Bluegrass is as much a part of summer as watermelon and hot dogs, and nothing sounds better played outdoors -- but these CDs are certainly a good second option. Alison Krauss was winning fiddle contests in her teens, and her first 'solo' album (backed by Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas and more) only hints at the amazing growth of her career. Alison's always had a knack for picking great songs and surrounding herself with sympathetic and talented compatriots. Even though her fiddle talents won the contests, it's her pure-as-a-mountain-stream voice, similar in many ways to Dolly Parton's, that completely blows people away. Alison's early albums are good, "Two Highways" from 1989 being a particular favorite with the first version of her band Union Station. The band was revamped for later albums including 1992's "Every Time You Say Goodbye", and again around 1995, which has been her current band since. "New Favorite" is probably half a great album (and it's a very very good half) but Alison's generosity in letting the band take the lead half the time doesn't pay off for me as much.
The best thing about Alison Krauss for me is her taste; she chooses great songs (many by current and former band members), and the band's arrangements are tasteful and outstanding. Songs like "Oh Atlanta" and "I Will" (the Beatles tune) aren't the least bit 'bluegrass' and they aren't shoehorned into what would be considered traditional bluegrass arrangements, but instead they're just great songs played with bluegrass instruments.
The second best thing about Alison is her loyalty -- she's stayed with tiny Rounder Records from Day One, when I'm sure any number of labels wanted to woo her away when she hit it big.
No comments:
Post a Comment