Editorial Review

On their debut CD, three young Canadian songbirds (Frazey Ford, SamanthaParton, and Trish Klein) join the neo-trad movement that has given us suchnotable voices asIris DeMent andGillian Welch. But whereWelch finds inspiration in the dark hollows and tragic tales of Appalachianmusic, the Be Good Tanyas seek out sweetness and light, reveling in theinterplay of their beautifully trilling voices. Read more

Reviews (46)

Refreshing and new.
I love them.They are fabulous!They have their own unique kind of down-to-earth sound that is like a blend of two or three different music styles.They are a new generation of folk music, with their acoustic guitar and poetic lyrics.But, the background sound of Mandolin and Violin give them a Bluegrass touch.There is also a little twist of 90's style Alternative there. Lyrics are full of feeling, both happy (The Littlest Birds) and sad (Rain and Snow) but there is not a song on the album that is too blue or too peppy.
Blue Horse - The Be Good Tanyas
This record is just fantastic. So nice, so different. I bought 10 cd's for family and friends.. One of these very few special records, which I will still be playing in 20 and 30 years from now!

The Be Good Tanyas Are Amazing
Late last night I was driving between New York City and my home in East Hampton.I was listening to a new cd (well, new for me, the album is from 2000) by a group of female singers called The Be Good Tanyas.They are absolutely amazing.They play music that is kind of folky, bluegrassy--though mutedly so--and traditional, though none of those labels really describe what they do.
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Subjects:  1. Bluegrass    2. Country    3. Folk    4. Folk & Traditional    5. Neo-Traditional Folk    6. Pop    7. Popular Music   

Editorial Review

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. Read more

Reviews (4)

Great Instrumentals
As one who thought Ricky Skaggs's "Brand New Strings" was a bit too mellow and lacked the usual bluegrass drive, I was pleased to hear the hard edge was back in this instrumental album. Although the instrumentation and feel is definitely bluegrass, it has a nice variety of tunes (major keys, minor keys, Appalachian, Celtic). A few of the tunes include non-bluegrass instruments, such as an accordian and/or a clarinet. In my opinion, it worked well, but I can see where a purist might find it disconcerting.
pretty good overall
Finally, an all instrumental album from one of the hottest bands in bluegrass! After seeing them recently in concert I couldn't wait to get my hands on this recording. It did not disappoint, for the most part. The picking is phenomenal all across the board, with taste and musicality taking presidence over pure hot licks. However, some of the tunes really just don't do it for me. They feel kinda dry. That being said there sure are some golden moments. Jeff Taylor has some great accordion solos that surpass his work on the Charleson live cd. The star of this recording, in my opinion, is Cody Kilby. I've never heard such a full, driving, clean sound like that. There is something about the way this guy plays that just makes the group sound fuller and drive more when he solos. Its an instant change. Favorite cuts: "Crossville" "Goin to the Ceili" " "Wayward to Hayward" and "Polk City".

Different . . . but good
I have been a fan of Ricky Skaggs for well over 20 years, and I believe I have heard just about every song he has recorded during that time. Personally, I really enjoy high-energy, fast driving pickin' and my favorite albumns are the ones Ricky released when he first returned to bluegrass. I have liked his past couple of releases, but they have definitely been a little different from his "suped up" more traditionally sounding cuts. "Instrumentals" seemd to find its place somewhere in between. There is a mixture of stellar musicianship and creatively written, celticly influenced melodies that are very catching. You're not going to find a band with more raw musical talent, unless you hand pick from a group of all-stars, and even then some of them would come from Kentucky Thunder, so an album featuring nothing but instrumentals could never fail coming from these guys. Andy Leftwich shines as usual, and I personally think this is Cody Kilby's best recording since joining Ricky's band. Jim Mills shows why he is unparalleled on the 5-string, and Ricky, of course, shows why he has been a mainstay in bluegrass music and on the mandolin for over 30 years. This one is a little different, but I'm not disappointed. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bluegrass    2. Country    3. Neo-Traditionalist Country    4. Pop    5. Progressive Bluegrass    6. United States of America   

Reviews (25)

High lonesome . . .
A lot of water has passed under the bridge since this fine anthology of Vince Gill's earliest songs was first released, but it's a classic and sounds as good - even better - today as it did in 1995. Many excellent comments about this album have been made here already, and I'm seconding them with a nod to my favorites on the album:
Classic collection of Vince Gill

