The Coen brothers' film "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" has had a wider impact
than many could have believed. The revival of interest in bluegrass and
acoustic blues is definitely a good thing, although it never really went
away. The likes of Alison Krauss and Gillian Welch have benefited from
their associations with the film, but they have also been playing in the
old traditions for some time.
"New Favorite" opens with "Let Me Touch You For Awhile" which shows off the
country side of Alison Krauss and Union Station. It also gives a good
insight into the individual and collective talents of the band. It was
several plays before I realized that there are only two tracks that include
drums! Krauss mostly plays fiddle or viola, and splits the vocals with
guitarist (and mandolin player) Dan Tyminski. The only exception is on "It
All Comes Down To You" where Ron Block (banjo and guitar) gets to sing his
own composition.
The music fits generally into the bluegrass and country traditions. This is
not to say that it all sounds dated. To the contrary, it all sounds fresh
and lively, and the material steers clear of simply recycling a collection
of traditional tunes. The mixing of the two styles merely serves to
increase the album's appeal, and it was voted a hit, the first time it
received an airing in the office at work. There are definitely no fillers
here, and there are several outstanding moments, including the excellent
"The Lucky One", Jerry Douglas' instrumental "Choctaw Hayride" which
features some fine work from Douglas (dobro), Block (banjo) and Krauss
(fiddle). In fact, you could pretty much select a track at random and not
be disappointed by the end result.
The album closes with the title track. This was written by Gillian Welch
and David Rawlings, which takes us neatly on to "Time (The Revelator),"
their latest release. Stylistically, the music sits more in the blues and
country traditions, focusing mainly on the twin guitars of Welch and
Rawlings. Welch handles lead vocals, whilst Rawlings (who also produces)
adds harmonies.
"Time..." opens with "Revelator" which sets the scene for the rest of the
album. It appears nice and deceptively simple, just guitar and vocals
without any real added frills, but all done with a touch of class that sets
it apart. This is one of those albums that you can sit down and unwind to,
at the end of a long day. It is not all one-paced, however, and songs like
the uptempo "Red Clay Halo" will have you singing along after a couple of
plays.
Like "New Favorite" the album is chock full of goodies. Particular
favorites include the country stylings of "Dear Someone" with its gentle
strumming and exquisite harmony vocals, "Elvis Presley Blues" which will
strike a chord with many, and the penultimate "Everything Is Free" which
once again includes some classic harmony vocals. Special mention needs to
be made of the closing track, "I Dream A Highway," too. Although it clocks
in at 14+ minutes, it never becomes boring, and leaves you rapt.
"New Favorite" and "Time (The Revelator)" are among the very best releases
of 2001 and both should be regarded as essential purchases. Whether you
just want to track down some more of the kinds of music that featured in "O
Brother, Where Art Thou?" or have a deeper interest in bluegrass and
acoustic blues these albums fit the bill just perfectly.
www.alisonkrauss.com
www.gillianwelch.com
Gillian Welch interview at Music Today
Simply click on the CD cover at left to order this CD NOW!
Simply click on the CD cover at left to order this CD NOW!
This review is copyright © 2002 by Gordon Baxter, and Blues On Stage at: www.mnblues.com, all rights reserved. Copy, duplication or download prohibited without written permission.
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