Old & In the Way
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (30 January, 1996)
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Editorial Review

The landmark original 1975 release, these 10 songs provided a bridge between traditional and progressive bluegrass. The presence of Jerry Garcia greatly expanded the bluegrass audience, exposing thousands of fans to mountain music for the first time, but Garcia's melodic banjo picking and soulful baritone are also essential ingredients. Former bluegrass boy Peter Rowan contributes three now-standard original cuts, and the band covers material ranging from traditionals and Stanley Brothers favorites to the Rolling Stones. Fiddle master Vassar Clements represents the tradition, soaring freely through the verses and breaks with astonishing fire and grace. It remains an important historical document, although the two recent Acoustic Disc volumes (also recorded during the band's only tour in 1973) offer even greater performances and more selections. --Marc Greilsamer ... Read more

Features

• Live

Reviews (24)

Old And some of The Best Bluegrass EVER!
I purchased this LP when it was a brand new release.

I also drove from Baltimore to Union Grove, North Carolina to catch a couple of the famous annual Fiddler's Conventions back in the mid-1970's.Yes, many folks from out West used to make the even-longer haul as well.This used to be such an event!

As great as those Conventions were, nothing matched the performances as what these guys [Jerry Garcia, Peter Rowan, Dave Grisman, Vassar Clements, etc.] concocted!Better than excellent! Is 5 1/2 Stars possible?If so, they RATE and EARN it!

Peter Rowan, as you should know, had earlier fame with Earth Opera [Alfie Finney, Home To You, The Red Sox Are Winning, etc.], Seatrain [Willin', Home To You, etc.,] as well as other accomplishments before joining Jerry Garcia [He brought along long-time friend and Super-Musician David Grisman, too] to join in this fine mix of Bluegrass musicians.

Grateful Dead and Flying Burritos Bros. fans should already know about how much Garcia and Clements were INTO Bluegrass.

As for Peter Rowan, he would go onto form The Rowans and later go Solo with tons of great Bluegrass and Americana music!

This album/CD is far superior, IMHO, to any other OLD & IN THE WAY recording.

Wonderful bluegrass music!
Wow!Who would have thought that the blend would be so incredible.A fantastic version of The Stone's "Wild Horses" and the New Rider's "Panama Red" are just some of the more familiar songs this album deals with.Clemens fiddle work carries the album, but all contribute to develop a delightful bluegrass mix.If you like Jerry Garcia, The New Riders of the Purple Sage, or bluegrass, you have to give this album a listen.

30 Years Old (& In the Way) and Still Going Strong...
I first heard this phenomenal recording on vinyl way back in nineteen hundred and seventy five.I was a wet-behind-the-ears teenager, just starting to develop my chops on bluegrass banjo.I offhandedly purchased this LP because I liked the cover art - not really knowing who any of the band members were (other than Jerry Garcia).I can still remember the chills-down-my-spine feeling I got when my stereo's turntable needle dug into that first magical groove of the opening song.From that moment on I was transfixed and transformed.Folks, this album (CD?) has it all: great singing; terrific instrumental work; and an overall feeling of "this is what bluegrass SHOULD sound like" (for my tastes, anyway).After thirty years, it sounds as fresh as it did on that day in '75.Bluegrass veterans or neophytes, buy this CD, you WILL NOT be disappointed. ... Read more

Asin: B000002VKC
Subjects:  1. Bluegrass    2. Country    3. Pop   

Newport Folk Festival: Best of Bluegrass 1959-1966
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (10 April, 2001)
list price: $24.98 -- our price: $24.98
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Editorial Review

Although the college kids and liberal urbanites who flocked tothe first Newport festivals may have romanticized bluegrass astraditional mountain music, at least they knew great pickers when theyheard them. In the early '60s, most bluegrass artists were strugglingto build a new audience in the wake of rock & roll and Nashvillecountrypolitan, and Newport gave them both a venue and a community. TheStanley Brothers,Flatt & Scruggs, Hylo Brown, andespecially BillMonroe responded with a palpable energy and joy. These three discsdocument some uniformly excellent performances, many never releasedbefore, and even those familiar with the Lilly Brothers orJim & JesseMcReynolds will treasure these rare, live, and exhilarating momentsfrom a pivotal period in American music. --Roy Kasten ... Read more

Features

• Box set
• Live

Reviews (4)

Old Timey Music
I love this CD set.With this much music it's hard to get tired of anything.If I had a 3 CD changer Walkman I'd be listening non-stop.It makes me glad I have a job where I can sit and listen for a few hours at a time.I just wish I could keep my mandolin and guitar by my desk so I could play along.I find the quality of recording excellent and the quality of the musicianship is second to none.If you like Old Timey Music or Bluegrass, buy this CD set.I only gave it a 4 start rating because I'm stingy with 5s.

newportfolk VISITED59-66
For anyone who wished they had been there but never knew about it or was just to far away to go and LOVE good folk music/BLUES this is a good listen. It was well worth it for me. Thanks for the lost memories returned.

