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THE REVIEW:
Talk about credentials. Randy Scruggs surely has them. Even if they only consisted of having Earl Scruggs for a father, he would get your attention. Add to that, the fact that he is an award winning producer, hit song writer, great session player, and has a Grammy of his own for his guitar playing. This particular album showcases Scruggs along with a number of his friends, such as Vince Gill, Emmylou Harris, John Prine, Bruce Hornsby, Trisha Yearwood, Joan Osborne, Travis Trit, Iris DeMent, Rosanne Cash, Roger McGuinn, Marry Chapin Carpenter, LeRoy Parnell, Jerry Douglas, his dad Earl, and his 17 years old daughter Lindsey, along with some other kindred spirits.
The album goes from the old time sound of Wildwood Flower, done by Emmylou Harris and Irish DeMent, to much more contemporary things, such as Travel On with Hornsby and Parnell. It covers a wide range of music, which is one of Scrugg's strong points. He is at home in many styles of music. Purists might find it hard to listen to the variety.
Scruggs began to play the guitar when he was 11. At age 13, he played on his first recording. Not long after that, his guitar work became a regular feature on Flatt and Scruggs albums. What may surprise a few listeners is the strong vocals done by Scruggs. In the past, he has been more content to just play and produce. But, he can sing, as well as play. As a song writer, he has had more than 100 songs recorded by major artists, such as Patty Loveless, Trisha Yearwood, Sawyer Brown, John Anderson and Waylon Jennings. He also wrote Deana Carter's number one song, "We Danced Anyway." He wrote or co-wrote five of the songs on this album. It's obvious that he liked doing this project. He said, "I've been given a ticket to the world's greatest playground and a chance to host a once-in-a-life-time party….I feel blessed to have this opportunity. Thanks"
Reprise Records
Available at most record shops.