrass/country style. The only thing missing with his live show (July-2006) was that he doesn't do his older country songs anymore. His shows are all bluegrass now. Not bad, but wish he would have played more than a couple from this album when he performed live.

wonderful album.......2006-07-29

This is a classic album. Ricky Skaggs's great voice is perfectly featured in this collection with hits such as "Highway 40 Blues," "Crying My Heart out over you," "You May see me walking," and "You've got a lover." The collection of songs couldn't have been better. If you like Ricky Skaggs, you will love this album. I guarantee it. You will not be disappointed if you get it.

*both* bluegrass and country.......2005-01-20

Whether you prefer Ricky's country music or bluegrass music, there's a combinaton of both on this album. I'm a BIG fan of his bluegrass music (BLUGRASS RULES!), so I wasn't personally overwhelmed with the electronic and steel guitar stuff on this album - but my least favorite Ricky Skaggs song is WAY better than 99% of everything else that's out there!

Great Tunes But Only Half Of His Best.......2003-07-18

In the early '80s, Ricky Skaggs was one of the leaders of the New Traditionalist movement who steered country away from the pop crossover stylings typified by Kenny Rogers and Barbara Mandrell and back toward its roots. Skaggs' sound is actually an amalgamation of bluegrass, western swing, and traditional country, with vocals that drive home his old-fashioned, mountain upbringing.

Not possessing the matinee idol good looks of a George Strait, it is a tribute to his immense skills as a musician (fiddle, mandolin, acoustic guitar, and banjo) and singer (one of themost supple tenors around) that Skaggs was able to make such a big impact in modern country music. This set captures about half of his hits on the Epic label in the '80s.

Skaggs' early releases were dominated by remakes of songs made popular in the 50s and 60s by his bluegrass heroes with Flatt & Scruggs "Don't Get Above Your Raisin'" and "Crying My Heart Out Over You" getting the set off to a lesiurely start, followed by Reno & Smiley's "I Wouldn't Change You If I Could," the Stanley Brothers' "Don't Cheat In Our Hometown" and Bill Monroe's toe-tapping "Uncle Pen." Interspersed covers of Webb Pierce's "I Don't Care" and "Honey (Open That Door)" offer a change of pace dripping with classic country and western style. The disc winds down with Skaggs adding a bit more variety to his musical pallet on the power picker "Country Boy" and the live "Cajun Moon."

By the early 90s, traditional country was bombarded by the noisier sounds of contemporary artists like Garth Brooks, and country radio was concentrating on artists under 40. Skaggs was no longer an upper-chart placing presence and in 1992, he and Epic parted ways. To get all of the classic Epic hits, check out the two-disc Country Gentleman: The Best Of Ricky Skaggs.

Good Collection of His Best.......2002-03-13

Skaggs' mile-deep bluegrass roots were brought to the forefront by a generous record label during much of his CBS tenure, and this collection brings the best of that era to light. Skaggs' masterpieces, "Uncle Pen," "Highway 40 Blues," and "Country Boy," were ahead of their time when their chart runs began (the bluegrass/new-traditionalist revival's popularity didn't hit it's stride until 1986) but he quickly built a sizeable audience, every top music industry award, and managed to corrall several #1 singles. He did it all by meticulously sticking to his roots, corageously including as many as 2 Bill Monroe tunes per CD. There were stellar moments near the end of his CBS tenure ("Humingbird, "Fields of Home") that have been omitted here, but that serves notice that his best simply can't be contained on one CD. Skaggs' astonishing guitar/mandolin flat-picking abilities paired with his brilliant tenor singiing style convincingly harken to his idol and former bandleader, 'Big Mon,' and his ability to escape the syrupy trappings of 1980's commercial country music is nearly as amazing as the cohesive mixture of bluegrass and well-sung ballads collected here.

Average customer rating:

wow!
wow.
i love ricky's country but his bluesgrass rules
Pretty good, certainly not their best
Not for the faint of heart

Bluegrass Rules!
Ricky Skaggs
Manufacturer: Rounder Select
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music

New Traditionalist | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music

General | Country | Styles | Music

Outlaw & Progressive Country | Country | Styles | Music

General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music

General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music

Traditional | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music

Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

Rounder Records | Specialty Stores | Music

General | Country | Indie Music | Stores | Music

Bluegrass | Country | Indie Music | Stores | Music

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

The Three Pickers
Brand New Strings
Instrumentals
Soldier Of The Cross
Live at the Charleston Music Hall

ASIN: B0000002QA
Release Date: 1997-10-21

Tracks:

J.D.'s Word Of Wisdom
Get Up John
I Hope You've Learned
Think Of What You've Done
Another Night
Drunken Driver
Little Maggie
Amanda Jewell
If I Lose
Ridin' That Midnight Train
Rank Stranger
Somehow Tonight
Rawhide
Well Glory

Amazon.com essential recording

"Country rocks ... but bluegrass rules." If Ricky Skaggs was looking for a manifesto for his long-awaited bluegrass comeback, he couldn't have done much better than this disc's five-second preamble. Contractually barred from recording bluegrass for more than 12 years, Skaggs has obviously been champing at the bit. After the aforementioned introduction, he promptly unleashes an instrumental "Get Up John" that still has smoke wafting from my CD player. Dandy versions of "Little Maggie," "If I Lose," and "Rank Stranger" follow, to single out just a few. The musicianship here is uniformly superb, especially Skaggs's own mandolin playing, the guitar work of Bryan Sutton, Bobby Hicks's fiddling, and even a nice guest turn from Jerry Douglas. If there's any justice, the commercial success of Bluegrass Rules will send a strong message to record companies: Bluegrass music can and does sell records, especially when it's as flawlessly executed as Skaggs's latest. Let's just hope we don't have to wait as long for the next one. --Mary Park

Customer Reviews:

wow!.......2007-01-13

This has not left my CD player since I purchased it. I know it was done a few years back; but, it is definately worth every single penny. Ricky Skaggs is just amazingly talented.

wow........2006-12-22

wow. there really isnt much more to say. if you have any appreciation for talented musicians playing beautifully composed pieces of music in any genre then you'll love this right off the bat. i know you're not supposed to be able to wear out cd's but i've gotta be getting close with this one. throw this one in and just drive and let all the troubles of the world be lifted.

i love ricky's country but his bluesgrass rules.......2006-08-14

this is one of those bluegrass albums. you cant be without, i love everysong from this album not a bad one at all. bluegrass albums are my favorites by him i was raised on bluegrass music. and i know alot about ricky skaggs, from my dad who is also a mandolin picker and singer and he had the great joy of meeting ricky's sister at a studio once... would love to meet the man himself someday if your a bluesgrass or a rickyskaggs fan then get the album you'll be glad you did.

Pretty good, certainly not their best.......2006-03-02

but the band is tight and sounding as good as ever. The material (selections) is a bit weak overall and the first and last cut add nothing. The length is disappointing at 35m er so. Their LIVE at the Charleston Music Hall and Brand New Strings are both much better efforts. The LIVE album is particularly good and even more surprising that it's a LIVE album to begin with. You can feel their energy in that...that's one of the things missing here. Still a good listen but look for a discount on it (I got it for under $10 on the music streamer I use) as the length and a $15+ price tag would have wound me up. ;-) ...enjoy...Dave

Not for the faint of heart.......2005-09-25

This is an exceptional CD. The instrumental talent and Ricky Skagg's one of a kind voice makes this a must have CD for anyone who enjoys BlueGrass. For anyone new to BlueGrass this is an excellent example of the genre. Find somewhere comfortable to sit with a nice breeze and just lean back and listen. If there was a school where the new pop singers of country(and I use that term country loosely for the new generation)could learn about country's roots. Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder would be the schools masters and this CD the book to read from.

Average customer rating:

Two Too Much - Skaggs & Rice Were Meant to Collaborate
Another 5-star review
Back To Basics
Alpha and Omega
This IS Beauty

Skaggs & Rice
Ricky Skaggs , and Tony Rice
Manufacturer: Sugarhill [Country]
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music

General | Country | Styles | Music

Outlaw & Progressive Country | Country | Styles | Music

General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music

Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music

General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Country | Indie Music | Stores | Music

Bluegrass | Country | Indie Music | Stores | Music

Contemporary Country | Country | Indie Music | Stores | Music

Contemporary Folk | Folk | Indie Music | Stores | Music
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Manzanita
58957: The Bluegrass Guitar Collection
J.D. Crowe & The New South
Church Street Blues
33 Acoustic Guitar Instrumentals

ASIN: B000000EYP
Release Date: 1993-10-08

Tracks:

Bury Me Beneath The Weeping Willow
Mansions For Me
There's More Pretty Girls Than One
Memories Of Mother And Dad
Where The Soul Of Man Never Dies
Talk About Suffering
Will The Roses Bloom
Tennessee Blues
The Old Crossroads
Have You Someone In Heaven Awaiting

