Editorial Review

This two-CD, 25-song set, recorded in Louisville on two nights in the spring of 2002, finds bluegrass's most celebrated crossover band at the top of its game. Krauss's warm, feathery vocals, capable of conveying complex emotions in a single note, appear more full-bodied than in studio recordings, yet lose none of their sensual appeal or dramatic tension. She's perfect, for example, as the melancholy temptress on "Let Me Touch You for Awhile," coming across as both savior and seductress, while Jerry Douglas's Dobro echoes the searing strains of passion and pain. With banjoist-guitarist Ron Block, bassist Barry Bales, and guest drummer Larry Atamanuik anchoring the rhythm, the ensemble deftly blends bluegrass with jazz, rock, and folk, combining lightning speed (though rushing through "Forget About It") with sophisticated chops, tangible emotion, and thrilling vocal blends. The crowd, more spellbound with every note, doesn't even breathe on "Ghost in This House" and nearly tears the place down on Dan Tyminski's voice-of-George Clooney showcase, "I Am a Man of Constant Sorrow." But who could blame them? It's only one highlight on an album of uncommon artistry, a moving testament to how good live music can be in the hands of world-class players. Read more

Features

• Live

Reviews (123)

Jim B. , La Honda California
I'm 53 years old and appreciate all kinds of good music.This is my favorite album, period.And this live verison of Forget About It is my favorite single track of all time.This group proves in a live performance that they are the best.

A must have
For any country-music-lover out there this is a must have album. Full-packed with great songs, and they play them so well live so you barely notice any difference with the studio tracks on other cds. Hard to say any particular best song on this there are many great songs.

I LOVE IT!
I never got into bluegrass, untill I bought this for my wife as a gift. I figured she would be the only one to watch it. WRONG this DVD is awesome we are both hooked and have been buying AKUS stuff every chance we get. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bluegrass    2. Country    3. Country & Western    4. Pop   

Editorial Review

It's December of 1962, the folk revival is in full effect, andan absolutely raucous crowd whoops and hollers throughout 32 sparklingcuts. This incarnation of the Foggy Mountain Boys includes Dobro whizJosh Graves and fiddle master Paul Warren, and the exciting musicblends exquisite picking, exuberant harmonies, and a touch ofplayfulness. The diverse repertoire offers instrumental reels and rags,Carter Family staples, traditional and old-time folk, F&S originals,and gospel hymns (with banjo virtuoso Earl Scruggs switching tofingerpicked guitar). Also included are novelties such as fan-favorite"The Martha White Theme," "Old MacDonald," and ofcourse, "Ballad of Jed Clampett," which would hit number onethe following year. Merle Travis joins in on the final two numbers, afitting conclusion to this wonderful show. This is bluegrass at bothits most artistic and accessible. Read more

Features

• Live

Reviews (7)

Classic Bluegrass
If you like bluegrass music (guitar, banjo & fiddle), you won't want to be without this great album.It's Flatt & Scruggs at their very best -- recorded live at Carnegie Hall in 1962.Truly a masterpiece, and a "must-have" for your music collection!

The Best Flatt & Scruggs CD available
Buy this CD!If you are a fan of bluegrass and in particular Flatt & Scruggs, this is the best CD available.When I was a child we used to watch and hear Flatt and Scruggs in the Nashville area on late Saturday afternoons.This one will really take you back.It takes me back to my Grandmother's living room where we all sat and tapped our feet.You will listen to it over and over.If you can only have one, make it this one.

Like being there
Just sit back, close your eyes, and your in Carnegie Hall with a rowdy NY crowd listening to some of the best live bluegrass ever.Read more

Subjects:  1. Bluegrass    2. Country    3. Country & Western    4. Pop    5. Traditional Bluegrass   

Editorial Review

Country music reclaimed its traditional soul with the chart-topping triumph of the Read more

Features

• Live
• Soundtrack

Reviews (55)

reasonable good CD
This CD was ok. I enjoyed the actual "Brother, Where Art Thou" soundtrack better. If you are really into these particular artists, you should enjoy this.