Very BEST of Bluegrass
This three CD box does represent the best by several of the founders of Bluegrass, including its amazing Father - Bill Monroe.The well known Mr. Monroe, The Stanley Brothers, Flatt and Scruggs and Jim and Jesse are here at their best.The suprise may be the band of the Lilly Brothers, Don Stover and Tex Logan. The music they play here further documents that their music was in a league with these other wonderful early bands.The music of the Lilly Brothers is a hidden gem - as was the music of Monroe and these other now prominent bluegrass bands for too long. Hylo Brown and Hazel and Alice give performances worthy of the title - Best of Bluegrass too.In fact, all the music in this set is truly beautiful! ... Read more

Asin: B00005AKJI
Subjects:  1. Bluegrass    2. Country    3. Old-Timey    4. Pop    5. Traditional Bluegrass   

Bill Monroe: Live From Mountain Stage
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (11 May, 1999)
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Editorial Review

When dealing with legendary musical pioneers--whether Louis Armstrong or the Beatles or Bill Monroe--all of their recorded work is worth hearing, to say the least. This rousing May 1989 date from Charleston, West Virginia, features the wily veteran Clarence "Tater" Tate on fiddle and hits all the essential stops of a Monroe show: glorious gospel harmonies ("Beautiful Life," "Working on a Building"), fierce mandolin showcases for the master ("Southern Flavor," "Rawhide"), and a selection of Monroe's signature tunes ("Uncle Pen," "Blue Moon of Kentucky"). Sure, Monroe's high tenor may not be what it was in his heyday--he was nearly 78 years old for god's sake--but try listening to his falsetto moans and wails on "Muleskinner Blues" without getting the gooseflesh. --Marc Greilsamer ... Read more

Features

• Live

Reviews (1)

Live and In Charge
Like a fine single-malt scotch, age has only made Bill Monroe better and better. Live From Mountain Stage is a great introduction to the work of this master of the high lonesome sound, and the way it captures the energyof his live shows makes it a valuable disc for longtime fans, too. ... Read more

Asin: B00000IMYJ
Subjects:  1. Bluegrass    2. Country    3. Pop    4. Traditional Bluegrass   

Bluegrass Boy
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (24 September, 1996)
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Editorial Review

Always a maverick in bluegrass circles, Rowan is an unassailable master of mandolin and guitar, and his high, wailing tenor has a rough, yodeling edge, owing much to old-time country singers like Jimmie Rodgers. Rowan's restlessness pulled him from bluegrass into rock & roll in the '60s and then to participate in the landmark Old and in the Way, as well as other progressive bluegrass outfits.This recent effort is a return to form and roots, a tribute to his early mentor Bill Monroe: It's his most consistent solo effort, a moment when his energy, commitment to original material, and arrangements--supported by leading lights Laurie Lewis, Del McCoury, and Richard Greene--all come together. --Roy Francis Kasten ... Read more

Reviews (3)

straight up bluegrass
Its good but dont expect anything but bluegrass. Peter Rowan usually shakes things up a bit, whether its his debut self titled album (which has a southwestern feel and is pretty laid back) or his 1982 bluegrass album "Walls of Time" (in which he incorporates some great country and pop music ideas into original and trad songs) or that stupid (to me) reggae-billy bull he did later in his career. Just wanted to let you know that this album is a tradish sounding bluegrass album. Still, all the songs are penned by Rowan, so thats pretty cool.

This gets 5 stars
for "Wild Geese Cry Again" alone (and the rest of the CD is pretty good, too):

I hear drumbeats on the watchtower
My long journey's at an end
Autumn leaves blow on the border
I hear wild geese cry again.

Wow. This is pure poetry/Bluegrass mastery from some old hands. Check out in particular the fiddle of Richard Greene.

