Search - Kristin Scott Benson :: Second Season

THE BANJOIST OF 2008 IN A FIERY, ROUSING BLUEGRASS SET.

RBSProds | Deep in the heart of Texas | 01/13/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Five BIG Stars!! Marvelous performances! When fleet-fingered, imaginative banjoist Kristin Scott Benson released Straight Paths in 2002, it was a shot across the bow of the bluegrass world showing great promise. Six years later, this banjo virtuoso was recognized by the International Bluegrass Music Association as the Best Banjoist of 2008 in heady competition with the likes of J. D Crowe of 'New South' fame, Jim Mills, Ron Stewart and the legendary Earl Scruggs. She has performed with the 'Larry Stephenson Band', 'Larry Cordie and Lonesome Standard Time', and in 2008 'The Grascals'. She is married to the marvelous 'IIIrd Tyme Out' mandolinist Wayne Benson who also performs on this CD. The other musicians include: Jim Van Cleve and Shad Cobb on fiddle, Andy Todd and Mickey Harris on bass, and Cody Kilby also on guitar.



This CD has 8 instrumentals and 4 vocals. The 'best of the best' begin with a sizzling "Don't Tread on Me" (with the solo lead passing from mandolin, banjo, guitar & fiddle before they trade 'fours') and a humorous "Bugle Call Rag" featuring the stout guitar wizadry of David Grier and Kristin's blazing banjo. "No Steering, No Brakes" is flawless, inspiring bluegrass picking, strumming, and bowing at its finest. "Trying Times" is a multi-tempo song with Celtic influences. The touching "Far Enough Away" went straight to my iPod. The singing is excellent in both solo and harmonizing providing a nice change of pace: especially Josh Williams on "No Southern Comfort" and the uptempo ballad "Imagine That", a duet by Sally Jones & Mickey Harris. But the instrumentals themselves are the show here and they are AWESOME with instrumental virtuosity and group dynamics that are often breathtaking. If you've never tried bluegrass, this is the one to jump in on. The musicianship is authentic, heartfelt, and astounding. Highly Recommended. Five HUGE Stars!! (This review is based on an iTunes download.)"