Amazon.com essential recording

Though these two musicians had blazed many trails by 1980, Ricky Skaggs and Tony Rice never lost their passion for traditional bluegrass and old-time country. This heartwarming collection, featuring classic bluegrass tunes and traditional folk songs done in the close-harmony duet style, still stands as a high-water mark for both men. By the time they'd joined forces in 1980, mandolinist Skaggs had gone through a tenure with Ralph Stanley's traditional Clinch Mountain Boys, retired at age 19, returned as part of J.D. Crowe's groundbreaking New South, graduated to his own Boone Creek, and done a tour of duty in Emmylou Harris's Hot Band. Rice, meanwhile, established himself as one of the most remarkable acoustic-guitar pickers of his generation through stints with Crowe's band as well as jazz-inflected "newgrass" endeavors with David Grisman and his own Tony Rice Unit. Here, these two forward-thinkers look backward to the 1930s and the heyday of the brother duets. Their harmonies shine and soar--an incredibly moving a cappella "Talk About Suffering" stands out--and Rice even sneaks in some masterful hot licks along the way. It remains a milestone in country music. --Marc Greilsamer

Customer Reviews:

Two Too Much - Skaggs & Rice Were Meant to Collaborate.......2007-05-30

If you like bluegrass or just great country music, you must get this CD. Each man is a respected master of his instrument - Skaggs on the mandolin and Rice on the guitar. Together, that mastery rises to a new place. With nothing else but the two of them and their instruments, this music expands to a very big place. And, their voices blend beautifully - with Tony's rich baritone and Ricky's crystal tenor. Track #3 is my favorite and provides some of the richest guitar work I've ever heard. But every track is great, including an acapella duet.

Another 5-star review.......2006-05-24

Perfectly wonderful.

Sounds at least as good as it did in the 80's.

Back To Basics.......2006-04-20

As one who has been critical of Tony Rice's later work (I've used the phrase "bluegrass-lite"), let me say that this is a gem. Tony and Ricky - both undisputed virtuosos - put their heart and soul into the music that they grew up with. Simple, to the point and spactacular. Buy it!!

Alpha and Omega.......2005-10-18

This is the simplicity of honest traditional acoustic music done by two masters of their instruments, who by the way harmonize like old brother teams.

This IS Beauty.......2005-10-07

I'm a big fan of old-time "brother duets" like Ralph and Carter Stanley, the Louvin Bros., the Monroe Bros., and the Delmore Bros. This album deserves a place at the top of this long-established genre. Here we have two of the best musicians alive today coming together to perform some of the most moving and powerful songs that I've ever heard. There's a nice mix of Gospel and secular, along with a hot instrumental. Skaggs and Rice have mastered harmony vocals in the old style, and one hardly needs to mention their abilities as musicians. This is moving piece of work that I find myself listening to over and over again at home, in the car, and at work. BUY IT!

Down the Old Plank Road: The Nashville Sessions

Average customer rating:

Roots of Bluegrass
Great roots music!!
MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN
Martina McBride Is a Revelation
Irish Muusic and Bluegrass Is a Natural Combination

Down the Old Plank Road: The Nashville Sessions
The Chieftains
Manufacturer: RCA Victor
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

British Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

Irish Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

Celtic Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

General | Celtic | International | Styles | Music

Further Down the Old Plank Road
Another Country
Long Black Veil
The Wide World Over: A 40 Year Celebration
Water From the Well

ASIN: B00006AG7G
Release Date: 2002-09-17

Tracks:

Down the Old Plank Road (w/ John Hiatt, Bela Fleck, Jeff White and Tim O'Brien)
Country Blues (w/ Buddy & Julie Miller)
Sally Goodin (w/ Earl Scruggs)
Dark as a Dungeon (w/ Vince Gill)
Cindy (w/ Kentucky Thunder & Ricky Skaggs)
Molly Ban (Bawn) (w/ Alison Krauss)
Don't Let Your Deal Go Down (w/ Lyle Lovett)
Medley: Ladies Pantalettes; Belles of Blackville; First House in Connaught (w/ Bela Fleck)
Whole Heap of Little Horses (w/ Patty Griffin)
Rain and Snow (w/ The Del McCoury Band)
I'll Be All Smiles Tonight (w/ Martina McBride)
Tennessee Stud (w/ Jeff White)
Katie Dear (w/ Gillian Welch & David Rawlings)
Give the Fiddler a Dram (Finale)

Amazon.com

Now that bluegrass is (again) momentarily cool, leave it to the Chieftains to (again) plunge an all-star country cast into the Celtic wellsprings of old-time music, just as they did 10 years ago with 1992's Another Country. It's no surprise that the Chieftains can handle the rapacious rhythms of a hot fiddle tune; whether they can go toe-to-toe with the likes of Tim O'Brien, Béla Fleck, Ricky Skaggs, and Del McCoury is another matter. Rest assured they can, and they even coax some inspired jamming from Earl Scruggs--who sounds like he has something to prove on "Sally Goodin"--and a chilling vocal from Alison Krauss on "Molly Ban," the Celtic equivalent of "Fair and Tender Maidens." The Chieftains' only miscue comes in wasting Vince Gill's talents on a busily arranged "Dark as a Dungeon." While this set will likely appeal more to fans of contemporary Irish music than to hard-core twang fans, anyone who loves acoustic roots music will find these collaborations refreshing, if not down-right bracing. --Roy Kasten

Customer Reviews:

Roots of Bluegrass.......2007-05-24

The Chieftains..BLUE GRASS?
Yep, shure 'nough is, y'all.
Well, sorta...

