Through numerous personnel changes across 18 years, the Lonesome River Band has established itself as one of the definitive groups in contemporary bluegrass. On this 2000 release, the ensemble recaptures the rocking drive ... more »and bluesy thrill of its early, still hungry, live performances. After 1999's mellow, polished Finding the Way--bassist Ronnie Bowman jokingly calls it "our pop album"--the band returns to more of a hard-smacking bluegrass sound, rooted in devastating harmonies, timeless songs--old, new, and unknown--and the kind of adventurous picking demanded of such acclaimed musicians. Banjoist Sammy Shelor sounds as if he's been freed from all expectations--traditional or progressive--playing with a rare fire and inventiveness. Don Rigsby builds on the back-to-basics experience of his all-star band Longview, turning in some of the most moving, in-the-pocket vocals of his career. Talkin' to Myself speaks across generations of bluegrass--with focus, intelligence, and power. --Roy Kasten« less
Through numerous personnel changes across 18 years, the Lonesome River Band has established itself as one of the definitive groups in contemporary bluegrass. On this 2000 release, the ensemble recaptures the rocking drive and bluesy thrill of its early, still hungry, live performances. After 1999's mellow, polished Finding the Way--bassist Ronnie Bowman jokingly calls it "our pop album"--the band returns to more of a hard-smacking bluegrass sound, rooted in devastating harmonies, timeless songs--old, new, and unknown--and the kind of adventurous picking demanded of such acclaimed musicians. Banjoist Sammy Shelor sounds as if he's been freed from all expectations--traditional or progressive--playing with a rare fire and inventiveness. Don Rigsby builds on the back-to-basics experience of his all-star band Longview, turning in some of the most moving, in-the-pocket vocals of his career. Talkin' to Myself speaks across generations of bluegrass--with focus, intelligence, and power. --Roy Kasten
I couldn't say it any better than the last reviewer (D Budd)
debbie-n-va | 08/10/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This CD Rocks! This was my first exposure to LRB. I have to tell you, just like the last reviewer said, the first time you here Swing that Hammer, you will be hooked. Some of the greatest collection of songs on one CD and expertly done. The old and the new blend together on this CD like none I've ever listened to. The vocal harmonies are tight and perfect. This IS a must for any bluegrass lover, new or old. I intend to purchase more of LRB's CDs soon. I tell you, this one ROCKS and RULES!!!!"
Get ready to swing the hammer
A Budd | Alberta | 06/21/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"From the first song you'll be into the Lonesome River Band. This CD is some of the best bluegrass I've heard. Lonesome River's Talkin' to Myself is precision and tight tight harmonies. After listening to Lonsome River marry the classics with some hot contemporarary rhythms and vocals you'll want to head out and add this CD to your collection. If you like bluegrass, this is a must. If you are wondering about bluegrass, this is a must. The sounds of Lonesome River are front and centre all the way!"
The Best version of LRB - and THAT's saying something!
Mark J. Fowler | Okinawa, Japan | 11/06/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have a friend with the time and financial freedom to attend every major Bluegrass event and he told me a year ago after the IBMA convention of last year that the current edition of Lonesome River Band was the best he had ever heard. I considered such a statement close to heresy. Since older versions of LRB had included such musicians as Adam Steffey and Dan Tyminski (both subsequently recruited directly into Alison Krauss' Union Station), to say that LRB was BETTER would be akin to saying the Chicago Bulls were better after Michael Jordan left. That being said, I listened to this CD and what can I say? They're better. With all due respect to Tim Austin and the other Bluegrass Giants who came before in LRB, this ensemble has it ALL going for them. Ronnie Bowman and Sammy Shelor sound like they've been given a second life and Ronnie Simpkins is playing as great as anything he did with Tony Rice or others. Don Rigsby and Kenny Smith complement the long-standing LRBers well and the collective effort is basically unsurpassed Bluegrass. These gentlemen essentially chose some excellent songs and then wail on them to perfection."
"It's one of those CD's where each track is equally as good as the
next.Wasn't familiar with LRB.Took a chance based on the reviews.
Glad I did. I'll definitely be adding more LRB to my collection."