From: Pete Fyfe
[petefyfe_at_aol_dot_com]
Sent: 22 April 2012 02:44
Subject: Pete Fyfe: Alison Krauss
- Paper Airplane
Attachments: Alison Krauss - Paper
Airplane.jpg
ALISON KRAUSS & UNION STATION - Paper Airplane (Rounder
Records 0011661066526)
It will come as no surprise to anyone that knows me how Alison
Krauss more or less single-handedly re-kindled my liking for all things
bluegrass. OK, Ms Krauss and her well oiled band of Barry Hales (bass), Jerry
Douglas (slide guitars), Ron Block (banjo) and Dan Tyminski (guitar &
mandolin) are the ultimate kings of cool lifting the often berated yee-haw
clich? to new peaks of excellence. On this recording her gifted bunch of
musicians prove truly inspirational for those ready and eager to embrace
?acoustic' music in all its glory and conversely, for those that feel there's
no relevance of this genre in today's society (and specifically aimed at those
?Countryfile' viewers amongst you) then I suggest you check out the three
minute diatribe of Peter Rowan's song "Dustbowl Children" where the stark banjo
and desperation in the vocal performance speaks volumes for those who feel
rightfully aggrieved at the onslaught of modern technology. As ever though it's
the towering presence of the lady herself where her unhurried and almost
breathless tones generate the warm glow of a mother cooing her baby to sleep
with a lullaby. Perhaps, for some this album may be a bit laid-back particularly
without the recent pyrotechnics displayed on Steve Martin's latest release but
for those who enjoy ?listening' to an album and broadening their musical tastes
this Grammy awarded album will do nicely. By the way, congratulations to the
website design team for the inclusion of the lyrics (a real bonus for
reviewers) as space is limited in a CD booklet. www.alisonkrauss.com
PETE FYFE