Rounder Bluegrass Guitar - A sampler by Various Artists Rounder CD 11576
Tracks:
Clarence White & The Kentucky Colonels Nine Pound Hammer; Tony Rice Eighth Of January; J.D. Crowe & The Bluegrass Album Band Preaching, Praying Singing; David Grier & Mike Compton Flop fared Mule; David McLaughlin & Josh Crowe Going Back To Old Virginia; Wyatt Rice Fisher's Hornpipe; Norman Blake, Tony Rice & Doc Watson Salt Creek; Jody Stecher & Kate Brislin Paul & Silas; Russ Barenberg Gimmicks Ahoy; Wyatt Rice Shenendoah Breakdown; Robert Hale & Livelier Love Please Come Home; Dan Carry Grey Eagle; Mark O'Connor Blackbeny Blossom; David Grier Smith Chapel; Peter McLaughlin & Laurie Lewis Swept Away; Jon Shoal & Andy Staten Avenue 'L' Breakdown; Don Reno Country Boy Rock & Roll; Scott Nygaard Red Apple Rag; Clarence White & The White Brothers Sally Goodin'  Photo: Ian Reynolds
Not found this one yet? This is not so much a compilation of great bluegrass, with the emphasis on flatpicking - although it would qualify as such - it's more of a potted history of the development of the guitar as a lead instrument in bluegrass.
Clearly, this record is a compilation of the best guitar pickers on Rounder's roster, so no claims can be made that this is a comprehensive history. But with players like Clarence White, Tony Rice, David Grier, Doc Watson and the incredible Scott Nygaard, the vast wealth of playing styles, as they have emerged over the years, are all embraced. And if any of these need convincing of the standing of any of these, just re-read the Chris Moreton Interview !!!
Not only is it an enriching inspirational experience to listen to the music but the inclusion of Jon Sholle's concise history of the guitar in bluegrass makes this CD an invaluable reference source for pickers at all levels.
Favourite tracks? Well, there's over an hour of quality here, but check out David Grier's version of Flop Eared Mule, Wyatt Rice's Fisher's Hornpipe and an amazing version of Salt Creek by Norman Blake, Tony Rice and Doc Watson.
Non-guitarists fear not: there's enough to get your teeth in to. Amongst the supporting cast you'll find Tony Trishka, Courtney Johnson, Dave Grisman and virtually the whole of the Reno clan.
Without doubt this is another gem from the Rounder back catalogue that should stir the enthusiasm of the most laconic fan.
Ian Reynolds
Sammy Shelor Solo album Preview  By John Lawless
OK everybody.... take $13 (£13?) and put it in a safe place. You will want to get Sammy Shelor's solo project when Sugar Hill releases it in May!
Watching performers at this level at work is really humbling. While I was there, the personnel was Sammy, Tony Rice, Dan Tyminski, and Ronnie Simpkins. Within an hour's time they would learn a tune, run through it, and lay down a killer track. NB: in case you didn't know it, Tony Rice is the man! His professionalism, skill, taste, and pleasant manner can not be overstated.
The tunes were an interesting mix - some old-timey fiddle and/or banjo tunes, some straight up grass, some 'country-grass,' and a great bluesy version of Crossroads. Randy Howard on fiddle and Jerry Douglas on dobro will be added later.
The standouts to my ear were Little Mountain Girl, a nice grassy vocal number written by Sammy and Ronnie Bowman and Ernest T. Grass, a banjo instrumental written by Dan Tyminski. Dan recorded it as a mandolin instrumental on Young Mando Monsters but it really shines as a banjo tune. I predict that Ernest T. will be a parking lot favorite for years.
Here's an interesting aside, in the "One That Got Away" category:
After the guys learned Ernest T, standing in a circle in the studio, they ran through it once in the isolation booths before trying to cut one. This version absolutely smoked! Rice took perhaps the most amazing guitar break I have ever heard him play! His rhythm track was awesome - daring, creative, and truly unique. When they cut the track, they got it on the first take but the cut was nowhere near as exciting as the one that was not recorded!
Don't get me wrong... the cut still smokes, but the one that you'll never hear was scary. I was in the right place at the right time.
John Lawless, AcuTab Productions, Roanoke.
Updated 23rd Jan 1999
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