CD Details
Synopsis
Product DescriptionBrand new bluegrass CD by true-to-her-Kentucky-roots, singer, songwriter, banjoist, Pam Gadd. Pam's background is quite extensive, and that of a self-made pro, having made the rounds as lead vocalist-guitarist with Grammy and Academy of Country Music-nominees, all-female country group, Wild Rose (Capital Records), touring as backup vocalist/acoustic guitarist for Patty Loveless, singing regularly on the Grand Ole Opry as duet partner with Country Music Hall of Famer, the legendary Porter Wagoner (until his recent death in Oct. 2007), and originally entering the bluegrass music field as banjoist-vocalist for The Muddy River Band and Kentucky-based, New Coon Creek Girls. Here, listeners will be sure to give Pam more than the 'Benefit of Doubt' as she steps out on her own for the first time in 8 years with her 3rd solo CD. Filled with a mix of traditional bluegrass favorites as well as 9 brilliantly-penned originals, the disc jumps to life from the moment Gadd's hard-driving 5-string banjo kicks into the Jimmy Martin classic, 'Hold Whatcha Got' - to the 14th and final cut, 'Farewell Wagon Master', a heartfelt, tearful tribute to her former friend and Boss man, the legendary Porter Wagoner. Self-produced and, first time ever, independently self-released, Gadd brings together an impressive array of some of the music industry's most highly-praised pickers and singers to create a powerful and touching bluegrass performance. Songs include a fun and memorable duet with the delightful Dolly Parton on a hand-clapping rendition of Parton's own 'AppleJack' (featuring Gadd on claw hammer banjo for the first time, as well). On harmony vocals throughout, and fitting Gadd's voice like a glove, is the angelic voice of former New Coon Creek Girl band mate (and current 2-time IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year), Dale Ann Bradley. Every song is worthy of radio play with amazing performances and accompaniment by lightning-fast acoustic guitar master, Bryan Sutton, fiddle and mandolin wizards, Aubrey Haynie and Andy Leftwich (Ricky Skaggs' Kentucky Thunder), remarkable harmony vocals by Grasstowne's Steve Gulley, as well as (former Wild Rose compadres, Wanda Vick Burchfield with session-bassist and husband Mark Burchfield), on powerhouse dobro, and Nancy Given-Gardner weaving a warm blend of harmony vocals (as well as taking the seat of co-producer for the 2nd time around with Gadd). An unexpected treat of a track is a cry-in-your-bluegrass-beer duet of the Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn classic, 'After the Fire is Gone' with the unmistakable voice of former award-winning country group, Shenandoah, Marty Raybon. Marty and Steve Gulley also jump in to form a tight bluegrass trio with Gadd on the Osborne Brothers' (admittedly her all-time favorite bluegrass band,) foot-stomping classic, 'Tennessee Hound Dog'. Other songs include acoustic-bluegrass performances of Gadd's self-penned 'Home Sweet Highway', and Grammy-nominated (Best Instrumental Performance), 'Hit the Highway (previously recorded countrygrass style by Wild Rose). A totally enjoyable bluegrass experience, this disc is sure not to leave your CD player for a long, long time.
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CD Reviews
Gadd's New CD: Excellent without a "Doubt" T. Yap | Sydney, NSW, Australia | 05/24/2009 (5 out of 5 stars) "Prime Cuts: Farewell Wagon Master, Just Love Me, The Only Thing Left Between Us
Over the years, Gadd has worn many hats: once part of dysfunctional groups such as New Coon Creek Girls and later the Wild Rose, Gadd later became a professional banjoist, then she sang backings for Patty Loveless before touring and recording with her mentor Porter Wagoner. Nevertheless, without a doubt, nothing fits her better than to stand behind the microphone making her own records. Gadd's crystal clear soprano is so strikingly beautiful that she can easily head the parade of today's divas. And with this new record so gorgeously majestic, Gadd's destiny as the next big thing in bluegrass music is sealed. Dressed scantily with the best of the rustic instruments so familiar to bluegrass and country music, these 14 tracks truly are fashionably stellar. Mining the gravitas of human's deepest emotions over stories so poignant and realistic, this CD sets a new standard of artistry as far as songs go.
Just like her previous efforts, Gadd flexes her muscle as a songwriter on more than half of these 14 tracks. Best of which comes at the end of the disc: "Farewell Wagon Master." A touching eulogy to her former boss Porter Wagoner, "Farewell Wagon Master" weaves into its intricate melody Wagoner's "Green Green Grass of Home" making it the perfect tribute to one of country music's legends. Equally rich in emotions is the sentimental "The Only Thing Left between Us" which celebrates love in its golden years over some colourful fiddling. Gadd truly showcase her mettle as a songwriter with "Just Love Me." Here she takes the heart cry of every human being and set it to music that is simple, sweet and so mesmerising. Yet, on the other hand, on her self-penned "Until She Makes It Home," a bluegrass ballad Gadd deals with an issue not often dealt with in songs: the disadvantages of a long life. It's hard not to shed a tear when Gadd sings about the abject loneliness that comes with outliving your friends, spouse and even your pets.
As for the disc's covers, Gadd has cast her nets wide enough to embrace works by Dolly Parton to the Osborne Brothers to her former Wild Rose. Of the two Wild Rose remakes: it's refreshing to hear her reprise the spit-fire burner "Hit the Highway." "Hit the Highway" tells of the unbreakable family tradition of travelling musicians starting with the daughter asking her dad why he had to leave home so often, only to have the child now an adult having to defend her itinerant lifestyle years after. Dolly Parton adds some spunk to her classic tale of the ace apple and banjo picker "Applejack" where she actually sang and almost stole the show from Gadd. On the other hand, Marty Raybon joins Gadd on the Conway Twitty/Loretta Lynn's hit "After the Fire Is Gone," which adds an old fashioned country flavour to this primarily bluegrass record. For some lighter moments, the Osborne Brothers' "Tennessee Hound Dog" will have one smiling as Gadd narrates with delight the tale of a treasured dog who still thinks he's the "backyard Romeo" when in reality he's "an age old home for fleas."
"Benefit of Doubt" lays to rest any doubt that Gadd or this record is boring. Gadd astride both the frisky numbers as well as those heart warming ballads equally well. Regardless of tempo, she sings her heart out. Further, these songs are intelligent, affectionate as well as carefully crafted to tell life's stories in fresh and innovative ways. Gadd wears her hat as a vocalist well; let's hope she'll visit us with releases of such calibre again and again.
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Track Listings (14) - Disc #1