I'm a Dapper Dan Man!
I can't express how much I love this movie, soundtrack and documentary. It's a classic in every sense of the word. The movie is hilarious, the music superb and it makes me reminesse (pardon my spelling)about all those times my parents forced me to watch Hee Haw as a child. It's just the PERFECT movie.

Check this out ..
This is a cool movie no doubt.Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Country    2. Bluegrass    3. Country    4. Country Gospel    5. Neo-Traditional Folk    6. Neo-Traditionalist Country    7. Pop    8. Progressive Bluegrass    9. Soundtrack    10. Southern Gospel   

Editorial Review

Something of a retrospective, Read more

Features

• Live

Reviews (62)

You have got to hear this album!
This has to be the most incredible album I've heard in years. My introduction to Bela Fleck and the Flecktones was on a trip to the States from the UK in 1993 on business. I flicked on the TV in my hotel room and there was a music festival on. I watched the incredible wizardry of Victor Wooton on the bass and was transfixed. Never before had I heard a banjo sound so exciting as it was they way Bela Fleck played it. I had only a few minutes to listen before I had to leave, but that experience left its mark. Why then did it take me 13 years to try out a Flecktones album? God knows, but all I can say is BUY THIS ALBUM! Whatever musical vibe you're into, whether Jazz, Bluegrass, etc, I can guarantee you will LOVE this album. The music is sensational, and the incredible talent of all the musicians is something I find it hard to put in words. As you can tell, I'm now hooked on Bela Fleck and the Flecktones! And I suspect you will be too.

Really fun stuff !
This has to be one of my favorite live CDs I have.It is really refreshing to hear this stuff live even if you own all of the studio CDs the Flecktones have made.Unlike many other bands, these guys always change things up during each live event.Each song during every concert is never played the same way...not only does that keep it fresh for the listener, I'm sure it also keeps it fresh for the Flecktones.
great cd
i'm a fusion/metheny/rippingtons/corea fan...being bored with much of todays music happened to purchase this cd after reading some reviews...now own about 6 of their cd's...this was the first one i purchased and i think overall my favorite.if you have any interest in jazz/fusion/bluegrass/or a mixture of all 3 i would highly advise giving this group and in particular this cd a try...you won't be disappointed. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fusion    2. Jazz    3. Jazz Music    4. Pop    5. Progressive Bluegrass   

Editorial Review

Short-lived and with only a limited output, this five-piece bluegrass band nevertheless helped spread the gospel of this extraordinary genre via the famous coattails of its most notorious member: Jerry Garcia. However, they were no novelty act. Read more

Features

• Live

Reviews (14)

RealBluegrass But With An Innovative Approach
What I like about this band is that is they are able to mix authentic bluegrass with a little something more experimental and unique. For example, the songs include several covers from bluegrass legends like Bill Monroe and the Stanley Brothers. But also some originals, mostly written by guitarist Peter Rowan. Actually I think Rowan demonstrates outstanding song writing ability on songs like "Panama Red" and "Midnight Moonlight". So it's a shame that he remained in relative obscurity as a musician. But still his music shines through on this album. I also love the mandolin sound of David Grisman and Vassar Clements' fiddle playing!
Just Excellent!!
I grew up on bluegrass, and then as i got older I grew away from it. Years later I was listening to Led Zeppelin, Grateful Dead, etc.. It was after listening to "Cumberland Blues" off the Dead's Workingmans Dead album that I heard the banjo in the background. I found out later it was Garcia. Looked into it further and found Old & In the Way years ago. I've been playing banjo going on 14 years now because of Jerry, and the love for the music that I rediscovered. A lot of people put down his playing, but you try picking a banjo with your thumb, pointy and ring (middle finger was chopped off in accident as a child) and you'll see his handicap didn't slow him down. The rest of the musicians are excellent as well. Vassar was a fiddling Wonder! And the "dawg" is great as well.All three OAITW albums are classics!