This is the real thing
I've never been what you call a blugrass fan (maby I'm still not) but this artist has gotten me hooked. Last week I was driving up route 71 in North Carolina - I'm from NJ - and while scanning the am stations i came acrossthis great song "wild geese cry again" and i became hooked.Pulled over and wrote the title down, came here and searched. I am now onehappy pup. This song is a classic. Buy you WILL enjoy! ... Read more

Asin: B000000F5C
Subjects:  1. Bluegrass    2. Contemporary Folk    3. Country    4. Neo-Traditional Folk    5. Pop    6. Progressive Bluegrass   

Blue Ridge
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (18 October, 1993)
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Reviews (5)

a classic must have
I love the seldom scene,one of my favorite groups of all time.
this album with jonathon edwards is brillant in song selection
and hamonizing,a must have for any progressive bluegrass fan.
ranks right up their with j.d.crowe and the new south.

Just a deep breath and a pause
The Seldom Scene is always prime bluegrass.There's not a lot out there to compete for style and staying power.Seldom Scene is one of those groups you listen to until you are sated, put the disk away, and one day find yourself digging around trying to find it.They'd probably never have topped Scenic Roots, which was a great, if it weren't for Jonathan Edwards finding his place among them for this one release.There's not a more haunting, lingering bluegrass recording anywhere than Jonathan Edwards and The Seldom Scene on Blue Ridge.

One of my lifetime favorites
This album is one of my lifetime favorites.I wore out my first copy (a tape from a long-lost lover), then the second tape (a copy of a friend's vinyl album).Now I've bought several CD's; one for me and several for the people I love. Time to pay the musicians back..

If you like bluegrass and if you like impeccable harmonizing, get this album.I wish there were more by the same artists.

Peace Skye ... Read more

Asin: B000000EZN
Sales Rank: 86698
Subjects:  1. Country    2. Pop    3. Progressive Bluegrass   

Shiflett, Karl / Big Country S
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (31 August, 1999)
list price: $15.98 -- our price: $15.98
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Editorial Review

Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs have been a major influence on every bluegrass player, even Bill Monroe. Usually, Scruggs's fleet three-fingered banjo rolls are the most obvious reflection--and Jake Jenkins handles that role here with aplomb--but Karl Shiflett's crew replicates the entire Flatt & Scruggs sound with uncanny ease. Shiflett's phrasing and amiable vocal delivery show a strong Flatt influence, and the ensemble harmonies and instrumental interplay certainly recall the Foggy Mountain Boys. And while the Big Country Show break no new ground, their debut record is quite an enjoyable and charming listen. They pull material from expected (Monroe, Flatt & Scruggs) and unexpected (Buck Owens, Tompall Glaser) sources while adding three strong originals to the mix. Keeping the classic bluegrass sound alive is a noble ambition, and imitation executed as sincerely as this beats self-conscious innovation any time. --Marc Greilsamer ... Read more

Reviews (2)

I just want to cry!
You can't imagine how it feels being a Shiflett, and finding such fine musicians in the blood line! When I enjoy my Virginia ham this Christmas, you can bet that this CD's going to be spinning out the tunes.Every realShiflett owes it to himself to have one of these albums!The fine craftedmusic, and the sentimental lyrics cut to the bone!It's the essence ofwhat being a Shiflett is all about!

Best Traditional Bluegrass Recording in 20 yearsT
The boys from Texas have really done it this time. This is the best Bluegrass recording in 20 years. Great traditional,hard-driving Bluegrass done in the old style,compares to the best Flatt and Scruggs everreleased.This is a must have CD. ... Read more

Asin: B00000JT4S
Subjects:  1. Bluegrass    2. Country    3. Pop   

The Storm Still Rages
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (05 June, 2001)
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Editorial Review

In recent years, Missouri-born Rhonda Vincent has become one ofa handful of extraordinary singers whose voices personify the grace,power, and poetry of contemporary bluegrass music. The 13 exquisitecuts on Storm Still Rages (which she produced, and on which sheis joined by luminaries like singers Alison Krauss andSonya Isaacs, and guitarist Bryan Sutton) is aworthy follow-up to 2000's critically acclaimed Back Home Again, whichmarked Vincent's return to bluegrass after a foray into mainstreamcountry. Whether on a rousing tribute to the late Bill Monroe ("Isthe Grass Any Bluer"), spirited bluegrass reprises of honky-tonkclassics ("Drivin' Nails in My Coffin" and Hank Williams's "MySweet Love Ain't Around"), a sterling Vincent original ("On SolidGround"), or a fervent, old-timey gospel number (Carl Story's "YouDon't Love God if You Don't Love Your Neighbor"), Vincent reminds uswhat great singing, and great modern bluegrass music, is all about.--Bob Allen ... Read more

Reviews (29)

Brilliant work from one of bluegrass's finest!

