For those that worried Del McCoury's recent box set was a swan song can now rest easy. "Family Circle," the band's first non-gospel studio album since 2005's Grammy winning "The Company We Keep" shows that somehow, Del McC... more »oury keeps getting better with age. This release features the same top notch picking and singing you expect from the Del McCoury Band, but also shows the band continues to grow and evolve with some song selections and arrangements that may surprise you. There are some covers--as the band has come to be known for over the years--with tunes formerly recorded by Slim Whitman, Mark Knopfler, and Solomon Burke, but probably most surprising is Jerry Lee Lewis' "Break Up" on which the band uses their acoustic instruments to mimic The Killer's piano sounds. There are also some more traditional numbers and a gospel quartet that shows the McCourys as a band don't get enough credit for their vocal ability. All the songs are backed by the slickest picking in the land, and the combination makes for what some are already saying is the best recording the Del McCoury Band has ever made.« less
For those that worried Del McCoury's recent box set was a swan song can now rest easy. "Family Circle," the band's first non-gospel studio album since 2005's Grammy winning "The Company We Keep" shows that somehow, Del McCoury keeps getting better with age. This release features the same top notch picking and singing you expect from the Del McCoury Band, but also shows the band continues to grow and evolve with some song selections and arrangements that may surprise you. There are some covers--as the band has come to be known for over the years--with tunes formerly recorded by Slim Whitman, Mark Knopfler, and Solomon Burke, but probably most surprising is Jerry Lee Lewis' "Break Up" on which the band uses their acoustic instruments to mimic The Killer's piano sounds. There are also some more traditional numbers and a gospel quartet that shows the McCourys as a band don't get enough credit for their vocal ability. All the songs are backed by the slickest picking in the land, and the combination makes for what some are already saying is the best recording the Del McCoury Band has ever made.
"The Del McCoury Band hit another one out of the park with Family Circle. The tone is set with "Sweet Appalachia", written by Alan Johnston who is one of the best song writers in the business. Listening to Del and the boys sing this song--well, it just takes you up into that beautiful land of Appalachia. Del's and Ron's vocals just take you up into the hills and hollows of Appalachia but more importantly, they make you feel the soul, the pride, and the strength of the Appalachian people. Another cut that stands out for me is "Revenuer's Blues" which was well written by Del's son, Rob, and the one and only Ronnie Bowman. This was Rob's first effort at song writing and I expect to hear more from him in the future. "White Pass Railroad" written by Laurence Baer is based on a true story about the White Pass Railroad being built during the Klondike Gold Rush. This song is another of the many highlights of the CD. It is a `makes ya feel good' song that tells of one of America's engineering marvels and the `can-do' spirit of the men who built it. "Prairie Wedding" has a mystical, musical intro with Del's vocals telling the story of a man and woman who had never met but by letter, then marries and heads out into the vastness of the prairie to make a life. Del`s vocals invokes the loneliness that must have been present during the westward expansion. A Del McCoury CD would not be complete without a blues tune from the bluest man in town and he nails it with "Delma Blue". Del always includes a gospel song on his CDs and "I'm Justified" is a wonderfully uplifting one. There's not a weak song on this CD.
While Family Circle has fresh and all new material, it still has that vintage Del sound to it! Del McCoury has never sounded better--just like fine wine, he gets better with age. There's no one that can sing bluegrass like Del. As you listen to this, you will definitely feel that you are a part of the McCoury Family Circle.
"
Sweet mountain soul!
J. C. Quarles | 02/05/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The first 10 words from Sweet Appalachia sum it: "I got that sweet mountain soul down in my bones". Love it, especially Hello Lonely and I'm Justified. A steal for $5.00"
Classic mccoury with a twist
Carla Fairchilds | 02/05/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have been a fan for years, but I love this new album. Some classic sounds with some new twists. But as usual Del's voice is high lonesome and true...love it boys!!!"
Great introduction to The Del McCoury Band
Tane Hopu | Orlando Fl | 02/05/2010
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I happened to see them perform at Bonnaroo 2009. I really enjoyed the musicianship of the band members and the performances. Del is a great band leader. It was a hot muggy day but he was a cool cat in front of that mic. As soon as I got back to Florida, I made sure to include this album in my must purchase list. Family Circle is a great introduction to the band. The mixes are clean and vocals are crisp. Prairie Wedding is my favorite song. Such a visual story boosted by great playing and standout vocals."