Roundly considered the best bluegrass act on the circuit today, the Del McCoury Band gained this reputation first by mastering their craft, as they ably demonstrate here (try the fiery instrumental "Red Eyes on a Mad Dog" ... more »for melodic intricacy), and by staying true to traditional stylistic execution. But they also update the music and reach out to a broad audience by occasionally straying from the well-trod path of oft-covered favorites. The inclusion here of songs such as John Sebastian's "Nashville Cats" continues this custom, while a rousing version of Bill Monroe's classic "Get Down on Your Knees and Pray" plus songs from Jimmy Martin and Johnnie & Jack are sure to please the sticklers. On song after song, the fiddles fly, the voices soar, and the high lonesome keeps callin'. Play on... --Alexandra Russell« less
Roundly considered the best bluegrass act on the circuit today, the Del McCoury Band gained this reputation first by mastering their craft, as they ably demonstrate here (try the fiery instrumental "Red Eyes on a Mad Dog" for melodic intricacy), and by staying true to traditional stylistic execution. But they also update the music and reach out to a broad audience by occasionally straying from the well-trod path of oft-covered favorites. The inclusion here of songs such as John Sebastian's "Nashville Cats" continues this custom, while a rousing version of Bill Monroe's classic "Get Down on Your Knees and Pray" plus songs from Jimmy Martin and Johnnie & Jack are sure to please the sticklers. On song after song, the fiddles fly, the voices soar, and the high lonesome keeps callin'. Play on... --Alexandra Russell
"The Del McCoury Band is a force to be reckoned with! Anyone that thinks traditional bluegrass is stale should hear these guys! As much as I love newgrass (Bela Fleck, Sam Bush) and slamgrass (Leftover Salmon) this is the real thing. They even play around a stading microphone in concert. McCoury's voice is one in a million...the best bluegrass voice I've ever heard. This album is smoking from start to finish. From the opening gallop of "A Far Cry" to the good humour and strut of "Nashville Cats" to the Bill Monroe classic "Get Down On Your Knees and Pray" this album covers all things great about bluegrass. Great playing, great singing, songs about real life, humor, and songs you wouldn't be afraid to let your kids hear. Its true family music (Del's two sons are in the group.)Guitar, violin, bass, banjo & mandolin = true bluegrass perfection. The fiery instrumental "Red Eyes on a Mad Dog" will almost make you tired just sitting there. I don't typically like to go overboard with superlatives, but this is just the way it should be!Buy this immediately, you won't be sorry."
High Lonesome
Ben Fitzgerald | 01/19/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Del McCoury has such a unique and powerful voice. And these songs showcase just how good he can be. In addition, the band, with sons Rob and Ronnie, is faultless. There are some great bluegrass bands out there, but these guys may be the best. And Ronnie could well be the world's most talented madolin player. There is not a bad song on the CD, but their version of "Nashville Cats" followed by Bill Monroe's "Get Down on Your Knees and Pray" is a notable high point. There is so much life, love and passion coming from every voice and every instrument. So, like the image on the disk suggests, lets raise our glasses and toast a living ledgend of bluegrass... Ladies and Gentlemen... Del McCoury."
Get to know The Family!
Greg D. | Virginia | 05/28/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This record is fantastic. I believe it is as strong as the band's last couple of efforts, which are great, and can't imagine it rating any less than 5 stars. The band is in marvelous form. It's all here, great melodies, outstanding musicianship, daring and interesting song selections, beautiful vocal harmonies. The songs range from hard-driving to stirring and soulful, and are always quality performances. Plus, nobody puts the blue in bluegrass like Del McCoury. The music is true and pure and should and send a chill up your spine more than once. This record is a home run from the best band in bluegrass."
Not many better than this one..........
Reece White | Shelby,NC | 07/25/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is truly a great bluegrass cd.Buy this one,stick it in the cd player and take a ride with Del and the boys you want forget.I promise you will find it hard to take out! My fav's are back slidin blues and Nashville cats.5 Stars*****"
A Modern Classic
K. Hohman | Richmond, Virginia United States | 06/24/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The Family (why they keep listing it as "Family" I don't know) is truly a modern bluegrass classic. With the range of its compositions, the precise execution of the McCoury boys and the genuine emotion pouring from each track, The Family matches and even surpasses the best bluegrass recorded to this day. I find it strange that not too many people have latched on to what a perfectly balanced and exquisite piece of music "A Far Cry" is. I would like to nominate it as the new state song for Virginia. As for "City Of Stone," it is as moving a song of soul-searching and redemption as you will hear in any genre---not to mention a clever metaphor. The only thing that can top listening to this disc is seeing The Del McCoury Band live."