Outstanding Collection
An outstanding album.This has to be one of the finer collection of any artist, and the quality of sound is incredible and crystal clear.If I have one criticism of Vince Gill, it is the fact that he has never abandoned his pop oriented roots (Pure Prarie League);but, all it takes is one listen of his guitar picking, and all is forgiven.Vince is at his best when he adopts the lonesome sound of Bluegrass to his voice;he is very good at it and although he has numerous mainstream Country hits, he will be best remembered for his bluegrass influenced vocals.The best offerings here are "Take Your Memory With You", "Pocket Full of Gold", and "When I Call Your Name (with Patty Loveless)".Also included are the more rowdy songs "Liza Jane" and the nearly identical "Dont Let Our Love Stop Slippin'". I'm not sure if I agree with the inclusion of Vince's cover of the Eagles' "I Cant Tell You Why", or the two duets with Dolly Parton and Reba.But, they are part of Vince's library of songs and if you enjoy the "pop" sound, you'll appreciate their inclusion here.All in all, a very good album that showcases a fine voice and musical talents of Country Music's "Nice Guy". ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Contemporary Country    2. Country    3. Country & Western    4. New Traditionalist    5. Pop    6. Progressive Bluegrass   

Reviews (21)

An impressive major-label debut
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.
Such a Great Family Band
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!
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. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bluegrass    2. Contemporary Bluegrass    3. Contemporary Country    4. Country    5. New Traditionalist    6. Pop    7. Progressive Bluegrass    8. Traditional Country   

Features

Subjects:  1. Contemporary Folk    2. Jug Band    3. Neo-Traditional Folk    4. Pop    5. Rock    6. Rock/Pop    7. String Bands    8. Traditional Bluegrass   

Editorial Review

Director Anthony Minghella's take on Charles Frazier's bestselling novel is powered by wistful romanticism and a dramatic structure that's been compared to Homer's Read more

Features

• Soundtrack

Reviews (77)

Other stuff to check out
I am a big fan of roots music. This album is a fantastic treat 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:
Beautiful, Haunting...Historically Accurate...?
I loved the movie, I loved the soundtrack. I had several songs on repeat. Then I read the book and found that Charles Frazier had set the town of Cold Mountain right where I was born. One of my favorite songs on the soundtrack was "I'm Going Home". I've tried to research it, to find out who wrote it originally, but I've come up with nothing. If anyone could help me out here, I'd greatly appreciate it.

The Music Made the Movie!
This music made the movie.I rarely buy soundtracks, but this one was worth every penny.I don't know any better words to describe how beautiful, haunting, entertaining, and touching this soundtrack is.If you enjoyed the movie, you'll love this CD. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Film Music    2. Neo-Traditional Folk    3. Original Score    4. Pop    5. Soundtrack    6. Soundtracks    7. Soundtracks & Film Scores   

Editorial Review

As one of the founding fathers of the bluegrass/jazz hybrid dominating the new acoustic scene, Sam Bush has always kept a close eye on songcraft and tradition, even as he looks toward expanding the expressive and commercial potential of traditional styles. If his previous album, Read more

Reviews (7)

Acoustic Rock 'n' Roll, Reggae, Bluegrass Band: Sam Bush
"If Bill Monroe is the father of the bluegrass mandolin, then Sam Bush is his wickedly demented stepson, eager to take the instrument to places it has never been before. For the past three decades, the perpetually youthful-looking Bush has played fiddle and mandolin in blues bands, country bands, jazz bands, and bands that play a mixture of all kinds of styles."
Sammy
Worth waiting for. Mr Bush is at the top of his game. Great guests.

This may be the best Sam Bush CD ever (so far)
"Laps in Seven" may be the best Sam Bush CD so far, and that's saying something considering some of Sam's other excellent projects. I understand some are more interested in hearing instrumentals only, which were more prominent on previous records, but I love Sam's song selections, and yes, his vocals and band's harmonies. The songs also give him plenty of opportunity to shine on his instruments of choice (mandolin, fiddle, and even guitar).
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Subjects:  1. Bluegrass    2. Contemporary Bluegrass    3. Country    4. Country-Folk    5. Pop    6. Progressive Bluegrass    7. United States of America   

