CD reissue: Skaggs and Rice

Subject: CD reissue: Skaggs and Rice
From: Stewie
Date: 19 May 00 - 01:47 AM

I would like to draw interested 'Catters attention to a Sugar Hill reissue because it is something very special. In 1980, Sugar Hill issued an LP of Ricky Skaggs and Tony Rice: 'Skaggs and Rice'. It was generally described in the music press at the time as 'a bluegrass record'. It was nothing of the kind. It was aimed at recreating a much older idiom. It was reissued a decade or so ago on CD with the same title. Sugar Hill has now reissued it once again with a title that more accurately describes its content: Ricky Skaggs and Tony Rice 'Skaggs and Rice: The Essential Old-Time Country Duet Recordings' SUG-3711. Two voices, mandolin and guitar - reminiscent of the Monroe Brothers Bluebirds and the Stanleys Wango recordings. The album is quite simply a joy from beginning to end. The playing is impeccable and the singing is exquisite. It is an album that I have treasured and have no hesitation in recommending to anyone who has the slightest interest in old-time music. I recalled that I had sought it out after reading a review by Tony Russell, a person who probably knows more about old-time music than anyone on this planet. I went back to it and, in part, Russell wrote:

The first thing to say about this record is that every old time music lover should know of it and if possible own it. Not only are the performances fine, but they exemplify a principle more often asserted than demonstrated: that the best progressive musicians of today can, if they choose, play the music of their roots in the spirit of their forbears ... If Skaggs and Rice were neither of them to sing or play another note of old time music for the rest of their days, this would be eloquent enough testimony of what they had it in them to do: perform old songs scrupulously well in the simplest - and most demanding - of settings. [Tony Russell 'Old Time Music' No 36 Summer 1981] (/blockquote)

There is only one thing wrong with this album: the fact that it runs to only 28 minutes - but that cannot be helped if that was all that was available. It's worth it at any price.

--Stewie.

Subject: RE: CD reissue: Skaggs and Rice
From: Stewie
Date: 19 May 00 - 01:51 AM

Forgot to put my 'blockquote close' in angle brackets. Never mind, I also meant to post this link to Sugar Hill:

Sugar Hill Records

--Stewie.

Subject: RE: CD reissue: Skaggs and Rice
From: Whistle Stop
Date: 19 May 00 - 09:07 AM

Thanks Stewie. These guys are both stellar musicians, with chops to spare, but always in the service of the tune. I will definitely seek this one out.

Subject: RE: CD reissue: Skaggs and Rice
From: Wesley S
Date: 19 May 00 - 09:08 AM

I'll agree with Stewie - It's a goodun' . It's often in my CD player.

Subject: RE: CD reissue: Skaggs and Rice
From: Midchuck
Date: 19 May 00 - 09:32 AM

I've had this for years. The music is classic.

But the title still makes me think of something you'd get served to you in a really bad Chinese restaurant. I'm sorry. I can't help it.

Peter.

Subject: RE: CD reissue: Skaggs and Rice
From: Mark Clark
Date: 19 May 00 - 09:59 AM

My original vinyl copy is still in great shape having been played but a few times. I make tapes of it which are then subjected to brutal wear and tear. It has to be my most played recording. Not only is it old-timey music taken to perfection, it's production matches the level of the musicianship. This is a must-have recording for anyone even passively interested in traditional southern music.

Thanks, Stewie, for reminding us of this one.

      - Mark

Subject: RE: CD reissue: Skaggs and Rice
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 19 May 00 - 12:29 PM

Absolutely top drawer. They both show a great deal of restraint, especially Tony, and it's reminiscent of some of the best stuff by the Bolicks. I wonder if they ever toured in this format.

Rick

Subject: RE: CD reissue: Skaggs and Rice
From: Mark Cohen
Date: 20 May 00 - 04:05 AM

I've had a tape of this album for years and love listening to it. Now, this may be some kind of heresy, these being quintessential old-time duets, but I have sometimes used this album to practice finding a third harmony line. (Please don't tell Ricky and Tony!)

Aloha,
Mark

Subject: RE: CD reissue: Skaggs and Rice
From: gillymor
Date: 20 May 00 - 07:35 AM

Thanks Stewie, I use to have the vinyl on this one, loaned it out and never got it back. So much to like there, especially the way there voices fit together.

Frankie