Vassar--Goodbye and Hello
I agree wholeheartedly with reviewer Cox here.Most will come for Garcia, but will stay for Vassar.The group playing is a little ragged here and there (a live performance, after all), but so much is first rate bluegrass, and I've never heard Vassar Clements so fiery--more daring than on his work with Nitty Gritty DB (which is also splendid), Bela Fleck, or even on his solo albums. Grisman is a delight as always, bur VC steals the show.Sorry to say, I just read Vassar's obit in the NYTimes yesterday.Alas.But this CD is a reminder of his great talent. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bluegrass    2. Country    3. Country & Western    4. Pop    5. Traditional Bluegrass   

Editorial Review

On Read more

Features

• Live

Reviews (11)

Road Tour Music
This CD includes much of the music fromBela Fleck's road tour with Edgar Meyer.We heard them play in Easton, MD.The concert was excellent, and this CD captures their enthusiasm and playfulness in working together."Woolly Mammoth" is especially interesting.I highly recommend this CD to any fan of either of these artists.

Endlessly inventive
As two of the most highly regarded technicians of their respective instruments, Bela Fleck and Edgar Meyer collaboration on "Music for Two" couldn't be anything less than inspiring. The duo exceed expectations by writing eloquent and evocative pieces. As I continue to listen to the album, their original compositions come to the fore as the marquee sections of the disc. The album could have been strengthened by shedding the veneer of classical music and relying solely on their original compositions.
not bluegrass, but oh my!!!!
as a banjo playa and bluegrass fan that sometimes thinks that bela "noodles" a bit much, this album blows my mind. edgar and bela play with more power and authority than any ten metal bands, and their timing and dynamics are out of this world. i'm no fan of classical as such, but i found myself captivated by every song, and the fact that it's recorded live just adds to the awe factor. buy it now!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bluegrass    2. Chamber    3. Chamber Jazz    4. Chamber Music    5. Film    6. Film Music    7. Jazz    8. Keyboard    9. Miscellaneous    10. Miscellaneous Music    11. New Acoustic    12. Pop    13. Prelude and Fugue for Keyboard    14. Progressive Bluegrass    15. Sinfonia for Keyboard    16. Suite/Partita for Keyboard   

Features

• Live

Reviews (8)

Must Own It
You might call me a biased jamband fan, but YMSB's music cannot be denied. YMSB is a some sort of offspring of bluegrass, and their hard hitting lyrics and perfect delivery mesh well. They play with so much passion and energy, and they are a just plain fun to listen to. This a four member band headed by a mandolin(Jeff Austin), stand up bass(Ben Kaufman), Banjo(Dave Johnston), and acoustic guitar(Adam Aijala). They also had a special guest David Anger on the fiddle which added a nice touch to the band. This cd is massive and includes 23 tracks, with many of them spanning over 7 minutes. YMSB isn't a band that takes itself too seriously and throughout the cd they joke around and are hilarious. These songs are the best songs on the cd in order of importance.
Able to incite a crowd to riotous support of jamgrass music
Playing Time - 55:25 (disc 1); 65:47 (disc 2)-- A large contingent of Yonder Mountain String Band fans were out in full force at Planet Bluegrass in Lyons, Colorado in September 2003 for the live recording of this 23-track album at Kinfolk Celebration 2003. The band's distinctive jamgrass sound is supplemented with the expert fiddling of Darol Anger. Four tracks at the end of the 2-CD album also include Rashad Eggleston and Brittany Haas. Regular band members Jeff Austin (mandolin),Dave Johnston (banjo), Adam Aijala (guitar), and Ben Kaufmann (bass) all contribute original material to the band's spirited repertoire. Besides material from Willie Nelson,John Hartford, and Bill Monroe, the band also covers four songs penned by songwriter Benny "Burl" Galloway. The lyrical messages of their original material are interesting. Their material is well-rehearsed and arranged. Not sticking tostraight three-chord traditional progressions, YMSB punctuates and accentuates their music with a lot of excitement. The fun they have energizes their audiences.
listen carefully
Yonder rocks. This album is another of their well-captured live shows and is deffinitely good tunes. Go see them in concert. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Appalachian Folk    2. Bluegrass    3. Contemporary Bluegrass    4. Country    5. Folk    6. Jam Bands    7. Old-Timey    8. Pop    9. Progressive Bluegrass    10. String Bands    11. United States of America   