Rhonda Vincent's album The Storm Still Rages is nothing short of spectacular!.Rhonda not only demonstrates her incredible angelic voice, but her prowess on the mandolin.Her playing is spectacular!.From start to finish,this is a brilliant, well-produced album!.The first cut Cry of the Whippoorwill, is catchy and instantly singable.Kenny Ingrams banjo starts this track off, drawing you in.The tribute to Bill Monroe Is The Grass Any Bluer is touching, especially since I read that Rhonda got to meet the legendary Monroe on her birthday.Don't Lie is one of my favorite songs with the chorus: "Just go ahead and say goodbye, but don't lie".The up tempo Driving Nails in My Coffin is heartbreaking, and tells a story of a woman alone drinking herself to death because she can't forget her true love.I'm Not Over You is gorgeous with beautifully tight harmonies and Hunter Berry's signature grunting fiddle.Every song on this disc is a winner but my personal faves are: Cry of the Whippoorwill, Don't Lie, Solid Ground, I'm Not Over You, Driving Nails in My Coffin and My Sweet Love Ain't Around.If you love bluegrass, buy this disc. If you want to hear stellar musicians perform buy this disc! And if you have never heard of Rhonda Vincent, this disc will be played over and over again! It's in rotation in my CD player right now!.

Rhonda is Fantastic!
As always, Rhonda is terrific!

Rhonda sets fast pace with high-energy bluegrass
With a stellar cast of musicians including herself on mandolin, Rhonda sings as good as ever on this collection of upbeat songs. She is a friend and fan of Dolly Parton, so it is no surprise to see that she chose to record a couple of songs previously recorded by Dolly.

There are occasional slow songs, like Don't lie, but the bulk of this album is full of up-tempo, driving bluegrass, such as Bluegrass express and an excellent tribute to Bill Monroe (Is the grass any bluer?).

Just someone I used to know was a country top ten hit for Dolly as a duet with Porter Wagoner, although it had previously been a country top ten hit for George Jones with the title A girl I used to know. Porter and Dolly also recorded Each season changes you, another song Rhonda covers here. Rhonda does both of these songs at a faster pace than Porter and Dolly, in keeping with the mood of the album. These changes work well, but change the meaning of the songs subtly.

With Rhonda having recorded a series of very high quality albums over the previous decade, I didn't think there was any room for improvement, but this might just be the best of the lot. ... Read more

Asin: B00005K9SI
Subjects:  1. Bluegrass    2. Contemporary Bluegrass    3. Country    4. Pop    5. Traditional Bluegrass   

Dead Grass Feat: Vassar Clements
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (02 May, 2000)
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Reviews (2)

new American standards
This is a wonderful album.I will admit to bias however as I have been a Dead Head for two decades now.Jerry Garcia was in a bluegrass band called Old & In the Way which was my first introduction to this classicAmerican music style.(First fully conscious intro to the music.I wasfamiliar with the theme to the Beverly Hillbillies even before then.)Onemember of Old & In the Way is fiddler extraordinaire Vassar Clements. This is an amazing musician that has played with Stephane Grappeli, BillMonroe, David Bromberg and many other musical greats.He is a musician'smusician who transcends generations with ease.Now he has decided torecord an album of Grateful Dead songs in a bluegrass style.There isalready and album called "Picking on the Dead" which is the sameconcept but this one is better.The bluegrass treatment allows one to hearnuances in the songwriting that often got lost in the extended jams of alive Dead show.Dead Grass makes these songs seem like old standards froma bygone era while still retaining a freshness.(This, of course, was atrick the Dead themselves often executed when they delved into oldtraditional songs.)Many rock songs are finding their way into theAmerican canon and some of the new standards will be songs from theGrateful Dead catalogue.Listen to songs like "Ripple" and"Attics of My Life" and you will hear beautiful lyrics andmelodies.Songs like "Dire Wolf" and "Friend of theDevil" sound like old traditional standards already.This is a greattribute to a legendary musical institution called the Grateful Dead.

