Vince Gill - The Key

On The Key, Vince Gill presents a rather dazzling array of traditional styles to display his versatile talent. Going back to his Oklahoma country roots for inspiration, something he hasn't done in many years, he comes out with a recording so startling that even heavy-handed producer Tony Brown left it pretty much alone.Gill is in fine voice throughout, joining with a colorful cast of backing singers -- including Patty Loveless, Alison Krauss, Sara Evans, Lee Ann Womack, and Faith Hill -- to create the type of music that contemporary country radio has not played in over a decade. Over 13 tracks, Gill eases gracefully from one roots country style to another, from a classic hillbilly waltz to the edgy Bakersfield sound. He even skillfully tips his hat to guitar great Roy Nichols on "There's Not Much Love Here Anymore." A duet with Loveless, "My Kind of Woman/My Kind of Man," stands proudly next to the best country duets of George Jones and Tammy Wynette and Merle Haggard and Bonnie Owens. Most impressive is "Kindly Keep It Country," a stone-cold hard country song that details one man's heartbreak and the soothing effects of a jukebox and a bar stool. As heartbreaking as any song he's ever written is "Let Her In," told from the perspective of a divorced father who is trying to rebuild his life and still retain his relationship with his daughter. Just as effective is "The Hills of Caroline," a mountain bluegrass tune with a strong melody and narrative enhanced by the beautiful backing vocals of Krauss. The closing title cut is an endearing acoustic country tune, complete with mandolins and banjo, that comes directly from Gill's relationship with his late father. For emotional depth, honesty, and the kind of musical depth and artistry listeners have come to expect from Gill, The Key stands among his very finest recordings. ~ Jana Pendragon & Thom Jurek, All Music Guide

Name Credits Aaron Swihart Engineer Alison Krauss Vocals (Background) Benny Garcia Guitar Technician Bergen White String Arrangements, Guitar Technician, Conductor, Vocals (Background), Vocal Arrangement Billy Thomas Vocals (Background) Chris Davie Second Engineer, Engineer, Mixing Chris Ferrara Design Chuck Ainlay Mixing, Engineer Curtis Young Vocals (Background) Dawn Sears Vocals (Background) Dennis William Vocals (Background) Dennis Wilson Vocals (Background) Denny Purcell Mastering Eddie Bayers Band, ? Faith Hill Vocals (Background) Glenn Spinner Second Engineer, Engineer, Mixing Glenn Worf ?, Band Hargus "Pig" Robbins ?, Band Jeff White Vocals (Background) Jessie Noble Project Coordinator John Hughey Band, ? Jon Mark Ivey Vocals (Background) Larry Franklin Band, ? Lee Ann Womack Vocals (Background) Liana Manis Vocals (Background) Lisa Cochran Vocals (Background) Lisa Silver Vocals (Background) Marabeth Jordan Vocals (Background) Mark Ralston Engineer, Mixing, Second Engineer Mary Beth Felts Hair Stylist, Make-Up Matt Andrews Overdub Assistant, Assistant Engineer, Overdubs McGuire Photography Mike Eldred Vocals (Background) Patty Loveless Performer, Vocals Randy Scruggs Band, ? Russ Martin Engineer, Overdubs Sara Evans Vocals (Background) Shelby Lynne Vocals (Background) Sonya Isaacs Vocals (Background) Steve Crowder Engineer Steve Gibson Band, ? Steve Marcantonio Engineer Stuart Duncan Band, ? Tim Coyle Second Engineer, Mixing, Engineer Todd Gunnerson Second Engineer, Mixing, Engineer Tony Brown Producer, Producer Trish Townsend ?, Stylist Vince Gill Vocals, ?, Band Virginia Team Art Direction