A triumph of limitations
Paul Johnson | Woodland Hills, California USA | 07/11/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"When I was in school, if you gave me a blank piece of paper and said, "Draw something," you'd get something stiff and uninteresting. However, if you said, "Draw something containing a rock, a rooster, cotton candy, and a lake, and make them all relate to each other," I would burst out with all kinds of ideas.Bruce Molsky and Big Hoedown are similarly constrained by the simple tunes and repetitions of Old Time music, and these very limitations seem to propel them into wild feats of innovation, improvization and creativity. This CD is pure joy to listen to, and to sing along with, if you're so inclined. The very simplicity masks the prodigious musicianship of these three, and the difficulty and complexity of what they're actually doing.This is one of my favorite CD's, and I listen to it all the time."
A great recording
Peter Kasin | California | 05/19/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Bruce Molsky is a master of his craft. His fiddle playing is many-layered and textured, and clearly demonstrates the mix of Scottish and Irish melody influences with African-American rhythms in old-timey fiddling. With his band-mates Beverly Smith and Rafe Stefanini, they have produced an exciting album showing many facets of appalachian string band music. There is much variety of pace and rhythm to their selection of tunes and songs. Although this album has it's share of rousing fast-paced reels, some of the slower numbers have complex rhythms that are so deftly executed, it is awe-inspiring. Their singing is wonderful, as well. This is a must buy for any fan of appalachian music, or any traditional music for that matter."
Love it!
Kate | Virginia | 06/26/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Great CD of old time Appalachian fiddle and banjo tunes. I listen to it over and over again!!!"