Really pickin' on the Dead
While I enjoyed the Pickin' On offerings, this one is more satifying.Vassar provides authenticity and the young folks in the band provide some solid picking and vocals.I'd suggest this one strongly for any fan ofacoustic music deadhead or not. ... Read more

Asin: B00004T8KA
Sales Rank: 41713
Subjects:  1. Bluegrass    2. Country    3. Pop    4. Traditional Country   

Nickel Creek
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (21 March, 2000)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $9.99
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Editorial Review

San Diego is not exactly known as a hotbed of contemporary bluegrass music, but then again, Nickel Creek are a far cry from most bluegrass bands you've ever heard. On their Alison Krauss-produced debut, they serve up a lilting, ethereal fusion of bluegrass, Celtic, modern folk, and even classical influences, offering exquisite harmonies that would be more at home at a Crosby, Stills & Nash tribute than at a musical salute to the late Bill Monroe. Yet it makes for delightful listening, all the same. The three principals (Sara Watkins on fiddle and vocals; her brother Sean Watkins on guitar, mandolin, and vocals; and Chris Thile on mandolin, banjo, bouzouki, and vocals) are either barely out of their teens or still in them. Individually and as a band, they've already won a slew of awards and notoriety on their respective instruments. The three prodigies (joined by Thile's dad, Scott, on bass) really strut their eclectic hot licks on a few soaring, skittering instrumentals, but even more impressive are Nickel Creek's graceful, heartfelt harmonies on the many lovely ballads. Hot licks, when you get right down to it, are a dime a dozen; this sort of pluperfect tunefulness is a much rarer thing. --Bob Allen ... Read more

Reviews (248)

Why would anyone want to listen to this?
This music is torturous. I regret taking out my Blonde on Blonde SACD for this. Anything is better than pop bluegrass. I'd rather listen to Captain Beefheart or even (god forbid) Blur.

If you're the kind that doesn't recognize any bands older than 10 years, you may like this. That, or you're too old to remember when you first listened to Elvis.

Obviously, I don't recommend this.

the last of their bluegrass background..
Let me say for starters that I love Bluegrass and trad. Country, but to classify Nickel Creek under either of these is doing them an extreme injustice. Even more so, it is alienating them for a large audience that are sure to love their music.

Nickel Creek may have hardcore roots in bluegrass but for quite a few years now they have had more in common with college alternative radio than nashville. Yes, you can hear every ounce of influence they have gained through Radiohead, Wilco, Coldplay, and Pavement(which they cover on this album). That being said, this is the music that they listen to like most
young adults. What is so amazing is that these influences combined with their background in bluegrass has lead to some spectacular songwriting that has yet to reach its potential of wide spread recognition. These three are sure to be superstars.

They are currently in the studio recording their 3rd CD(actually it is their 5th...they had two independent releases previous to their self titled in 2000"little cow poke" and "here to there") Word has it that this album is taking even more of a turn from their past. They are doing quite a bit of new instrumentation including drums and piano this time around...For an idea of the direction that they have gone in, I suggest picking up Chris Thile's latest solo album "deceiver" and Sean Watkin's recent solo outing "26 miles". There is hardly a shread of past sound left...but what has come forth is something spectacular...

So three kids from California walk in to a bar..
ok.. maybe not a bar.. but that seems like a close enough paraphrase as to how this amazing group formed. Opening with a beautiful and impressive instrumental is certainly a nice way to start off an album. All of these musicians floor me with their talent, not only because their technique is so precise, but also because of their musicality.. they don't just play fast notes, they're on pitch and sound clear, sweet and intent. They seem to have such a balance with one another. Sara's violin playing is great. I love her wide smooth vibrato, her sound never over-powering (like many fiddle players can be). Sean's guitar work is beautiful and fun. I hear mostly folk and classical styles with his playing. Chris. Yeah. They're all amazing, but I think he clearly stands apart, not just within the group, but amongst any musician. His technique is jaw-dropping.. he hits every single note so crisp and clearly, and keeps personality with it all, telling a story with every run or lick, and it seems like no style is impregnable for this prodigy. As for the vocals, they blend together so well, and the leading lines take the songs on just the right journey.
I've seen them in concert 4 or 5 times, with the song line-up hardly changing, but I was knocked off my feet every time. I love this entire album, but "Sweet Afton" and "Hand Song" are probably my favorites. Both are relatively simple, slower tracks, but are so beautiful. The lyrics are endearing, and the pace is just perfect. "House of Tom Bombadil" is the second, and probably my favorite instrumental on the album... partly because the title is a LOTR reference (yeah, geek), and partly because almost every time I've seen them live, Chris has played the first few measures of the Bach Partita Preludium during one of his mandolin solos. Though it was written for violin (I think), I love the bright sound the mandolin gives it. Their take on "The Fox" is totally fun, and it impresses me that I like it so much, being a girl who is primarily a classic rock fan. I absolutely love this album. Every voice, every note, paints a vivid picture for the song. It breeches all genre boundaries, and if nothing else, I think just about anyone can appreciate such quality musicianship.
... Read more

