2 comments about Christmas.

1. Even fourteen years after its release, this compilation of Christmas songs has a timeless upbeat feeling to it that never gets old. Every year I find myself going back to this album for my favorite Christmas music.
   
   It starts with timeless carols. We have sung these songs every year for hundreds of years at every Christmas because they are truly great music.
   
   I like my music upbeat and with a bit of an edge, and these versions deliver. Little Drummer Boy, O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, Jingle Bell Rock, and Angels We Have Heard on High are all classic tunes with a modern, rock edge on them, which increases their power dramatically.
   
   Other tracks are almost tearjerkers for me. These artists, as Christians, take the meaning of the songs seriously, and that feeling comes across in their performance. This is evident in Little Drummer Boy (yes, again), What Child Is This?, O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (yes, again), O Holy Night, Away in a Manger, and Angels We Have Heard on High. Some are even tearjerkers for me fourteen years later.
   
   Even the original track "Home for the Holidays" is, for me, an instant classic, and Steve Taylor's irreverent but funny Winter Wonderland is a humorous break halfway through.
   
   A true classic album.



2. This album has so many genres of music in it it's hard to believe it is a Christmas album. There is rock with Whiteheart's version of "Little Drummer Boy" (which is an AWESOME version), R&B with Tim Miner's "The First Noel", and even Tejano with Steve Taylor's "Winter Wonderland", which features a verse in Spanish! This is a fun filled album filled with the best of Sparrow artists of the 80's. I recommend to all!

5 comments about Connie Smith.

1. Dolly Parton said it best when she said "There are only three real female singers on this planet: Barbra Streisand, Linda Ronstadt, and Connie Smith. The rest of us are just pretending".
   This CD is a testament to that remark and unlike today's bubble gum country from pop wannabes like Reba, Martina McBride, Shania Twain and Faith Hill who have compromised just do what "Sells", thank the Lord there is still a true and talented country artist out there like Connie Smith who has never compromised! Enjoy!



2. This Cd is Absolutely brilliant !!Every song is Straight from the heart.I read she gave up singing to raise her family (5 kids)Her early stuff is Fabulous--This Cd is awesome.



3. It's just great to see this great female singer making a comeback. The first time I heard Connie Smith sing was in the 60's. I bought 5 or 6 of her albums back then and I lost them all when I went through divorce in "82". I was so exited a few years ago when I saw a cd of Connie "The Essential" that I bought it right on the spot. Now a couple of years later I dicovered that she made a comeback. And what a comeback with this CD. My favorites on this CD are "How Long", "Just Let Me Know", and "You Can't Take Back A Teardrop". The whole CD reminds me of the Connie Smith I remember when I was a teenager living in Maine and enjoying her music. She still has that powerful voice which is ALWAYS on key and hasn't lost anything through the years. I enjoy listening to her now as much as I did back when. To me she's still the best female country singer that ever recorded. I just hope she comes out with a new CD soon, even though she might not get any radio play, which is a crying shame. What is wrong with Nashville? Don't they recognize great talent anymore? There's no other female singer in Nashville today that can even come close to Connie's powerful and soulful deliveries singing from the heart today. I recommend this CD to everyone. Good songs, good music, and I'll always be a big fan of hers. Keep up the good work Connie. Guitar Bob



4. I WAS SURPRISED AND VERY PLEASED TO HEAR THIS C.D. OF OUR CONNIE. SHE HAS IMPROVED IF THAT WERE POSSIBLE,AND WITH THE HELP OF HER HUSBAND MARTY STUART HAVE PRODUCED WHAT I CAN ONLY DESCRIBE ,AS A WONDERFUL GROUP OF SONGS WITH THE BEST WOMAN FOR THE JOB SINGING THEM----PLEASE LETS HAVE MORE CONNIE !!!



5. Just wonderful good old country music,the way it should be,pure country. With Marty Stuart and Connie writing 9 of the songs,and with him playing the guitar and the mandolin it's just magical.

No comments about Today's Country Gospel.

4 comments about Taste of Texas: Songs 'bout Texas by Texans.