Features

• Live

Reviews (4)

Jerry Garcia and former Blue Grass Boys put on a good show
This awesome album combines the signature rough vocals of Jerry Garcia (who also plays banjo!) with the crisp mandolin sound of David Grisman, agile fiddling of Vassar Clements, and solid guitar of Peter Rowan in a collection that pulls heavily from the repertoire of Bill Monroe's old Blue Grass Boys. Bluegrass fans and Garcia fans alike will enjoy this enthusiastic live performance by Old and In the Way.

Just gets better and better ...
I bought this album because it's considered a classic, and because I love the fiddle stylings of Vassar Clements. At first I was irked by some out-of-tune vocal harmonies (it's live, after all). But I kept the album on and set the CD player to continuous play. Well, the second time it started at the beginning, I was hooked. I listened a couple more times and had to force myself to turn it off. It is really a true gem of an album. Vassar's fiddling is top-notch, a great example of his classic licks and style. Garcia, Grisman and Rowan also rock. This is indeed a classic bluegrass album, and should be in any respectable collection.

Bluegrass lovers
This CD is great! If you are not a bluegrass fan, it will certainly make you one! Some of Jerry Garcia's finest work without his electric guitar. He sure picks a mean banjo! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bluegrass    2. Country    3. Country & Western    4. Pop    5. Traditional Bluegrass   

Features

• Live

Reviews (7)

3 Geniuses in One Band
Grappelli, Grisman, and Mark O'Connor all playing together in a classic performance.My favorite piece is Tiger Rag where Grappelli and then 18 year old O'Connor play a transcription for two violins with lots of improvising throughout.Grappelli commented later that O'Connor would do great things with his music, and his prediction has come true.O'Connor displays his virtuosity on guitar as well on the other tunes.Grisman, O'Connor, Marshall, and Wasserman provide a great acoustic background for Grappelli's legendary sound.These are tunes that were not typically in the DGQ repertoire, but they sound like they've been playing them for years.Another bonus is Tiny Moore's electric mandolin solo on Satin Doll.This album is a true classic.

Encounter
All the DAWG grandchildren seem like really happy to play with this fabulous Jazz Violin Player. Knockout!
I defy anyone to listen to this CD without grinning.This music is pure joy.If you play a string instrument, your jaw will drop down to your knees.Grappelli's technical virtuosity is astonishing; what's even more remarkable is how effortless he makes it sound.And Grisman smokes.This is why God gave us fingers. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Continental Jazz    2. Jazz    3. Jazz Music    4. Pop    5. Swing   

Features

• Live

Reviews (10)

Flatpicking guitar at its best
Doc Watson is well known as one of the best flatpicking guitarists in the genres of Old Time, Bluegrass and Folk. He is possibly the one who is responsible for transfering the guitar from only a rythm instrument into a soloinstrument in these kinds of music, by learning how to do the old fiddletunes on the guitar. And how he does it? He is a virtuoso on his instrument.
Honest Representation of Doc and Merle Live
I was fortunate to be able to see Doc and Merle live a couple of times before Merle's premature death.This disc is an accurate representation of the live Doc and Merle I saw - excellent musicianship applied to a broad sweep of American folk, blues and fiddle tunes played in Doc's unique way.Doc has a great sense of humor and it always comes through when he plays live, just as it done on this disc.Check out "Life Gits Teejus Don't It" for an example.Merle was an absolutely incredible guitarist but the most important gift he brought to the music was his innate sense of when and how to accompany and when and how to lead.He integrated himself into a song and played his part exceedingly well.I miss him.This disc has a great mix of tunes with enough instrumentals to please the pickers and plenty of story songs for the folkies.The sound quality is warm and clear and best of all, it doesn't get in the way of the music.This is a true 5 star disc in every regard. Classic!