Asin: B00004NK9T
Subjects:  1. Bluegrass    2. Contemporary Bluegrass    3. Contemporary Country    4. Country    5. Mandolin    6. Neo-Traditional Folk    7. Pop   

O Brother, Where Art Thou?
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (05 December, 2000)
list price: $13.98 -- our price: $9.99
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Editorial Review

The best soundtracks are like movies for the ears, and O Brother, Where Art Thou? joins the likes of Saturday Night Fever and The Harder They Come as cinematic pinnacles of song. The music from the Coen brothers' Depression-era film taps into the source from which the purest strains of country, blues, bluegrass, folk, and gospel music flow. Producer T Bone Burnett enlists the voices of Alison Krauss, Gillian Welch, Emmylou Harris, Ralph Stanley, and kindred spirits for performances of traditional material, in arrangements that are either a cappella or feature bare-bones accompaniment. Highlights range from the aching purity of Krauss's "Down to the River to Pray" to the plainspoken faith of the Whites' "Keep on the Sunny Side" to Stanley's chillingly plaintive "O Death." The album's spiritual centerpiece finds Krauss, Welch, and Harris harmonizing on "Didn't Leave Nobody but the Baby," a gospel lullaby that sounds like a chorus of Appalachian angels. --Don McLeese ... Read more

Features

• Enhanced
• Soundtrack

Reviews (444)

SOME OTHER GREAT ALBUMS
I am a big fan of roots music.This album is a beautiful, captivating record that consistently delivers great music, song after song.If you enjoy this album and are looking for some similar great roots albums then I recommend the following:
1) Appalachian Stomp: Bluegrass Classics
2) Ain't No Grave: A Tribute To Traditional And Public Domain Songs
3) March 16-20 by Uncle Tupelo
4) Beautiful Dreamer: The Songs Of Stephen Foster
5) Every Sound Below by Tim Eriksen

added intense variety and beauty to my cd collection
first off, don't buy this unless you have seen the movie or unless you are very familiar with the artists on here.I had seen the movie first and enjoyed it a lot, and hearin this music when understanding its context made me appreciate its simple yet rugged excellence.truly, the simplest things are the hardest things to pull off, but this soundtrack does a wonderful job.The only problem I have with it is that the movie version of "i'll fly away," my favorite song when I watched the movie, has been omitted for a slightly weaker version.However the new version is still pretty darn good, so I won't deduct stars for that, especially considering the fact that most movie soundtracks do a terrible job.GET THIS NOW!

Deceived and Disappointed
The Kossoy Sisters version of "I'll Fly Away" was the actual song in this movie. Why they chose the Alison Krauss version for this CD stupefies me to no end. Needless to say, the movie version was far superior. In fact, I felt that this song was one of most uplifting songs I've heard in a long time. Understand that I have nothing against Alison Krauss at all, but I must admit that my jaw dropped when I realized that I'd once again been had by slick music industry con-artists. Beware. ... Read more

Asin: B00004XQ83
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Soundtracks & Film Scores   

The Bluegrass Sessions: Tales From The Acoustic Planet, Vol. 2
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (22 June, 1999)
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Editorial Review

In a jaw-dropping return to his roots, banjoist Béla Fleck led a stellar lineup (Jerry Douglas, Earl Scruggs, Tony Rice, and Sam Bush, to name a few) through one of his finest albums. With incredible musicianship and a smidgen of Fleck's genre-hopping personality ("Polka On The Banjo"), The Bluegrass Sessions is fun, nostalgic, and inspiring. --Jason Verlinde ... Read more

Reviews (62)

Once Again, Bela pushes the bluegrass envelope
Wow...this guy is always thinking outside the box. Tony Trischka mentored Bela and, although Tony's influences are audible, Bela has developed an amazing style all his own. Normally, Bela's work is a little too experimental/Jazz for my taste, but this CD is an exception. It is a collection of traditional bluegrass songs along with several original songs which are purely Fleck. They take the listener on an amazing journey through ever changing rhythms and twisting chord progressions, which are definitely not your grandfather's bluegrasses. The names of the musicians on this CD read like a Bluegrass dream team so the music is always smooth, professional and exciting. With the exception of a goofy poem reading, this is an altogether wonderful bluegrass experience along the lines of Fleck's earlier CD "Drive" from 1985 which I also highly recommend.

