All star special guests collection with Alison Krauss, Patty Griffin, Gillian Welch, Ricky Skaggs etc. Anti-theft device on back insert. Now that bluegrass is (again) momentarily cool, leave it to the Chieftains to (again) plunge an all-star country cast into the Celtic wellsprings of old-time music, just as they did 10 years ago with 1992's Another Country. It's no surprise that the Chieftains can handle the rapacious rhythms of a hot fiddle tune; whether they can go toe-to-toe with the likes of Tim O'Brien, Béla Fleck, Ricky Skaggs, and Del McCoury is another matter. Rest assured they can, and they even coax some inspired jamming from Earl Scruggs--who sounds like he has something to prove on "Sally Goodin"--and a chilling vocal from Alison Krauss on "Molly Ban," the Celtic equivalent of "Fair and Tender Maidens." The Chieftains' only miscue comes in wasting Vince Gill's talents on a busily arranged "Dark as a Dungeon." While this set will likely appeal more to fans of contemporary Irish music than to hard-core twang fans, anyone who loves acoustic roots music will find these collaborations refreshing, if not down-right bracing. --Roy Kasten
This album is so stunning.. Full of heartfelt music that will make you (literally) want to beg for more. Bluegrass is becoming more popular these days, because people WANT to hear the best in music. This album will not disappoint. My favorite tracks would be the title (John Hiatt, of course =).."Country Blues" with Buddy & Julie Miller and "Katie Dear" featuring Gillian Welch & David Rawlings (What a sound!!) I've never been a hugh fan of The Chieftains, but this album will give me more insight into their s..
The Chieftains are in flying form on their latest album where the cream of the twin traditions of Irish Traditional and American Country Music come together for a Seisiun.
One sign of true stardom in the performing arts is the ability to share the stage, not only to let others have their moment, but to let them outshine you. In this respect, the Chieftains truly are stars of traditional music -- something I'm sure we all knew!