Customer Reviews

Appalachian Picking Society

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

iTunes tells me I have now listened to this CD 12 times, but I've played it on the stereo several more and I'm ready to rave about it. Michael Hedges' Aerial Boundaries is one of my all-time favorites - I never found another that could compete until now. There are no super-human guitar stunts here, but like Aerial Boundaries, this collection is packed full of the haunting yet restful sense of home, wood, and simpler times that I enjoy so much.

Though the production quality has the clarity and presence you would expect from Windham Hill, the performances are extremely sincere and unassuming. Sometimes it sounds as though the musicians were whispering the tunes into your ear as if they are too personal to play for anyone else. Parts of it might almost be mistaken for a Smithsonian Folkways recording because of the traditional instruments and melodies. Other times it breaks into a lively Irish jig or reel. Though this is modern music, it captures a sense of what is good about traditional life in these Appalachian mountains where I now live.

Even if you care nothing for any of that, this is the perfect album for taking a bath or entertaining close friends around the fire. A must buy for folk string enthusiasts. I think there is even a hurdy-gurdy on one tune.

I was browsing my library's CD collection, looking for some bluegrass, and found this CD. I think its very great, they take all these really good appalachian players, and have jamming sessions with them. I hope you enjoy it as much as I am.

E4

I love this CD. I especially listen to it in the car when I want to enjoy music without having to think about it (and don't want something that will put me to sleep!) I'm not exactly a big bluegrass fan... My appreciation for it started with Nickel Creek about 8 years ago and I've expanded to Alison Krauss and some others over time; however this music would appeal to almost anyone with its intricate guitar/banjo picking. It's obvious the musicians are incredibly talented, and I would recommend it to anyone who just appreciates quality music.

I just bought a stack of CDs at a local Borders close-out and this was the sleeper of the bunch! I couldn't agree more with the four, five star reviews I've read here. Warm and mellow and beautifully produced with notes that give the name and vintage of all the instruments. Also great fun to pick along with on my Martin OM-15.
I live in a NJ condo but when I play this CD I'm transported to a beautiful, golden mountain scape that probably exists only in my imagination ( the power of music )

I checked this out from my local library and had to buy it. It is a great selection of music from tallented players. It is great music to read, study, or relax to. Buy this CD

I was on a trip to USA in Sept., and was shopping CD's in Barnes and Noble on Route 4 , New Jersey.The music they played in the background crept into my ears, and I asked the clerk what kind of music. Small suprise, I bought the CD.(together with too many, way too many other CD's, hope my wife does not know!!) Home in Norway, I put this on, and it has been my comfort since Kerry lost the election. I own many a CD with Bluegrass, folk,etc. etc., but this 2004 vitage picking from (for me), almost unknown people, has been a pleasently surprise. The melodies grows and grows on you, and I neglect the dozens of other CD's I should play. Now I sit, with the whole series of Stephen King's "Dark Tower", starting with "The Gunslinger" and playing this CD. (Did I forget to tell: I also have a sniffer of old brandy!)
But seriously, buy that CD!!

This CD was one of the Amazon recommendations, and after listening to a few clips, purchased the CD.

I've enjoyed listening to Appalachian Picking Society so much; it's now a my favorite go to CD after a long day. It's beautifully wistful music, that transports the soul.

I'm sure glad samples can be heard prior to purchasing, as it was false advertising for Amazon to include this with their new bluegrass releases; it hardly even qualifies as old time or new grass (which I guess is how one would classify the soporific AKUS). "Appalachian Picking Society" is Windham Hill new age, which is fine, but it should be categorized more accurately.