Good intro to Doc
A very good introduction to the music of Doc Watson.This album contains samples of his blues, ballads, and old mountain songs.Of his albums that I currently have, moreover, this one reminds me most of the time I saw him in concert (early '90s) and the variety of songs he played then.I would highly recommend this as a first purchase of Doc's music. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bluegrass    2. Country    3. Old-Timey    4. Pop    5. Traditional Country    6. Traditional Folk   

Features

• Live

Reviews (39)

Awesome
I don't have much to say about this CD.This is an awesome live SCI cd.This is the second SCI cd that i own but it is by far the best, after listening to this cd i then proceeded to order Live at the Filmore.I highly, HIGHLY recommend this CD to anyone who is looking for a awesome jam band.

SCI!!!
I've seen posts on here about how they don't understand on how or why people can listen to SCI...
A String Cheese Incident
This is an incredible album!I had it for a long time but it wasnt until about after 6 months of having it that I realized how great of an album it truely is.This is a perfect album to buy if you are looking to purchase some SCI music and dont know what album to buy.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Jam Bands    2. Neo-Psychedelia    3. Pop    4. Popular Music    5. Progressive Bluegrass    6. Rock    7. Rock/Pop   

Features

• Live

Subjects:  1. Bluegrass    2. Bluegrass-Gospel    3. Blues Collections    4. Contemporary Bluegrass    5. Contemporary Folk    6. Contemporary Singer/Songwriter    7. Country    8. Country Gospel    9. Neo-Traditional Folk    10. Pop   

Features

• Live

Reviews (10)

Classic Seldom Scene
One of their best.Traditional bluegrass with modern influences at its finest. Grateful Dead fans will absolutely love the version of Rider.This is from the original lineup of the 'Scene, with John Starling on vocals and guitar and Tom Gray on Bass.

Good 'grass with a little acid
If you can accept urbanized bluegrass this is the ultimate CD.It's a long way from here to Ralph Stanley but the Seldom Scene impress with the quality of their music.This is a live album, but exceptionally well-recorded (especially since it was made about 1975).Every jack-hammer note of the banjo and painfully high pic of the mandolin comes through sharp, crisp, and clean.Although some may disagree, I enjoy the inane banter of the band and their weak attempts at humor.The SS even poke a little fun at the dead-serious bluegrass traditionalists. Best of the Best
I own every Seldom Scene album that is in current release.I love all of them, but this one without any doubt is my favorite.I particularly enjoy the original lineup with John Duffey and John Starling providing most of the lead vocals.The live club recording is a refreshing departure from the standard studio recording.The vocal and instrumental range on this album is awesome.If you are interested in either Bluegrass or the Seldom Scene, buy this album.You won't be disappointed. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bluegrass    2. Country    3. Pop    4. Progressive Bluegrass   

Editorial Review

Opening with a chant summoning the faithful to worship their idol, Sam Bush's fourth solo recording documents the joy, musicianship, and weirdness that is the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. Held every June in the mountains of Colorado, Telluride has become the premier hippie-grass event, and you can chalk up its success in large part to Bush and his old New Grass Revival cohorts. If these 1990s concert recordings are not the best music Bush has made, they're among the most fun. The set moves from a zippy "Girl of the North Country" to blistering jams such as "Big Mon"--featuring the mind-boggling banjo of Béla Fleck--and the seven-minute, electric noodle-off "Speak of the Devil." He also duets with John Cowan on a gorgeous version of Van Morrison's "Hungry for Your Love" and a joyous cover of Little Feat's "Sailin' Shoes." Along the way, Bush offers electric guitar licks in addition to his usual fiddle and mandolin breaks, all fascinating as fractals, as well as some underrated lead singing. Beside comrades-in-jam such as Cowan, Jon Randall Stewart, Jerry Douglas, and Larry Atamanuik, Bush couldn't be more in his element or more entertaining. Read more

Features

• Live

Reviews (17)

Excellent!
I have not listened to anything by Sam Bush before, but he is clearly a stellar mandolin and fiddle player.Not only does Sam play great, he is surrounded by numerous other great musicians. With Jerry Douglas, Bela Fleck, and numerous others, we have the best newgrass musicians jamming together.Another noticable thing about this disk is in addition to virtuoso playing, Sam Bush sings well.