Best Bela fleck album
this is my favorite bela album. like his bluegras better than his jazz but his jazz is awsome. i can't even say how good this album is. if you like bluegrass go buy this album it is well worth the money.

Return to the Acoustic Planet
As any of you reading this know, Bela Fleck is a master banjoist, musician, composer, improviser, and band leader. He is as pure and skilled an artist as has ever lived, and everything he touches seems to turn to gold. This album is no exception; its weakest songs are merely excellent, instead of cathartic. The Bluegrass Sessions features several other masterful performers, including Jerry Douglas, Tony Rice, Sam Bush and others in a traditional yet still musically diverse setting. Everyone's performance is top-notch, and you'll find that this disc is very difficult to stop listening to. I really can't say enough good things about it. Just buy it, now. An excellent addition to any longtime Fleck or bluegrass fan's collection, and a great starting point for beginners. ... Read more

Asin: B00000JC6D
Subjects:  1. Fusion    2. Jazz    3. Pop    4. Post-Bop    5. Progressive Bluegrass   

New Favorite
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (14 August, 2001)
list price: $17.98 -- our price: $13.99
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Editorial Review

After her 1999 gold release, Forget About It, Alison Krauss has found additional success as part of the soundtrack to O Brother, Where Art Thou?--an album that's done more to advance the cause of bluegrass since Bill Monroe first conjured the music out of the hills of western Kentucky. While Forget About It showcased the more contemporary part of Krauss's musical equation and the O Brother soundtrack spotlighted the more traditional, New Favorite combines the approaches in balancing the softer sounds with the rougher-edged material. Krauss particularly shines on the soulful title tune of love gone cold, her vocal--softer than a cloud and more intimate than a midnight kiss--threatening to steal your breath away. However, it's mostly the older sounds that you'll remember from this largely somber album, one that telegraphs uncertainty, doom, and the promise of bloodshed throughout much of the repertoire. On "Momma Cried," a song about a child-snatching that tore a family asunder, Dan Tyminski's tenor vocals rise above a wailing Dobro, a driving banjo, and a thumping, anchoring bass to convey unspeakable pain. Too many of the pop-minded songs fall flat in comparison, but although this may not be the group's best effort overall, no other crossover bluegrass band begins to meet their mark either musically or emotionally, as New Favorite so amply shows. --Alanna Nash ... Read more

Reviews (136)

This album "hits one out of the park", MY new favorite
How can one be critical of such perfection seemingly sent direct from his holly bosom. OK!, I know? That isn't exactly helpful to those new to the AKUS phenomenon. I'll try to be level headed about this. If you are reading this, you are looking for guidance, so for those who have resisted buying any AKUS until NOW... Shame on you! But OK, if that be the case, you're best bet for a high saturation of OUTSTANDING ballads is "New Favorite" which has some good B-grass also, or "Forget About It" But this is void of any B-grass whatsoever, (how'd that happen?). For the most balanced album with STRONG Ballads AND B-grass, "So Long So Wrong" is your good first choice. If you prefer the older works of AKUS (lots of B-grass) but can't decide which to buy, your best bet is "Now That I've Found You" without question. Unless you have a specific song title in mind, "Lonely Runs Both Ways" may not be your best first purchase. Stellar performances on ALL titles are to be found without question. Myself? I heard AKUS the first time in 1992. I was awe-struck, and remain so with each release from Alison or AKUS. When god shines, HE SHINES. One day I hope a CD of all of Alisons singles from movie sound-tracks etc... will be released. I own every Alison "album" released so far, other than the occasional wayward single. I can say the same for Dan & Rons works also. Jerry!... lol, Dude, nobody has enough money or time to buy everything YOU've put your personal touch too. However, I can nearly always detect your sound & style, sight unseen whenever I hear it, ". Alison & the group are beyond mere descriptive phrases. Certainly they are perfection, in humility, talent, taste, execution, communion and musicianship. Yet, these words are only glimpses of the greater power one can sense from every utterance AKUS make. Thank You Alison, Dan, Ron, Jerry, Barry et all...I appreciate your music sooooo very much.

The Pure Sound of Happiness
No matter if you are a brand-new or seasoned fan of bluegrass, you must add this bluegrass album to your collection. As said in previous reviews, the musicianship is stellar--no one person stands out above the rest because the group members are all so talented together.