Editorial Review

Celtic fiddles, Irish reels, old-time banjo, gospel vocals, and Latin percussion forge a common spirit within the uncommonly vibrant fusion of the Duhks (pronounced "ducks"). The young band from Winnipeg casts a wide net over traditional influences, breathing fresh life into the age-old balladry of "The Wagoner's Lad," generating a dynamic tension between the soulful depth of Jessica Havey's vocals and Tania Elizabeth's fiddle on a pair of spiritual standards ("Death Came a-Knockin'" and "True Religion"), and keeping the dance floor jumping with their sprightly instrumental medleys. Though the Canadian quintet doesn't feature much original material, they extend their interpretive reach to contemporary songs as well, with the desperate edge of Ruth Ungar's "Four Blue Walls" providing a bracing change of mood, while the bittersweet rendition of Paul Brady's "You and I" (with the songwriter on harmony vocals) carries the musical interplay beyond the traditional realm. (Their attempt at fellow Canadian Leonard Cohen's "Everybody Knows" represents a rare misstep, lacking both the droll humor and the dark fatalism of the original.) Banjo iconoclast Béla Fleck coproduced the album, championing the Duhks as fellow trailblazers who use traditional elements to create a sound all their own. Read more

Features

• Enhanced

Reviews (19)

Interesting band, great CD
A good example of one of those bands that defy easy categorization.If you like celtic and bluegrass, and maybe a little bit of gospel, blues, country, folk, and pop, this band is worth a listen.

I've Been Duhkified
This CD is very fun!It's a "different bluegrass".The lead female vocalist kicks butt.She's inspired me and I admit to having already worked up versions of two of the songs on this CD for a bluegrass group that I play and sing in.The members of this group are still "growing" and there is not alot of musical complexity to their material.However, the delivery and creativity and emotion far outweigh the technical aspects of the music.I'm truly excited about hearing their next CD!

Talented group but nothing special
Im not a big fan of the Duhks or the HOT Nickelcreek sound for that matter. Stick with the classics and if your itchnig for somehting new check out anything with David Grisman!I would consider myself an open minded listener and have seen the Duhks two times and they are very talented but they didnt knock my socks off or anythng! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Progressive Bluegrass    3. Rock    4. Rock/Pop   

Editorial Review

After her 1999 gold release, Read more

Reviews (139)

Stunning
My first recollection of AKUS (their live album, on prominent rotation in BJ's Wholesale Club) had me thinking - "whoah, this is much better than the Dixie Chicks!".
breath taking
Although it seems easy enough to label Alison Krauss and Union Station as a "country" band, that really doesn't do the group justice.Some of their songs are bluegrass, which many unaccustomed listeners equate with country; some are pure country, which is more in line with what you would hear on the radio; and some are just great music.The range of this group is phenomenal.
AKUS hits their stride
This has to be the best recording that AKUS has done to date. Lyrics, music, bluegrass, country, rock.... it doesn't matter.. this is a CD from the heart...This is the type of music that touches one's heart and soul, and makes one's self better for the touch. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bluegrass    2. Contemporary Bluegrass    3. Contemporary Country    4. Country    5. New Acoustic    6. Pop    7. Progressive Bluegrass   

Editorial Review

Whereas Nickel Creek'sdebut album established theyoung California trio at the progressive vanguard of traditional bluegrass, thisambitious, risky follow-up finds their acoustic artistry straying far afield.Mandolin player ChrisThile and the Watkins siblings--guitarist Sean and fiddler Sara--continue toimpress with their intuitive instrumental interplay and lush vocal harmonies.Sean Watkins's title cutachieves the sprightliest blend of traditional bluegrass instrumentation andcontemporary pop craft, while the ruminative melancholy of "Hanging by a Thread"and "Green and Gray" sound as though Thile has been listening to a lot ofElliott Smith (andreading the published poetry of Jewel). The album also featuresPavement's "Spit on aStranger," CarrieNewcomer's "Should've Known Better," and a traditional British ballad,"House Carpenter." However, much of the collection's original material lacks thematurity to match the trio's musical gifts, as songs incorporating influencesranging from neo-psychedelia to alt pop often suffer from self-consciousness.Kindred-spirit producerAlison Krauss plainlygave the project a long leash, and the results can be viewed as either sophomoreslump or creative growth spurt--or perhaps both. Read more

Reviews (193)

