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SUPERLATIVE FOLK AND COUNTRY ROCK DELIVERED BY SEASONED VETS

citygeorge | 10/15/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Although Chris Hillman, Herb Pedersen, Larry and Tony Rice would probably wince at the term "bluegrass supergroup" - the fact remains that this informal quartet have delivered a superlative second album that is just as great if not better than their previous "Out of the Woodwork" album. The experience of years together and apart - the Byrds, Flying Burrito Brothers, the Dillards, Manassas, J.D.Crowe and the New South, Souther-Hillman-Furay, Linda Ronstadt, and the Desert Rose Band and of singing at folk and bluegrass conventions and concerts clearly rings true here. Fans of Chris Hillman surely will not be disappointed here. Hillman delivers two of his finest vocal performances (and he has had quite a few!) on Earl Montgomery's "One of These Days" - a spirited bluegrass acoustic guitar-flavored song once covered by EmmyLou Harris, and currently a staple in Hillman's recent live performances. The second highlight is one of his own (co-written with Steve Hill) entitled "Moment of Glory", which is a catchy tune in its own right. In addition Hillman sings lead on three other numbers - and provides harmonies throughout.His old partner and Desert Rose Band associate Pedersen also delivers a couple of stellar performances. His poignant vocal retelling the tale of the doomed loser ala "I Fought The Law" on Adam Mitchell's "Out Among The Stars" is very reminiscent of the Eagles "Lyin' Eyes" and "Desperado" or DRB's own "Running" - in the case of the aforementioned Eagles' tunes Pedersen and Hillman once again beat Henley and Frey at their own game. That isn't to say that Pedersen's warm tenor is wrapped around sad songs - he delivers a joyous though unusual rendition of Delaney and Bonnie's "NeverEnding Song of Love" and Mike Brewer's "Hearts Overflowing" - a grand love song.Larry Rice's vocals may not be as strong as those of Hillman's or Pedersen's, but the singing Rice Brother with a voice out of Hickory Wood also comes through with wry humour and credible vocals on the Dead's "Friend of the Devil" and "Side Effects of Love". Brother Tony, long regarded as one of the finest folk and bluegrass guitarists, shines on the solo on "Out Among The Stars" and on "One of These Days". With Hillman on mandolin, Pedersen on guitar and banjo, brother Larry on guitar and mandolin and Fred Travers on fine dobro - this is modern bluegrass with colourful shades of folk, and country rock blended throughout. Call me prejudiced, but if you liked "Out of the Woodwork" - and enjoy the music of Chris Hillman and Herb Pedersen, then you'll love "Rice, Rice Hillman and Pedersen"!"

A Super Album

Hazel Reynolds | Columbus, OH United States | 11/14/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I thought this album was a unique style of Bluegrass. I liked almost every song on the album. The song by Chris Hillman really stand out. For anyone who likes song that have meaningful words, The songs "I Will" and "Moment of Glory" are ones that can make you think. The great harmonies are wonderful. A person would not have to be a bluegrass fan to enjoy this album. I was also a Desert Rose Band fan so I was happy to know that Chris Hillman was still recording. I just sort of stumbled on ths album by checking out the albums that Amazon.com recommended based on ones I had previously purchased. I have listened to this album so much in just the two days I have had it that I could go on and on about every song. I'm just sorry that I didn't find it before now.Hazel"

A Great Road Trip Companion

citygeorge | New York, New York United States | 12/09/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I purchased this CD the night before an eleven hour road trip based on my love of Tony Rice's past works. The first eight bars of the first song, "Doesn't Mean That Much Anymore", sold me on the entire CD, as Rice plays the intro lead with his very recognizable style of picking. The rest of the tunes on this CD present an eclectic combination of musical genres, from simple country ballads to intricate and pure bluegrass classics. "One of These Days", "Friend of the Devil" and "Hearts Overflowing" are espcially nice. I would highly recommend this album to bluegrass regulars as well as those who are looking for a good "starter" CD."