About this Artist

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Editorial Reviews

The first album-length collaboration between Ricky Skaggs and Bruce Hornsby comes with certain expectations. Suffice it to say, no one will leave disappointed. Backed by Skaggs' redoubtable Kentucky Thunder band and featuring guest shots by the likes of dobro giant Jerry Douglas and the ever-hip traditionalist John Anderson, the pair weave bluegrass and jazz-pop into a seamless, exhilarating tapestry. Hornsby contributes 4 of the 11 songs, including a minor-key, brooding rethinking of his hit "Mandolin Wind," as well as the lilting, Irish-tinged "Crown of Jewels." In addition to arranging some traditional tunes for the ensemble, Skaggs offers a toe-tapping new instrumental, "Stubb," that allows Hornsby plenty of room for a frolicsome piano solo that sets up Andy Leftwich's vibrant fiddle. Of the story-songs here (Hornsby's jazzy "A Night On the Town," the traditional "Across the Rocky Mountain"), the brisk, strutting "Hills of Mexico," about a cattle drive gone horribly awry, elicits Skaggs' most engaged, keening vocal. And who could have predicted the album closer? It's a driving bluegrass treatment of, yes, Rick James's "Super Freak," spotlighting John Anderson's wry lyric readings in between some super-hot pickin' by all concerned. Shame on them. Do it again, please. David McGee, Barnes & Noble

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