Virginia cool meets Kentucky thunder in a collaboration between genre-bending pianist Bruce Hornsby and multi-instrumental virtuoso Ricky Skaggs that expands the terrain of bluegrass. Highlights include a meditative, minor-key transformation of Hornsby's "Mandolin Rain" (with Skaggs on the title instrument) and a downhome revival of "A Night on the Town," though newer originals such as "The Dreaded Spoon" seem slight in comparison. The traditional "Across the Rocky Mountain" and original instrumental "Stubb" shift the spotlight to Skaggs, though Hornsby's sophisticated chord progressions fit fine within the backing of Skaggs's Kentucky Thunder band. Guests include Jerry Douglas and Stuart Duncan, with John Anderson contributing vocals to a wild-card rendition of Rick James's "Super Freak," which provides the closing bluegrass hoedown. --Don McLeese Amazon.com
 |  | mandolin rain carries this CD |  |
Unfortunately, I found no other tunes from this duo worth a second listen. Personally, I found the CD disappointing. I guess artists would do well to stick to singing their own hits - once we get accustomed to listening to a successful song - we don't settle for remakes that don't hit the mark.
February 9, 2008After reading the other reviews here (and there aren't that many), I don't understand what the problems are. You have Bruce and Ricky, two talented musicians, so what's the problem? Hornsby's music has always embraced country and jazz, and Ricky is pure country and bluegrass. I hate country music with a passion, and only Bruce could get me to listen to bluegrass no less!
I liked the cd, I like all the songs, but I wouldn't say it's amazing work (no five stars). I'd like to see them pair up again and see what they come up with. I like the humor in songs like "The Dreaded Spoon", "Come On Out" and "Sheep Shell Corn". Elsewhere, I liked the longer numbers like "Across The Rocky Mountain" and "Crown Of Jewels".
So, this brings it down to Hornsby re-inventing "Mandolin Rain" and "A Night On The Town". "Mandolin Rain" is very interesting. Hornsby changed the key and the tone. I don't know if I like it as much as the original, but I don't mind this version. "A Night On The Town" is good, and I think it is a bit better than the original. In the original Hornsby's singing got lost in the mix, and now you can hear the lyrics more clearly and his voice is up front in the mix.
Lastly, how about a bluegrass version of Rick James's classic groupie sex funked up song "Super Freak". It's, to quote James, 'super freaky'. I don't know if I like it, but it is amusing. It made me wonder what else these two could pull out of their bag of tricks! Maybe a bluegrass version of "Enter Sandman" or "Smells Like Teen Spirit"?!
I think if you are a Hornsby fan you will like this. I can't speak for Skaggs fans since I don't listen to Skaggs music.
January 26, 2008I saw the CMT show before I bought the album. That was good in some ways and bad in others. Seeing the show I heard the story behind "The Dreaded Spoon" which makes listening to the song more understandable. It's the kind of song only Bruce Hornsby can write. Seeing the musicianship and joy of the musicians transforms itself when I listen to the CD. I wish some of the songs from the show were on the CD, but the more I listen to the CD the more I appreciate the songs that weren't on the show. Now Ricky and Bruce need to come out with a 2 CD live album. I've never heard a piano play with a Bluegrass band, but Bruce pulls it off as if it's the most natural thing in the world. Two great musicians, one great band equals one great TV show and one great album. Hopefully more will come. I highly recommend this album.
October 31, 2007| | | This cd just doesn't cut it | |
If you are really into Bluegrass you will probably like this cd as it does offer quality instramentals but Hornsby's voice just doesn't fit this musical genre imo. There are certainly better cds to own from Bruce (Big Swing Face isn't one of them) so hard core fans might like this cd...most others won't though.
October 12, 2007 | | Two Musical Geniuses Combine Talents | |
Bluegrass virtuoso Ricky Skaggs and musician extraordinaire Bruce Hornsby combine talents on this inspired CD that makes for many hours of happy listening. The tracks share the flavors of American Southern traditions, from bluegrass to story-based ballads like "Night on the Town," but otherwise represent an assortment of styles. It's wonderful to hear the combination of many American musical genres in this album, and equally exciting to hear two great musicians experiment and *play* with sound (yeah, that's why they call it *playing*). Highly recommended.
September 21, 2007More reviews at Amazon.com ...
(29 reviews)