The violins and mandolins soar. Alison Krauss's voice is from another world--you will never experience another voice as sweet and pure. It's spun sugar.

The songs "The Lucky One" and "New Favorite" stand out in their contemplative, melancholy sweetness. The emotions of these songs are so much more complicated than the usual pop we're inundated with today. The song "Stars" is a hopeful and lovely Dan Fogelberg cover and one of my favorites on the album.

One Word...
FANTASTIC !!!
My husband and I like ALL kinds of music, and he is a musician -the best we've ever heard - can't get enough! ... Read more

Asin: B00005N8T1
Subjects:  1. Bluegrass    2. Country    3. Pop   

Little Sparrow
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (23 January, 2001)
list price: $16.98 -- our price: $8.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

Inspiration takes wing on Little Sparrow. With its soaring harmonies and sprightly acoustic arrangements, Dolly Parton's second bluegrass-oriented album (following 1999's The Grass Is Blue) recalls the unaffected purity of her Coat of Many Colors and Jolene days in the 1970s. Rarely does a veteran artist sound so renewed, as Parton applies her bittersweet trill to a selection that extends from a majestic reading of Collective Soul's "Shine" through a banjo-driven breakdown on Steve Young's "Seven Bridges Road" and a breezy romp through Cole Porter's "I Get a Kick Out of You." Original material such as "My Blue Tears" and "Mountain Angel" brings out the best in Parton, though the overly precious title cut and the girlish "Marry Me" don't fare as well. With the support of vocal acolytes including Alison Krauss, Rhonda Vincent, Claire Lynch, and Maura O'Connell, Parton sounds like she's leading a heavenly choir. --Don McLeese ... Read more

Reviews (98)

BEAUTIFUL MUSIC
I purchased this cd at the weekend and played it yesterday which was a public holiday in Australia.I noticed that my neighbours from both sides came out into their back-yards to have a listen on the quiet.They stood there motionless, drawn to this beautiful music.

Like most people, I assumed Dolly Parton only sang "Jolene" type songs. Didn't even know she wrote songs. Somebody mentioned this cd to me about 18 months ago and advised that you wouldn't believe it was Dolly Parton.For some reason I kept this advice in the back of my mind and only now have chosen to buy it out of all the other cd's I could have purchased.Is that a sign?

You will not be disappointed if you purchase this cd.It is superb in every aspect; songs, arrangements, lyrics, musicians and production.

From a recent convert to the delight of Dolly....
This is not only a spectacular country/bluegrass album but it could stand up as one of the best folk albums of recent memory.

Dolly has really stuck to her guns (I'm sure she would appreciate the pun) and been producing "her" music.The songs are wonderful - the version of Shine outstrips the original by several long leagues. And her voice is pure but full of emotion and wonderful control.

With this album, Halos and Horns and presumably The Grass is Blue (I am itching to get a copy of this) Dolly can quite assuredly claim the crown as arguably America's greates folk singer and one of its very top rank singer songwriters.

If you have had an interest in Dolly but have been put off by the big hair, big bosoms stereotypes now is the time to claim this wonderful music and treasures its many joys.

With this newfound creative watershed Dolly is set to become not only a huge star (as she is) but a widely lauded and appreciated artist.

More power to her.

Perhaps Dolly's Best Album
Dolly Parton obviously enjoyed the taste of success she received with 1999's THE GRASS IS BLUE album, because shortly after it was released, came LITTLE SPARROW, an album that built on that bluegrass sound, and expanded. There's a lot of variety. She manages to pay tribute to a few artists, namely Bill Monroe (Bluer Pastures), the Amazing Rhythm Aces (Beautiful Lie), Steve Young (Seven Bridges Road), Cole Porter (I Get A Kick Out Of You) and the Louvin Brothers (I Don't Believe You've Met My Baby). She also puts her stamp on Collective Soul's "Shine", which was the album's first single. This is an amazing album, start to finish. She updates her classic ballad "My Blue Tears" with a bluegrass arrangement. There is a bit of gospel (In The Sweet By And By) and much more. "Mountain Angel" and "Down From Dover" (another old Dolly classic) are so heartbreaking, she vividly tells stories in these songs. Another favorite of mine is the ballad "A Tender Lie", which is just amazing. I really can't say enough about this amazing piece of music, except if you don't have it, get it! ... Read more

Asin: B000055YSK
Subjects:  1. Bluegrass    2. Contemporary Country    3. Country    4. Country-Pop    5. Neo-Traditional Folk    6. Pop    7. Traditional Country