STINGRAY!!!!!
Ever since Sam Bush founded the New Grass Revival, purists and pickers of nits the world over have complained, "That ain't bluegrass."Well, it ain't.Ask yourself this question:"Do I want to hear stringed instruments played loud, fast, and well by some of the best musicians the genre has produced?"?
Super Sammy
I love it. Read more

Subjects:  1. Bluegrass    2. Country    3. Pop    4. Progressive Bluegrass   

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. Read more

Features

• Live

Reviews (29)

A Bluegrass Classic
This truly is a seminal bluegrass album, and ranks well above the other two recordings by this band, which are available on David Grisman's Acoustic Disc label. But the fadeout on "Land of the Navajo", while Peter Rowan is still singing, is a flaw that is hard to forgive. A more complete performance by Rowan of this vocal tour de force can be found on "Telluride Bluegrass Festival: Reflections, Vol. 1".

Amazing album
This is one of the best Bluegrass albums of all time.
Great album, but the price is outrageous!
I grew up listening to this album (Vinyl LP) on my Dad's stereo at home, and now that I'm off at college I'm trying to collect some of the albums my Dad has on record but I don't have on CD. But how in the world is a college student going to afford to pay upwards of $50 for one album?? That is insane, it's musical extortion, can't people be a bit more reasonable? ... Read more

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

Editorial Review

These 1963 and 1964 performances from the Newport Folk Festival illustrate the wide range of influences absorbed by flatpicker Doc Watson.Traditional folk, old-time, Piedmont blues, bluegrass, and gospel are all part of his musical equation, as well as the music of Jimmie Rodgers and the Delmore Brothers. Vanguard's 26-song compilation displays Watson's fleet guitar work and his deep, mellow voice (reminiscent of Burl Ives, actually), plus his passion for the material at hand. His 1963 performance was the one that propelled him into prominence. He'd been playing many of these traditionals since childhood, giving the songs a feeling of well-earned authenticity. Read more

Features

• Live

Reviews (8)

Best version of Froggie Went a Courtin' I ever Heard
OK, Never heard of Doc Watson? Well, thanks to my Dad, I have.This is easily his best album.You should hear his version of Froggie Went a Courtin.It is the best.Other songs on this album include Shady Grove, Tom Dooley, Alberta, Groundhog, there's even a duet with his late son Merle who flipped a tractor over on himself.If you love bluegrass, you're sure to fall in love with this album.

This is the one...
The title says it all, really - If you own only one Doc Watson recording,this should be it.Doc's flatpicking (on "Black Mountain Rag, forinstance), his fingerpicking (on"Little Omie Wise", for instance)and his folk/gospel style vocals (on most of the tracks) demonstrate justwhy he's considered one of this era's finest musicians.Doc's range isremarkable, and on this CD you'll find him singing gospel a capella,playing guitar full steam ahead, harmonizing with his mother (really!),playing duets with his son Merle, and yodeling like, well, a guy who knowswhat he's doing.26 tracks here, over an hour of music, a must-have foranyone who enjoys traditional music, bluegrass, folk, acoustic.