Nickel Creek
Since Chris Thile is a member of this band, I got two of their CDs. NICKEL CREEK and THIS SIDE. Music reviews can be so subjective, can't they? They're technically quite accomplished musicians, but somehow they bore me. I can't explain it. They just don't touch me in what the locals would call my deep heart. Same problem I have with Brahms. Sorry, mate.
Pretentious Newgrass Experimentation
Someone told me this was a great bluegrass band and I should run out and buy this CD. I have never regretted a CD purchase more. If there were standards for defining bluegrass, this would defy them--and I don't mean that as a compliment. The main vocals are utterly devoid of talent, much less vibrato--sounds like whoever sang the "Friends" theme song. It's all very plucky, full of pointless stops and starts.
Disappointed
I did not enjoy this album much. I like bluegrass and have heard alot of Nickel Creeks bluegrass that is great. I saw them on Tv during the holidays singing Bring a torch Jeannette Isabella that was super great. I wish they would record that! Anyway, this one is different and not my cup of tea. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bluegrass    2. Country    3. Pop   

Editorial Review

This acoustic supergroup joined forces in the summer of 1988,and the result was a true landmark in "new acoustic" music. As ifbluegrass (and even "newgrass") was too constricting, the quintet--SamBush (mandolin), Jerry Douglas (dobro), Bela Fleck (banjo), MarkO'Connor (violin), and Edgar Meyer (bass)--incorporates classical-stylethemes and arrangements within the context of bluegrassinstrumentation. Their unbelievable technique and musical ability wasnever in question; however, what makes the album special is the uncannyblend of precision and freedom, of improvisation and structure. Each ofthe 10 compositions were written by a different twosome (do the mathpermutations). Playful bluesy lopes ("Pink Flamingo") accompany tingesof reggae ("The Locks of Dread"), Celtic ("Macedonia"), and MiddleEastern ("Blue Men of the Sahara") music. There are urgent burners,somber mood pieces, and tender ballads, all delivered with grace. Read more

Reviews (46)

As fresh as ever
I just bought it; 17 years after its release. Not that that should matter as I have purchased jazz recordings from the fifties. This CD is my first introduction to bluegrass or newgrass or whatever grass. I agree with some of the reviewers that this music is beyond classification. I don't think it gets any better than this. I love the melodies, the harmonies, musicianship and the quality of the recording. I listen to it at home and in the car. There are some world influences in couple of numbers. By the way, "Macedonia" has a Balkan tint to it, not celtic. Inspired by this CD I started tracking the recording of individual artists involved as the group represented a "summit" of sorts. Next thing I will be moving to the Appalachian Mountains.

Acoustic fire!
It all started when my friend Ashley used "Macedonia" (track six) to demonstrate the quality of his JBL iPod speaker ring.Never having listened to bluegrass before, I asked what kind of music it was and he said it is beyond classification. So I listened to "Slopes" and got the kind of euphoric rush you get when you're having a sports-related high or the ecstatic sensation of moving at great speed.
a number of strengths
A wonderful batch of musicians, but some of the music is a bit on the poindexter side. Unless you're a musician (in some cases)... this may be over your head. Wonderful study music if you are a player. Outstanding listening, beautiful themes, and amazing virtuosity. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bluegrass    2. Country    3. Country & Western    4. New Acoustic    5. Pop    6. Progressive Bluegrass    7. Traditional Bluegrass   

Editorial Review

The Grascals' acclaimed 2005 debut demonstrated their strength was modern, streamlined bluegrass with ample nods to tradition. Brimming with instrumental virtuosity, this near-perfect effort reiterates those strengths. By seamlessly blending the new with the traditional, they allow the hilarious contemporary number "Being Me" (featuring a Dierks Bentley cameo) to coexist with "Don't Tell Mama," a moralistic, anti-DUI ballad complete with a somber George Jones recitation. Their takes on Merle Haggard's "You Don't Have Very Far to Go" (enhanced by 1960s pedal steel great Lloyd Green), the Osborne Brothers' "Hard Times" and "Roll Muddy River," and Bill Monroe's 1940s favorite "Will You Be Lovin' Another Man" are spirited without being imitative. The bluegrass explosion, which brought unprecedented exposure to icons like Ralph Stanley and stardom to Allison Krauss, unfortunately opened the doors for a slew of lesser acts who either wallow in arty pretense or put a campy spin on classic bluegrass. The Grascals here affirm one truth: the best, old or new, will always trump the trendy. Read more

Reviews (2)

Getting better
These boys do a right fine job and are definitely worth following. It's apparent that they are shooting for a distinctive style, something above the usual and overdone fare of most Bluegrassers today.
Second "cup" good as the first!
Whether in concert or the studio the Grascals have set the bar high for contemporary bluegrass bands!The music is real bluegrass not so diluted with other influences as to be "no-grass"The guest stars,George Jones, add to the music rather than just add a name to the cd for selling power.
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Subjects:  1. Bluegrass    2. Contemporary Bluegrass    3. Country    4. Pop    5. Progressive Bluegrass   

