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When one takes the time to contemplate bluegrass music and exactly
where the genre sits at this point in time one would be loathe
omitting the name Doyle Lawson from their list of modern
tastemakers. For nigh on 30 years, Lawson and his fabulous band
Quicksilver have been cranking out some of America's finest
bluegrass music, never falling into trends, but staying true to
the origins of the genre, keeping their sound pure and right.
On their latest release More Behind The Picture Than The Wall,
Lawson and Co. have once more turned out some amazing tracks steeped
in tradition with that special Doyle Lawson sound.
The album kicks off with a high-stepping reel called "Sadie's
Got Her New Dress On" that incorporates all the classic hootenanny
components; quick, clawhammer banjo accompanied by tight mandolin
and guitar strumming, with some fine fiddle flourishes. The slow
balladry of "The Phone Call" tells the compelling story
of a man and his troubled relationship with his father, a tear-bringing
track that fills the heart with sadness and a strange joy of life.
"The Selfishness In Man" calls up the gospel-steeped
high lonesome sound of old, featuring some of the finest vocal
harmonies you'll find recorded. The spirit of real classic country
is alive in "There's More Behind This Picture Than The Wall",
as it weaves its tale of love gone wrong and a family's struggles
amid the down-tempo strumming. The band cuts loose on "Mississippi
River Let Your Water Flow", getting back into the quick-tempo
shakedown before hitting on some other great ballads through the
remainder of the record, and a great instrumental track, "Tulsa
Turn-A-Round", a tune with a mighty good Flatts &
Scruggs feel.
Modern bluegrass music has a few groups still keeping to the
traditional sounds and, right along with folks like Ricky Skaggs
And Kentucky Thunder, Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver are among
the finest. It is truly a joy that music of this quality is still
being made and that there is a renaissance in the genre. These
modern traditionalists are providing the logical jumping off point
for new listeners, as well as providing excellent music for those
of us who have long been acquainted with bluegrass. God bless
'em all.
-Embo Blake
Track Listing:
1. Sadie's Got Her New Dress On
2. The Phone Call
3. The Selfishness In Man
4. Mississippi River Let Your Water Flow
5. More Behind The Picture Than The Wall
6. Tulsa Turn-A-Round
7. Whatever Happened To Us
8. Just Loving You
9. When The Blues Are Movin' In
10. Ocean Of Teardrops
11. Can You Hear Me Now
12. Can You Hear Me Now (Retro 1938)
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Doyle
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