We received "Alan Jackson: The Bluegrass Album" from publisher EMI a couple of days ago and listened to it carefully. Both Irene and I thought it was fine bluegrass album, belieing much of the pre-publication bad-mouthing it had received online. When I read Bob's review, I realized he had said all I wanted to say better than I could, so I asked if I could run it as a guest blog.
Finally, here's a piece of completely unconfirmed speculation. This first-rate CD is being released on September 24, 2013, which coincides with the IBMA World of Bluegrass in Raleigh, to run from September 24 - 28, 2013. Is there any chance that Jackson will perform at the Wide Open Bluegrass Festival or participate at the World of Bluegrass? Speculation squashed: While this was fun to write, it appears that Jackson will be in Australia during WOB.
Country music's Alan Jackson ventured into the Bluegrass Music arena with his latest project, The Bluegrass Album. This is the first Country to Bluegrass artist to hit the mark and hit it dead center. Jackson is quite the bluegrass songwriter! His songs on the album are what makes this project so unique. Jackson literally nailed it with this release. This is bluegrass done right.
From the opening track, "Long Hard Road," the music, lyrics and sound are what today's bluegrass should sound like and, it does. "Appalachian Mountain Girl" is another Jackson original that confirms he can play solid bluegrass music. Jackson's originals have the heart and soul of bluegrass deep to the core. "Blue Ridge Mountain Song" is another fine example of the storyline ballad style accompanied by solid instrumentation.
By bringing a host of top bluegrass musicians into the mix, Jackson achieved a bluegrass sound. From Adam Steffey's mandolin to Rob Ickes Dobro and Sammy Shelor's banjo the combination rings true to a genre that often is intolerant of deviations. On The Bluegrass Album, the boundaries are definitely stretched but, in a way that even hard-core bluegrass fans will enjoy.
We've heard other attempts of Country stars attempting bluegrass albums so, naturally, I was going to be skeptical going in with this one. While I'm a long-time Alan Jackson fan and a bluegrass fan, I didn't place any bets. Jackson has produced probably the first real bluegrass album by a country music star. This album captures what the essence we call "bluegrass" is all about.
There are the traditionals of bluegrass such as Bill Monroe's "Blue Moon of Kentucky" and "There is a Time" by Rodney Dillard/Mitchell Jayne that carry on the tradition. While Jackson's voice isn't the "High Lonesome" of Monroe, he does justice to these landmarks of bluegrass music.
Alan Jackson
On the slower more traditional country sounds of bluegrass like "Mary" Jackson again puts it all together with tasteful lyrics, tight instrumentals and emotion. Another wonderful story song, "Knew All Along" is handled perfectly by Jackson. Traditional country always had a hook line, frequently with multiple interpretations, and "Ain't Got Trouble Now" is a prime example of that tradition. With a bluegrass influence to traditional country, making it work is easier said than done. Jackson paves new ground to success on a path where others have come up short. Jackson's effort is pleasantly surprising.
Jackson's songwriting artistry is highlighted on The Bluegrass Album. This is one of those rare albums that leaves you hungering for more. The album is scheduled to be released September 24, 2013.
Bob Cherry
That's certainly an enthusiastic and welcoming review, and I can only wonder why I have to wait nearly two months to get my copy. What about the "strike while the iron is hot" principle of timing? How many bootlegged copies will be floating around by the release date? But I've already put a reminder on my calendar for 9/24.
ReplyDeleteSounds like Alan has done it the way it should be done. I'm looking forward to hearing this one and will certainly add it to my collection if the review proves to be accurate. That two-month wait is a little irritating, however, and I wish the release date could be kicked forward a few weeks.
ReplyDeleteI think Alan is taking this opportunity to show Nashville's top record label executives that Bluegrass can work on a global scale with the top musicians of the genre and can make great things happen for our music. I'm excited to hear this album and how it will do overall in Bluegrass. I'm positive it will be embraced by many many Bluegrass fans far and wide. :)
ReplyDeleteWith all the pre-release publicity,...the fact that Alan is a super talented singer who admits he has always liked Bluegrass, and with all of the great bevy of super pickers to insure that it is top shelf...it will undoubtedly be a great project for any Bluegrass or Jackson fan!
ReplyDeleteLes Sears
With all this positive hype from my friends I will give it serious consideration. If it shows up for broadcast earlier I'll grab it.
ReplyDelete