Editorial Review

Many bluegrass musicians have incorporated contemporary elements into their work,Jim & Jesse, the Osborne Brothers, and Mac Wiseman among them., but Krauss's contemporary bluegrass contains particularly heavy doses of pop, folk, and modern country. Whatever style she chooses, her flawless voice and her crack Union Station cohorts usually maintain a high standard. The instrumental "Little Liza Jane" and the traditional "I'll Remember You, Love, In My Prayers" prove their instrumental chops, and songs like "No Place to Hide," with an impressive fiddle turn from Krauss herself, effectively mold modern elements into the bluegrass idiom. However, others such as "It Doesn't Matter" and "Deeper Than Crying" have very little to do with bluegrass at all. A mostly solid contemporary-bluegrass album, except when the contemporary drowns out the bluegrass. Read more

Reviews (50)

Sorrow and the mandolin
Before Jerry Douglas and the Dobro, there Adam Steffey was and his mandolin.I don't know why the band changed the lineup in this way, but it changed the style.With the mandolin, I noticed a lot more traditional sounding tunes, like Little Liza Jane and The Road is a Lover.With the mandolin, the album seems to have a bit more of the banjo.
Set your CD player for Auto Repeat, its finger pickin good.
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.

Alison stays true to Her Artistic Vision
Ever since Elvis began his famed recording career with a Rockabilly cover of Bluegrass Bossman Bill Monroe's signature "Blue Moon of Kentucky" Bluegrass has been regarded by *some* as the poor barefoot hayseed step-child of Country Music.Acoustic Guitars and Banjos and Fiddles were overwhelmed and swallowed up by Electric Guitars and Peddle Steel Guitars.A successful Bluegrass album sold maybe 30,000.The "dirty little secret" in Nashville was that the Bluegrass musicians were the ones who could really PLAY, so talented bluegrassers who wanted to make a decent living became Nashville studio musicians.Bluegrass fans, who are often as fanatical about the music as a religious zealot is about their religion, considered such musicians to have "sold out", and so it was that artists like Ricky Skaggs, Bill Keith, Marty Stuart and Vince Gill were considered.Once big fish in the small Bluegrass pond, they were thought by Bluegrass Purists to have compromised their artistic integrity to become Country successes. (Was it ironic that Ricky Skagg's first Country Hit was a "countrified" version of Lester Flatt's "Don't Get Above Your Raisin'?")Read more

Subjects:  1. Bluegrass    2. Contemporary Bluegrass    3. Contemporary Country    4. Country    5. Country & Western    6. Pop    7. Progressive Bluegrass    8. Traditional Bluegrass   

Editorial Review

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Features

• Original recording reissued

Reviews (17)

Nothing Special
Well, I hate to be the spoiler, but the music on this CD is just OK.Mr. Van Zandt's voice wasn't that good. Neither the songs nor the performances are exceptional...I have been listening to this CD, but don't think I will return to it, given other choices.These songs strike me as not much more than middle-of-the-road country tunes, following predictable patterns,and they don't keep my attention.I expected to hear something original or "different" but unfortunately this does not seem to be the case.If you enjoy standard country-type folk with predictable chord changes, this may be for you.It's not for me.

Heartfelt...
Townes Van Zant was a great folk and folk country singer. This album has to be by far his best. Iv'e never heard an album more heartfelt than Rear View Mirror. His vocals, his guitar, and a fiddle, combine to be a great relaxing soothing combination. This album as some upbeat tunes that i guess you could say sounds like bluegrass and/or country. This of course being a live album you can still feel the emotion through him. I cant say anymore except everyone should own this album..except George Bush. I great buy..R.I.P. Townes Van Zant.