One of the best blue grass albums
Getting this album was a trip back in time.My foot hasn't stopped tapping yet. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 60's Bluegrass    2. Appalachian Folk    3. Bluegrass    4. Country    5. Folk    6. Old-Timey    7. Pop    8. Traditional Bluegrass    9. Traditional Country    10. Traditional Folk   

Editorial Review

This Boulder, Colorado, quintet does many things well, but nothing great. This double-CD set, culled from 13 different performances, shows off their breadth as they move from electro-bluegrass to fusion to funk to prog-rock like kiddies in a toy store. While they certainly have the chops to pull it off, they wind up playing away from their strengths too often. Everything from bluegrass stomps like "Shenandoah Breakdown" and Jimmy Martin's "Hold What You've Got" to jazz staples made famous by Dave Brubeck, Weather Report, and Miles Davis, to the Meters' "Hey Pocky Way" is fair game. There's an infectious energy and a lively experimental spirit at work, and their stylistic range keeps things interesting to say the least--especially over the course of a long live set. But without a bit more focus and some more compelling originals, there are too many low points to suffer through, especially for those of us listening at home without benefit of the live vibe. Read more

Features

• Live

Reviews (26)

Good Live Stuff.
String Cheese has a thick, lush sound.True, this may not be the best live String Cheese release.But it's still a darn fine record and their sound really shows through--personal favorites of mine include the instrumental "Birdland", "Don't Say" (infinitely singalong-able), and "Mauna Bowa", a great instrumental which is probably my favorite track on the record.One of the few things I don't like about this record is the fact that it's a compilation of different shows rather than a single one, which makes the improvised transition jams seem somewhat disjointed.

A must-have for SCI fans
I've enjoyed the sounds of SCI for a couple of years now, and have found this cd to be one of my favorites. Like most jam bands, SCI works best on a live basis and their energy and excitement is really felt through the tracks of this cd. I love how both bluegrass and funk intertwine within the different tracks--with this cd you get a taste of everything and a real feel for the band's true talent on the stage! Although a popular cover, SCI's version of the classic jazz theme "Take Five" is one of my favorite cuts off this album. It sounds different everytime you listen to it. "Jellyfish" and "Texas" are also always enjoyable, and I think the boys do a mean cover of the traditional "Shenandoah Breakdown." Kang is crazy on the mandolin! They also do total justice to Arthur Neville's, "Hey Pocky Way," with a wicked jam in there too. If you ever get the chance, see these guys in concert! They always promise an unforgetable show!

in the defense of Billy
unlike the above, I found the SCI release of Carnival 99 to be very fullfilling, enough so to go buy the rest of there titles.The release is best approached from a very simple stand point, the music is fun.Its not a prolific, standard shattering release, its just some songs that display the groups diverse ability and taste, both in covers, and there original works.You'll find a song that really sticks out, and over time find the rest of the album, to be very new and evolving.And while no recording will ever be able to capture the energy of there live shows, Carnival 99 will give you a taste of a very original, very independant sounding jam bands.Dont approach it as a critic, just listen to it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Jam Bands    2. Neo-Psychedelia    3. Pop    4. Popular Music    5. Progressive Bluegrass    6. Rock    7. Rock/Pop   

Features

• Live

Reviews (1)

A Classic
I love this CD set. It is every bit as good as their 15th anniversary set. These guys are a national treasure. My favourites are Satan's jewelled crown and Pictures from life's other side. Usually live recordings are a bit of a flop with me. These guys do great live recordings.I love John Starling in particular,but they are all great players and/or singers. Fantastic music. This is a labour of love. These guys would sing and play for their supper ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bluegrass    2. Country    3. Pop    4. Progressive Bluegrass   

Editorial Review

Béla Fleck's music is a three-ring circus of stylistic outreach, rooted in folk musics from around the globe, yet tethered to an American improviser's sensibility. Here, the composer and banjo virtuoso is captured in full flight at a concert venue with his core band of collaborators, the Flecktones, featuring multi-reedman Jeff Coffin and the charismatic Wooten Brothers, bassist Victor and percussionist Roy (better known as Futureman). The emotional and technical range the Flecktones routinely explore is showcased in a series of adventurous solo spots: Futureman's sampled percussion and evocations of African vocal traditions on "Ovombo Summit"; Victor's rapid-fire percussive techniques and masterful use of harmonics in a moving improv based on "Amazing Grace"; and Béla's crystalline adaptation of the prelude from Bach's Violin Partita No. 3. Better yet, Fleck augments his presentation with a Justice League of America-styled cabal of master musicians, who, like himself, push the envelope on instruments all too infrequently represented in jazz. Thus, we experience Andy Narell's lithe, sparkling steel drum harmonies on the Americana-inflected pathways of Béla's "Big Country" and on his gorgeous solo turn, "Interlude"; Paul McCandless's airborne, lyric oboe on the reggae changes of "Lover's Leap"; the funky facility of Paul Hanson on "Scratch and Sniff" (as he transforms his bassoon with wah-wah effects until it suggests a synthesizer); and the uncanny emotional impact of Tuvan throat singer Kongar-ol Ondar, who trumps any synth player you've ever heard through his use of multiphonics in the Mongolian vocal tradition. Read more