1. On Amazon the track is attributed to Johnny Cash (who is not a Texan)
   On Apple iTunes Music Store it is credited to Waylon Jennings.
   "But butter my Butt and call me a biscuit," if that ain't ole' Willie Nelson!

   I really like the first track! It's TRUE!




2. Speaking as a displaced Texan living abroad in the UK, I loved this CD. It made my heart do flip-flops just thinking about my beautiful homeland. This compalation is one all Texans should have in their collection. If nothing else for Moe Bandys Deep in The Heart of Texas and two great songs by the Vaughn brothers. One more thing, if ya haven't been to Texas, ya better get there pretty darn quick. The people are friendly, the air is clean, and there's plenty of room. I love ya TEXAS!



3. No other state can claim as wide a pectrum of good music as Texas. When you set out to produce a CD called 'A Taste of Texas', you find that there is no way to, indeed, present a true taste of Texas. The lineup of tunes presented on this disc truly represent Texas Music. George Jones, Willie Nelson (born in Abbott, TX), Kris Kristofferson, Stevie Ray Vaughan (born near Dallas, TX)....

   While the lineup is impressive, it sadly leaves many things out. Texas Music without Jerry Jeff Walker, without Robert Earl Keen, Jr., without Buddy Holly, without Townes Van Zandt? Oh well.

   The Texas Music movement is gaining momentum, with artists like Jack Ingram breaking on to the scene in Nashville, and home grown heroes like Pat Green and Willie Nelson drawing sell out crowds at dancehalls and venues across the state. This compillation is important for anyone who is interested in Texas Music--sort of a starting point. While some glaring omissions kept this disc from earning five stars, it is one that I spin every chance I get.




4. No other state can claim as wide a spectrum of good music as Texas. When you set out to produce a CD called 'A Taste of Texas', you find that there is no way to, indeed, present a true taste of Texas. The lineup of tunes presented on this disc truly represent Texas Music. George Jones, Willie Nelson (born in Abbott, TX), Kris Kristofferson, Stevie Ray Vaughan (born near Dallas, TX)....

   While the lineup is impressive, it sadly leaves many things out. Texas Music without Jerry Jeff Walker, without Robert Earl Keen, Jr., without Buddy Holly, without Townes Van Zandt? Oh well.

   The Texas Music movement is gaining momentum, with artists like Jack Ingram breaking on to the scene in Nashville, and home grown heroes like Pat Green and Willie Nelson drawing sell out crowds at dancehalls and venues across the state. This compillation is important for anyone who is interested in Texas Music--sort of a starting point. While some glaring omissions kept this disc from earning five stars, it is one that I spin every chance I get.

4 comments about While the Ages Roll On.

1. My Dad heard one of the songs from this CD on his local radio station in Woodstock, VA. He asked me if I could find this CD for him. He is a long-time fan of Ralph Stanley and his beloved Bluegrass music.

   In May 2002 I took my Dad and Mom on a trip to his home in Wise County, VA. I was very lucky to fulfill my Dad's life time dream of personally meeting Ralph Stanley. My Dad was given Dr. Stanley's home phone number by a friend. Dad called him and Dr. Stanley graciously invited him to visit his home and spent some of his precious time with my parents. I will always be grateful to Dr. Stanley for making my Dad's dream come true.




2. The great Ralph Stanley has come out with another gem of an album. While in his 70's, Stanley still sings with the enthusiasm of a man in his 20's.

   "While The Ages Roll On" produces neither any gimmicks nor surprises. The music contained on this album is what fans have come to expect from Ralph: solid, inspirational old-time/bluegrass music from one of the "Founding Fathers" of the genre. As Jim Lauderdale stated, Ralph is the "King of Mountain Soul", and he proves it again on this all-gospel release.

   From the opening notes of "Dad's Old Rocky Field", this album is a pleasure to listen to. If I had to sum up the feel of this album in two words, they would be "gentle" and "inspirational". The tracks on this album seem to emanate a sense of comfort and pleasure. The Clinch Mountain Boys(including Ralph II, veteran Jack Cooke, and ace fiddler James Price)are, as always, at the top of their game, providing Ralph with impeccable pickin' and singin'. The three acapella tracks on "While The Ages Roll On" showcase a stunning display of harmony that will send chills down your back. Ralph and the boys utilize four-part harmony singing on almost every track to great effect. I thought only angels could sing so beautifully. No matter what your religious beliefs, you will be touched and transported to a heavenly place upon hearing this album.