For the sake of the song!
I rarely write reviews of music but feel that I must share my impressions of this CD.I have long heard some of my favorite singers praise the songwriting prowess of Townes but somehow never got around to buying one of his records.I finally picked this one up because it had two songs that were covered by two of my favorite singers--Lyle Lovett-"Lungs" (among others) and Steve Earle-"Tecumseh Valley".I was blown away by the sheer beauty and poetry of every song on this recording.Other reviewers seem to be comparing this to other Townes' records.I come from a different angle.As someone who has long heard Townes sopken of with the highest praise, I can say this disk does not disappoint and will influence me to fill out my collection of his recordings.I will also say that I am deeply frustrated that I never took advantage of the chance to see Townes perform while he was alive. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Folk    2. Folk & Traditional    3. Pop    4. Progressive Country    5. Singer/Songwriter   

Editorial Review

With a generous selection of 20 songs spanning almost 70 minutes, this live album celebrates the energy and range of Rhonda Vincent's brand of progressive bluegrass. It also suggest the parallels and differences between Vincent's career and that of her friend Alison Krauss. Both Midwesterners were preteen musical prodigies, both have used bluegrass as a base to explore a variety of musical styles, both owe a vocal debt to Dolly Parton (whose "Jolene" receives an uptempo transformation here), and both lead virtuosic string bands capable of playing just about anything. The difference is that Krauss has continued to extend beyond her bluegrass base--and expand her audience in the process--while multi-instrumentalist Vincent has made a prodigal return to a rootsier brand of bluegrass, after some attempts at crossover country. This concert covers a lot of musical ground, from standards such as "Drivin' Nails in My Coffin" and "Muleskinner Blues" and bittersweet ballads like "Missouri Moon" and "You Can't Take It with You When You Go" to the spiritual strains of "So Happy I'll Be" and "Homecoming" and instrumentals that spotlight the dexterity of her band, the Rage. The crowd loves it all. Read more

Features

• Live

Reviews (16)

A Must Own
From the skillful picking to the outstanding vocals, this album is a must own for any music fan. Whether you listen to bluegrass or not, you will love this record. From ancient classics like "Driving Nails in My Coffin" to new classics like Josh Williams' "Cheating Kind of Life", this album is flawless.

Now THAT is how we do it!!
I'll keep it short and sweet. This CD ROCKS. I've yet to tire of it.

One of the Best I have ever heard.
Rhonda Vincent and the Rage are one of the most dynamic groups you can ever see.This album is one of my favorite bluegrass CD's.Do yourself a favor and BUY IT!You will be very impressed. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bluegrass    2. Contemporary Bluegrass    3. Country    4. Pop    5. Progressive Bluegrass   

Editorial Review

When you possess a great pop voice, it's inevitable that you'll someday make a pop album, and Alison Krauss has finally made hers. Instead of bidding for radio airplay with the extravagant, extroverted pop of Shania Twain, Trisha Yearwood, or Celine Dion, Krauss has crafted an intimate, understated chamber-pop album reminiscent of Joni Mitchell's Read more

Reviews (198)

Simply Heartbreakingly Gorgeous
I adore Alison Krauss's voice.Her music is exquisite and this album is no exception.All the tracks are great, although, unlike many of the reviewers, I'm not a big fan of Forget About It.My favorite is It Wouldn't Have Made Any Difference.I go around singing this tune (it pops into my head without even listening to the CD) all the time.The songs on this album are so heartrending.Maybe, Ghost in this House, and Stay are excellent also.Maybe has the best harmonies, but It Wouldn't Have Made Any Difference has the best words.Overall the album is excellent.Great for a sleepy Saturday afternoon.Buy it, you won't be sorry.

DON'T forget about it!
Alison Krauss exhibits her laid back country and folk side along with her enchanting and airy pop vocals in "Forget About It".My favorite is the first track, "Stay", however most songs on the album are strong.This CD can be played in the background and keep you calm, or used for dance material with that special someone, or listened to intricately for its beauty.Alison's unique sound is what makes this album - someone like LeAnn Rimes or Natalie Maines could handle the material, but it just would not be the same.

Even a non-country guy likes it!
I'm not a big country music fan and not that knowledgeable about Bluegrass.But, this is an excellent album which manages to straddle both the country/bluegrass and pop genres very successfully.Ms. Krauss has a beautiful voice and the musical chops to match. The album is a bit on the melancholy side, but not overly so.It is melodic, peaceful and well produced.The music is more mature and peaceful than that of many other country cross-overs into the pop realm.Ms. Krauss is obviously comfortable with her voice and phrasing and never strays too far from her roots. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bluegrass    2. Contemporary Bluegrass    3. Contemporary Country    4. Country    5. Country & Western    6. Neo-Traditionalist Country    7. Pop    8. Progressive Bluegrass    9. Traditional Bluegrass   

Editorial Review

As further proof that the virtuosity of Jerry Douglas knows no categorical bounds, the biggest surprise on his predominantly instrumental