Search - Andy Leftwich :: Ride

Lyrical album of newgrass-influenced string music

hyperbolium | Earth, USA | 07/31/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Leftwich initially made a name for himself as a hotshot prodigy on the bluegrass contest circuit, picking up awards for his fiddle playing. By his teen years he was also picking a mean guitar and mandolin, and at age 19 he joined Ricky Skaggs Kentucky Thunder as a youngster who could hold his own among the stellar players in the band.This first solo album showcases not only Leftwich's talent as a player (fiddle, guitar and mandolin), but also his songwriting (he penned ten of the disc's dozen tunes) and the different strands of music that influence him. Though there's a bluegrass edge to many of the songs, there are also strong veins of Celtic melody and rhythm, gypsy jazz changes (including a swinging cover of Django Reinhardt's "Minor Swing") and country fiddle sounds.In contrast to the stage-ready hot-picking of Kentucky Thunder's bluegrass jams, this solo turn provides Leftwich a bit more breathing room for contemplative passages, including a thoughtful solo mandolin reworking of "Jesus Loves Me." There's no shortage of virtuosity (and, to be fair, there's plenty of fine, intricate playing to be found), but it feels less like a contest among stellar bandmates, and more like a fiddle (and mandolin) playing leader expressing his rich musical ideas. This would be a great release any age, but for a 22-year old's solo debut, it shows amazing clarity and vision."

Plush instrumental project from a real musical spark plug

J. Ross | Roseburg, OR USA | 07/15/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"With the exception of "Minor Swing" and "Jesus Loves Me," Andy Leftwich's debut album includes original instrumental compositions best described as hot, cookin' acoustic music in the newgrass vein. His music has jazz, Celtic, swing and certainly bluegrass influences. Leftwich may be best known as fiddler in Ricky Skaggs' Kentucky Thunder band, but he also plays mandolin, guitar on this project. And boy, does he open 'er wide and put on full steam ahead! His gumptious accompanists include Rob Ickes (dobro), Richard Bailey (banjo), Mark Fain or Missy Raines (bass), Travis Alltop or Cody Kilby (guitar). Ricky Skaggs (mandolin, guitar) appears on "Minor Swing," Dale Scragg adds some light percussion on opener, "Shining Waters," and Jeff Taylor's accordion appears in the mix on two tracks-"Queen Anne's Lace" and "A Greater Love."Leftwich's debut album has a nice variety of instrumentals from the reflective "An Angel Forever" and minimalist "Leaving New Hampshire" to the peppy "Slaterville" and hustling "Melee On The Backstretch." I especially liked the way they put some punch into their arrangement of Django Reihnardt and Stephane Grappelli's "Minor Swing." Everyone's right there with the goods on this plush instrumental project. Leftwich is a musical spark plug, and Andy and his friends have all of their cylinders well oiled and synchronized for "ride." (Joe Ross, staff writer, Bluegrass Now)"

Buy it today!

E. Rodell | TN United States | 07/18/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This record is truly a great piece of acoustic work. If you are a big fan of bluegrass music and acoustic talent, you will enjoy listening to this over and over. Anyone who listens to Ricky Skaggs knows Andy Leftwich. This allows him to showcase his talent and ability. Buy it today and tell your friends how great this record is."