   Another reason I would suggest this album in particular is because of the sound quality. Some of Ralph's(and the Stanley Brothers) albums are outstanding but naturally lack the technological advantages of today's digital equipment. On "When The Ages Roll On", the sound is crystal clear and it sounds as if Ralph and the boys are right there in the room singing to you.

   I was fortunate enough to get my copy of this album signed recently at a bluegrass festival. Ralph is a legend, a gentleman,and an American treasure. Now only if we could get the mass radio to play some good music like this.... (Sorry, I still haven't figured out how to separate my reviews into paragraphs!)




3. The great Ralph Stanley has come out with another gem of an album. While in his 70's, Stanley still sings with the enthusiasm of a man in his 20's. "While The Ages Roll On" produces neither any gimmicks nor surprises. The music contained on this album is what fans have come to expect from Ralph: solid, inspirational old-time/bluegrass music from one of the "Founding Fathers" of the genre. As Jim Lauderdale stated, Ralph is the "King of Mountain Soul", and he proves it again on this all-gospel release. From the opening notes of "Dad's Old Rocky Field", this album is a pleasure to listen to. If I had to sum up the feel of this album in two words, they would be "gentle" and "inspirational". The tracks on this album seem to emanate a sense of comfort and pleasure. The Clinch Mountain Boys(including Ralph II, veteran Jack Cooke, and ace fiddler James Price)are, as always, at the top of their game, providing Ralph with impeccable pickin' and singin'. The three acapella tracks on "While The Ages Roll On" showcase a stunning display of harmony that will send chills down your back. Ralph and the boys utilize four-part harmony singing on almost every track to great effect. I thought only angels could sing so beautifully. No matter what your religious beliefs, you will be touched and transported to a heavenly place upon hearing this album. Another reason I would suggest this album in particular is because of the sound quality. Some of Ralph's(and the Stanley Brothers) albums are outstanding but naturally lack the technological advantages of today's digital equipment. On "When The Ages Roll On", the sound is crystal clear and it sounds as if Ralph and the boys are right there in the room singing to you. I was fortunate enough to get my copy of this album signed recently at a bluegrass festival. Ralph is a legend, a gentleman,and an American treasure. Now only if we could get the mass radio to play some good music like this.... (Sorry, I still haven't figured out how to separate my reviews into paragraphs!)



4. The great Ralph Stanley has come out with another gem of an album. While in his 70's, Stanley still sings with the enthusiasm of a man in his 20's. "While The Ages Roll On" produces neither any gimmicks nor surprises. The music contained on this album is what fans have come to expect from Ralph: solid, inspirational old-time/bluegrass music from one of the "Founding Fathers" of the genre. As Jim Lauderdale stated, Ralph is the "King of Mountain Soul", and he proves it again on this all-gospel release. From the opening notes of "Dad's Old Rocky Field", this album is a pleasure to listen to. If I had to sum up the feel of this album in two words, they would be "gentle" and "inspirational". The tracks on this album seem to emanate a sense of comfort and pleasure. The Clinch Mountain Boys(including Ralph II, veteran Jack Cooke, and ace fiddler James Price)are, as always, at the top of their game, providing Ralph with impeccable pickin' and singin'. The three acapella tracks on "While The Ages Roll On" showcase a stunning display of harmony that will send chills down your back. Ralph and the boys utilize four-part harmony singing on almost every track to great effect. I thought only angels could sing so beautifully. No matter what your religious beliefs, you will be touched and transported to a heavenly place upon hearing this album. Another reason I would suggest this album in particular is because of the sound quality. Some of Ralph's(and the Stanley Brothers) albums are outstanding but naturally lack the technological advantages of today's digital equipment. On "When The Ages Roll On", the sound is crystal clear and it sounds as if Ralph and the boys are right there in the room singing to you. I was fortunate enough to get my copy of this album signed recently at a bluegrass festival. Ralph is a legend, a gentleman,and an American treasure. Now only if we could get the mass radio to play some good music like this.... (Sorry, I still haven't figured out how to separate my reviews into paragraphs!)

