Ricky Skaggs - Ancient Tones

Many of us couldn't wait to bash Skaggs upon his 1997 return to roots, Bluegrass Rules! Poor Ricky, sniffle, couldn't record his beloved bluegrass for a dozen years because of, sob, "contractual obligations." Of course, Bluegrass Rules! turned out to be an explosive record, and as usual, Skaggs had redeemed himself on the sheer basis of his talent. The 1999 follow-up, Ancient Tones, is a worthy sequel, as Skaggs and his stellar Kentucky Thunder band (with Stuart Duncan and Jerry Douglas helping out) continue to pray at the feet of the gods--Monroe and Stanley--in fresh and exciting ways. The arrangements are more ambitious and in general more subtle than on Bluegrass Rules! but are no less rewarding. Skaggs's own vocals scale new heights, especially on the chilling a cappella introduction to the eight-minute "Little Bessie," which then adds bodhran and harp as if to illustrate bluegrass' connection to its Celtic roots. Maybe we'll get to bash him yet, but certainly not this time around. --Marc Greilsamer Amazon.com essential recording

Awesome!

I am a big Ricky Scaggs fan. Like all his albums this one is another gem. August 15, 2006

This album is soul-full of life

My friend Kami chose this cd as a soundtrack for a drive through southern Ohio's back country. Every passenger was smiling and dancing to the fiddle and banjo. This cd is a tribute to the Irishmen who seetled in Appalachia. It took me back to the third grade when day after day I'd listen to Loretta Lynn's 'Coal Miner's Daughter.' By the end of the first song I was definitely wanting some fried potatoes and pinto beans. Ricky also sings a sweet song about the Savior, in addition to the others about mines and mountain girls. August 18, 2003

not great, but good

This is certainly a good offering from Little Ricky Skaggs, but far from a great one. First off, about half the tracks are skip-over semi-honky-tonk/country tunes, but it seems the more commercially successful bluegrass bands today throw these type of tracks all over there albums, so I'll just reduce it 1 point for that. Second, the album is over-produced, Jerry Douglas' dobro playing is just that - not much new going on there, and the Tony Rice clone he's got on guitar, while a hot-lick wiz, just doesn't fit in with the overall traditional sound of the music. Having said that, Skaggs vocals are right on, his mandolin playing is superb as always, his fiddler is dead on, and his banjo player, while not as aggresive as I may like, is certainly tasteful.

Best song on the album is Connemara, and it's got a great version of Boston Boy and Walls of Time on it, too.

I'd recommend if you want a Kentucky Thunder album, start with Bluegrass Rules (which is regretfully also full of honkey-tonk tunes), then if you like it, this one's almost as good. September 6, 2002

-*- precious and perfect -*-

Entire album is perfect. And. I couldn't wait to order several more for friends and family. "Little Bessie", its last track? I flat lost it. For any mama who has lost a child, this one'll do it. Thanks ever so, Mr. Skaggs. February 27, 2001

One of his best.

I have always been a devoted follower of Ricky Skaggs. I think he has one of the best and purest voices in the business. I really thought this was an oustanding CD. He puts so much heart and soul into his singing and playing. The harmonies in the songs on this CD were fantastic. I'm a bit of a "traditionalist" too when it comes to bluegrass music so I enjoyed the Ricky's renditions of the old songs on this CD. Agreed, Ricky's accapella voice will bring tears to your eyes on "Little Bessie". I think the entire CD is a masterpiece, and I usually do not like every cut on a CD but this was an exception. I just hope Ricky keeps producing gems like Ancient Tones. I have yet to buy Bluegrass Rules so I know I'm in for a treat. I do have his bluegrass gospel CD "Soldier of the Cross" which rarely ever leaves my CD player. August 1, 2000

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