Features

• Live

Reviews (16)

Everything they do is phenomenal!!
The Flecktones are unique. There is no other way to describe them. Just look through all the reviews of their albums. Live Art. Live at the Quick. Left of Cool. UFO TOFU. Outbound. Little Worlds. Just look at any of these albums and reviews and you'll realize they're always 5 stars. There is a reason. These guys are not only technically fantastic. They are original, inventive, beautiful, fascinating...and you'll find yourself humming the tunes over and over again and playing them constantly in your car. Big Country, Blu-Bop, Sherpa, Puffy...all of us Flecktone-heads can tell you all the tunes but this isn't slickly produced fluff for the mass market. It's difficult,complicated, engaging, interesting stuff. It attracts followers who stick like glue. I've gone to a couple of concerts since discovering him and they are just like the albums. Incredible. Fun. Worth every penny. His music is sort of like classical music for the jazz set. Fleck can improvise and make music with the best of them and attracts Chick Corea, Branford, Hornsby, Derek Trucks, Edgar Meyer, Even Josh Bell and John Williams (the guitarist, not the conductor although he probably has a gig with the Boston Pops in his future if he wants it. He goes way out with Indian, African, Chinese, it must be a hoot to tour with them because they are always trying new stuff and making music from the most unlikely sources.
Improvisation at its Best
`Live at the Quick' is a snapshot taken of a band with all pistons firing.While most people wouldn't necessarily think of a banjo as an explosive instrument, Bela Fleck makes it so.Of course, he can also make it sound so delicate that you think it might just collapse in his hands.The same can be said for the virtuoso bass playing of Victor Wooten, quite possibly the most gifted musician I have ever heard play live (Fleck is another contender).This is a terrific addition to any music collection, particularly if you are interested in improvisation and modern variations on traditional music.

Amazing Talented Musicians Here People
You absolutely must get this CD.It is incredible, the musicians are so talented and the music flows greatly with a very weird sound that is cool if you are into Bela, check it out fans, 5 STARS! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fusion    2. Jazz    3. Pop    4. Popular Music    5. Progressive Bluegrass   

Features

• Live

Reviews (3)

Two stellar bluegrass albums on one CD.
This CD is a re-release of two extraordinary LP albums by Earl Scruggs, and the Earl Scruggs Revue.The "Live At Kansas" is an excellent presentation of their live shows, it includes the side comments, the excitement, and the fun of their live concerts.In the bluegrass genre of music these two albums are considered "Classic".

Earl Scruggs Dueling Banjos
This CD is outstanding!!! I use to thing that bluegrass had to be strictly old fasioned and no electronics but this CD is one of my favorite by Earl Scruggs an friends!

banjo magic
The master of the 5 string banjo is represented here on 2 albums which chronicle a period of transition for Earl Scruggs. The Dueling Banjos album consists of studio recordings done with his band "The Earl Scruggs revue" Blending the old standards with some new exciting songs (all instrumental) it's a great example of good solid muscianship and taste- hallmarks of Scruggs work on the banjo. It also showcases his son Randy on guitar. The Kansas state album captures a live show with all the energy intact. A good mix of brilliant banjo work, gospel, southern rock; You can feel the place rock with excitement over this band. Highly recomended!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bluegrass    2. Country    3. Leader    4. Pop    5. Traditional Bluegrass