Search - Darrell Webb :: Behind the Scenes

Tasty bluegrass with plenty of vim and vigor

J. Ross | Roseburg, OR USA | 04/27/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Playing Time - 37:07 -- Don't know about you but I like my bluegrass with plenty of vim and vigor. That's exactly the kind of tasty material that Darrell Webb serves up. However, I'm curious as to why he didn't lay in some vocal harmony on the opening cut, "I Beg You Little Darling Not to Cry," which was featured on Volume 73 of Prime Cuts of Bluegrass.



Webb is an expert guitarist, accomplished mandolin-player and also a vocalist with a great range. His experience includes working with JD Crowe & the New South, and Lonesome River Band. He replaced Dan Tyminski the first time that Dan left LRB and has done a couple stints with J.D. Crowe. Webb also has appeared on a couple of Dolly Parton's albums. Now, Darrell is playing in the popular bluegrass band called Wildfire (with Phil Leadbetter, Robert Hale, Curt Chapman and Carry Crabtree).



Darrell's reputation as a songwriter is also well-known as some of his songs appear on CDs by Lonesome River Band and Lou Reid & Carolina. His originals on this CD include "Mother's Hand," "Imagine That," "Behind the Scenes," and "Get on the Path."



Back in 1998, Darrell's first solo album, "Webbsite," came out and was received with much critical acclaim. This West Virginian's latest endeavor, "Behind the Scenes" features a great cast -- Ron Stewart, Randy Kohrs, Beth Lawrence, Harold Nixon, Phil Leadbetter, Dolly Parton, Dwight McCall, Michael Cleveland, Richard Bennet, Shannon Slaughter, Megan Mccormick, Angela Oudean, Keisha Gillis and others. Dolly's lead vocals are featured on her composition, "Cold," and it's awesome to hear Stewart and Webb singing low harmonies with her.



Personal favorite tracks are "Thank You Father For My Dad" and "Imagine That." I guess the only thing I didn't really care much for were the CD's front and back out-of-focus photos. This album deserved better graphics to correlate with the music's professionalism. However, I'm sure that a market test indicated that a majority (as well as Darrell) liked that design for the cover of an album entitled "Behind the Scenes." Just take my advice and don't judge this book by its out-of-focus cover.



Darrell Webb's zeal for bluegrass is indisputable. What's evident on this CD are the soaring vocals, nimble-fingered breaks, and perfectly piquant songs that convey plenty of good taste. I can see why Darrell has been called one of bluegrass music's favorite entertainers. This album really packs a punch. (Joe Ross, staff writer, Bluegrass Now)

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