Customer Reviews

Bluegrass Alphabet.

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I thoroughly enjoyed "Bluegrass Alphabet." Joe Ross shows great talent and versatility. His music is the kind everyone can enjoy. I play the CD over and over and definitely recommend it.
Dorothy Liles

This is a great cd of Joe's sings. I'm very impressed the way Joe tells a story. I like them all, "She Has a Gypsy Heart" and "God has all The Answers" beautiful song with such feeling. I liked "My Desert Home' a lot, I love trail songs and ballads of the West. Joe sure had the best pickers to help him. Joe Ross is a famous guy and has done so much for our music. He sings his lyrics so plain, I don't have to wonder what he's saying and I like that. I like number 12 "My Bonnie" that's so beautiful I didn't know Joe played piano also. He reminds me of Dan Seals. Well packaged. Sincerely, Pete Goble song writer and sometime singer

Joe Ross is a writer of interesting, informative and imaginative musical reviews so it's not really a surprise to find his talents also extend to writing bluegrass music. The music is as interesting and compelling as his other writings.

Bluegrass Alphabet is almost all-original material and to those familiar with Joe's other two most recent recordings will already know what to expect-more well written bluegrass performed by Joe and accompanied by a solid lineup of first class musicians. Bluegrass Alphabet includes eleven of his original vocals and one instrumental remake of the old folk song "My Bonnie." Many renowned musicians surround him on this project and together the talent is obvious to even the most casual listener.

One interesting song called "The Loneliest Season," a traditional sounding song influenced no doubt by the winter time both in reference to the season and the season of the heart includes a chilling lead vocal shared by Jamie Kruse. The gospel song Joe calls "One Day Soon," another traditional sound was actually written years ago brings the timeless message of encouragement to the believer. "My Desert Home," a great sounding song with a more modern flavor is headed up by the melodic mandolin and takes the listener on a trip to the ageless desert in Nevada with a compelling western flavor. "You Can Make A Difference," brings the message embodied in the title, for all to step up and get involved. Another highlight, a song called "Tomorrow's Yesterday" reminds us all to treasure the wonderful memories of our youth, as today becomes tomorrows yesterday and memories fade with today's attractions. Joe's take on the old song "My Bonnie" is interesting in itself as played on what else but a koto, keyboard and whistle. The title cut "Bluegrass Alphabet" brings bluegrass meaning to the alphabet from A to Z.

Bluegrass Alphabet is a fun album filled with fun music and will do well for Joe and his friends. I'm already looking forward to his next album.

A very classy Bluegrass Album from this very talented singer/songwriter, who wrote eleven of the twelve tracks. All tracks were put over really well and with good sensitive singing. A host of great musicians joined Joe and provided high quality complimentary supporting music, enhancing the listeners' enjoyment of the album. These super tracks come over best - Bluegrass Alphabet, The Place Where I was Born, The Loneliest Season. I also enjoyed One Day Soon (The Sun Will Shine), She Has A Gypsy Heart, Canyon of Sorrows, and God Has All the Answers. These are all very good offerings. This album should be a very popular release and is well produced and full of high quality tracks. Graham Hassall, country music broadcaster, Radio Nightingale, Blyth, Nr. Worksop, Notts. S81 8HF, U.K.

Joe Ross's bluegrass signature is one of originality and varied styles delivered with enthusiasm and energy by a large, diverse group of talented musicians. "Bluegrass Alphabet", the latest release from this award-winning songwriter, arranger, and versatile multi-instrumentalist does not disappoint. Here is a collection of a dozen original songs and arrangements-reflective and mournful ballads, often autobiographical and personal, hard-driving breakdowns, gospels, and the occasional philosophical rumination. The title cut is a frolic that captures a different aspect of the bluegrass spirit for every letter of the alphabet. Well, almost. Joe punts at "XYZ".

Each cut reflects the tight, professional arrangements and successful blend of voices we've come to expect from him. Another characteristic of Joe's work is the incorporation of Celtic and Japanese influences. Once again he uses the novelty of the Japanese koto, autoharp, and pennywhistle to charming effect in a novel rendition of the old traditional "My Bonnie".