5 comments about The Best of the Hee Haw Gospel Quartet, Volume 2.

1. All of the songs on this CD has good music along with good gospel songs. Old favorites done in good taste. Brings back good memories.



2. Hi,i am melody edington,My mother ruth sang in kenny price's band when he was at wnop radio station.They sang in the corn huskers jamboree.My mother was in a accident and her voice was damaged.Kenny went on to the hee haw show.I am seeking infro about his family and life.I know birth and death.,that she sang with kenny.Looking for pictures or music with group.His family,I'd love to meet.Like to find any infro for my mom for her wedding anniversary.She sang alot of kitty wells songs.If i could be in contact with his producer. Thank you, melody edington



3. This is REAL Country Gospel at its BEST. The CD is absolutely fantastic. Song after song brings back fond memories of the Hee Haw television program. The music will lift your spirit and provides comfort for the troubles of the past as well as courage for the challenges of today. The richness and quality of the music was not "mixed" out in the studio. It is just like having Buck, Roy, Grandpa Jones and Kenny sitting on your front porch singing these songs just for you. If you like Country Music, Country Gospel or are a Hee Haw fan this is a MUST HAVE CD. You won't be sorry you made the purchase...I'm not!



4. The Hee Haw Gospel Quartet has recorded what I want to hear. Real, simple, honest gospel. The type of music I grew up hearing my mother sing. Music with comforting meaning to me. It is perfect for when the stress of living a fast-paced life catches up with you. No orchestra, no mechanical sounding background, just four talented men singing songs that they have probably sung all of their lives. Songs that you can tell they love too. This type of music is sadly becoming more and more rare.



5. This album was ruined by dubbed-in music in most songs. Simply RUINED. On most songs for example, the music is so loud, the songs can't be heard. Had I known that, I certainly would not have bought it. I don't like it.

   David

2 comments about Rough Guide to the Music of the Appalachians.

1. Excellent recording of Appalachian music. I highly recommend this CD especially if you like folk music. The artists featured and their performances made for very enjoyable time after time listening.



2. This is a great anthology of contemporary Appalachian music. The selections range from bluegrass to folk to gospel. Like the other discs in the "Rough Guide" series, this one focuses not on older musical traditions themselves, but on how these traditions survive in music being written and performed today. So although you'll hear music that definitely shows the influence of, say, Flatt and Scruggs, this isn't the "Classics of Bluegrass" or anything like that.

   Far and away the best tracks are Claire Lynch's "God Spoke His Name" (whose only fault is that it's too short!), Tom Adams's "Box Elder Beetles", and Peter Rowan's "Wild Geese Cry Again". Like the girl in that movie "Ghostworld", I found myself stretching out on the floor and listening to these tracks over and over again. Larry Sparks's "The Old Churchyard" is another mellow old Appalachian song that shows how much this region's musical tradition owes to 17th-century English folksong.

   All the performances on this disc are fantastic and the acoustics are superb. Five stars.

No comments about The Definitive Bluegrass Collection.

3 comments about Gospel Favorites.

1. The early works of Hank Williams Jr. are very hard to find on cd. This disc, (like the other back to back collection), offers 6 gems from the MGM years.
   This is a low-priced disc that will probably be out-of-print soon. Need I say more...GET THIS CD!



2. If you like Old Country and Gospel music you cant go wrong with this one. This was my first Gospel CD and is still one of my favorites.



3. Never knew hank had a light side to him.think i'll enjoy this c.d

2 comments about There's a Light Guiding Me.

1. Once again, Doyle Lawson takes a group of musicians to a new level of musical accomplishment.



2. Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver are known for their tight harmony and creative arrangements of gospel songs. This album is one of their best. Musically, the bluegrass sound is flawless, and the song choices are thoughtful and inspirational. "There Is a God" is my favorite cut, and worth the price of the CD by itself. The sincerity of the singers comes through clearly, and makes this one CD I never tire of hearing.