When people hear "Chieftains" they're thinking Irish, Gaelic..but BLUE GRASS? Actually it's not a stretch at all considering that Irish folk music played a major role in the creation of American folk music, Blue Grass (Tenessee, Kentucky)--and via Blue Grass to Country & Western. Of course other ethnic flavors are involved including Scottish & colonial British, French, Spanish & African (Gospel, Blues, Jazz.)

To offer a comparison, the soundtrack of "O, Brother, Where Art Thou?" gives a pretty good sampler of Blue Grass, & this CD does the same--but with more songs, more A-List US artists (John Hiatt, Bela Fleck, Earl Scruggs, Vince Gill, Alison Krauss, Lyle Lovetti, Paty Griffin & other greats) resulting in this more artistically cohesive CD.

So where are the Chiefains you might ask? Well, it's true they are more in the studio background than the forefront, but once you realize how effective that the background is, you can enjoy the final result.

The CD features the original musical treatment of such standards as Don't Let Your Deal Go Down, Whole Heaps of Little Horses, Tennesse Stud, and Katie Dear [A variant of Silver Dagger]

Long Black Veil
Water From the Well
Tears Of Stone
Northern Journey
Four Strong Winds
Early Morning Rain
O Brother, Where Art Thou?
The First 10 Years
Joan Baez
In Concert
Basket of Light

Great roots music!!.......2006-04-17

What can I say that hasn't been said already? This is a great CD. The song "Rain and Snow" by the Del McCoury Band is, in my opinion, worth the purchase alone. Other highlights include: "Dark as a Dungeon" by Vince Gill, "Molly Ban" by the always wonderful Alison Krauss, and "Tennessee Stud" by Jeff White. Celtic music is so ethereal whereas bluegrass seems to ground the music and give it that extra folksy feel. The music is passionate and describes lifestyles, especially those of the Appalachians, which weren't always glamorous yet were rich in heritage and pride. Tremendous musical combination!

MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN.......2005-07-30

Take the elegant, sweet vocals of Alison Krauss, and combine them with the crushing instrumental power of the Chieftains, and you have one of the greatest musical collaborations of the last 50 years. Absolutely top-to-bottom brilliance. Highly recommend to anyone who likes bluegrass, traditional folk, Celtic, oxygen, or food! A MUST OWN!

Martina McBride Is a Revelation.......2005-07-23

Excellent, if somewhat eclectic, album, and I wish the Chieftains had been more front and center. But I find the album a consistent delight, with (and to be expected)typically first- rate performances from Gillian Welch, Alison Krauss, Earl Scruggs, Ricky Skaggs, etc. But the revelation for me was Martina McBride's "I'll Be All Smiles Tonight." Where did that come from? She could out-Rhonda Rhonda Vincent when it comes to powerful Bluegrass ballad wailing. I've never been a big McBride fan, but I'd sure be interested in more stuff like this.

Irish Muusic and Bluegrass Is a Natural Combination.......2005-03-22

There are two types of people in this world: Those who were born Irish and the rest of us who wish we were. [I fall into the latter category.] I have been nurturing a love affair with both bluegrass and Irish music for more than thirty years, and the links between the two genres have never been more evident than on this meeting of the Chieftains and some of the biggest names in bluegrass and country music, including Bela Fleck, Earl Scruggs, Ricky Skaggs, the Del McCoury Band, Alison Krauss, Tim O'Brien and Vince Gill.

Highlights include the instrumentals "Sally Goodin" and the medley of reels, along with Vince Gill's Take on the Merle Travis classic "Dark As a Dungeon" and Gillian Welch & David Rawlings mournful "Katie Dear." The album closes on a rousing note with the 10-minute romp "Give the Fiddler a Dram."

While I have to agree with my fellow reviewers who feel that the Chieftains have been relegated to session player status on this recording, this is a thoroughly satisfying album from start to finish. [Playing Time 54:30] RECOMMENDED

Album Review:

Album Review

Album Review