This time I'm going to talk a bit about an album that came out in 2000, not exactly brand new! Bryan Sutton is one of the premier guitar players of our time. He first came to my attention playing with Ricky Skagg's band Kentucky Thunder. He wasn't with them for too long before deciding to go out on his own as a session guy. He soon became one of the more in-demand session players in Nashville. He cut this album not long after going it alone. He has since recorded 3 other solo albums, but this one remains my favorite. I guess what I like most about this album is its variety. He plays several different guitars, 2 large body dreadnaughts, a small body OM and a strange looking Dupont MD-50 similar to the guitar Django Reinhardt played (as shown below). He of course plays Bluegrass styled numbers, but there are also folk, pop Broadway and Gypsy Jazz pieces as well as his own compositions that aren't easily categorized but are very pleasant to listen to. There's even a U2 number! The listenable nature of this album is what really sets it apart from the albums you often get from top flight instrumentalists. I've often been disappointed by musicians who seem to not want to play for an audience other than themselves. That is not to case with this disc. It's appealing on many levels. You don't have to be a top flight musician to appreciate it. I personally enjoy vocal music in general over pure instrumental music. More than any other album Bryan has done, this one employs some very tasty vocal inclusions. I love every one of the vocals on this album and will list them first among my favorite tracks. They are: "Blue Night" with Pat Enright, "When Love Comes to Town" with Jeff White, "The Water Is Wide" with the Isaacs sisters and "Smoky Mountain Memories" with Dolly Parton. Special mention should be made of "The Water Is Wide". Of all the traditional versions of this song I've heard, I like this one the best. Eva Cassidy has a cover that runs a close second. There really is not a bad cut on this record, but other favorites are: "Decision At Glady Fork", "Minor Swing" and "Lady Be Good". I'm happy to say the album is still available. I don't know how well known or popular it is, so it probably won't be available forever. Go out and get yourself a copy. You won't be disappointed!
