RICKY SKAGGS

Music to My Ears

2012-09-14

Grammy award-winning songwriter and mandolin/guitarist Ricky Skaggs has collaborated with and been influenced by many, including Doc Watson ("Tennessee Stud" is a tribute). Skaggs was inducted into the Gospel Music Association's Hall of Fame in August, 2012. This album was co-produced by Gordon Kennedy who penned Eric Clapton's "Change the World." The song "Blue Night," written by David Kirk McGee, has appeared on past Skaggs albums and sung by Mary Chapin Carpenter but Skaggs has got a Soggy Bottom Boys kinda vibe on this album's version. You know the culinary promise that's known around the land? "No frigerate, no expire date. You know you can't hurt ham" was inspired by Bill Monroe, the "Father of Bluegrass Music" who was a huge musical influence and with whom he performed when Ricky was a boy. "Soldier's Son" was co-written by Barry Gibb who provides lead and background vocals with powerful lyrics and haunting melody. This song sways from bluegrass to Celtic to light rock with a little reverb that I'm guessing was the Bee Gees influence. It's an interesting treatment. Rootsy, traditional "Nothing Beats a Family" is a feel-good track to end on with simple fiddle, mandolin, and whistle. With an endorsement from mainstream Reader's Digest, Music to My Ears is sure to have broad appeal for country folks. - Pam VandeKerkhoff

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