Bluegrass Hits

Various Artists (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 8, 2005)
• Original Release Date: 2005
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Rounder / Umgd
• ASIN: B000BJS50C
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #309,865 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Explore the richness of bluegrass with this exciting collection of the finest performances from some of the biggest names in the genre. This hit-packed compilation features contributions from Alison Krauss and Union Station, Tony Rice, Rhonda Vincent, Ricky Skaggs, J.D. Crowe, and many more. Each track is a proven winner, chosen on the basis of its success on bluegrass radio. Together, these recordings form an ideal introduction to the vitality and breadth of this uniquely American music.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Tried, true, & tested bluegrass hits from Rounder Records, November 21, 2005

By 

J. Ross "a-music_fan" (Roseburg, OR USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Bluegrass Hits (Audio CD)

Playing Time - 65:57 -- At one time, the words "bluegrass" and "hit" would be contradictory. However, in more recent times with the great success and growth of the genre, bluegrass music can claim to have many top songs that are garnering significant radio airplay. Every song on this Rounder Records compilation placed in the Top Ten of Bluegrass Unlimited magazine's National Bluegrass Survey. So this sampler gives us a generous 66 minutes of tried, true and tested bluegrass. The chart is based on feedback from radio DJs and programmers so people that know the music have weighed in to name these songs as among the best of the best contemporary bluegrass dating from 1985-2005. Cuts come from a number of stalwarts such as Doyle Lawson, The Cox Family, Alison Krauss and Union Station, Tony Rice, Rhonda Vincent, Ricky Skaggs, J.D. Crowe, and Claire Lynch. Other emerging acts like Blue Highway, Longview, Alecia Nugent, Open Road and The Grascals are more recently on the scene, but no less impressive with their hits. It's impressive to see women playing such a prominent role among these hits. Hits are also drawn from highly-acclaimed solo releases Rob Ickes, Dan Tyminski, and Stuart Duncan. Unfortunately, a few of these groups who had hits (Johnson Mountain Boys, Weary Heart, Rambler's Choice) are no longer together. The 20-page CD booklet offers musician credits, a short summary about each group, and Rounder discography for further exploration.

"Bluegrass Hits" is a wonderful set from a leading label in the genre. It also makes a strong statement about where bluegrass music is headed. Listen to this album in context of what has gone before. I was surprised to hear the banjo and fiddle relegated to minor roles in some of the arrangements. In "Me and John and Paul," (IBMA's 2005 Song of the Year) there are percussion and pedal steel in the mix. Compared to the seminal works of bluegrass' founders, we hear songs with slower tempos and smooth, polished Nashville-style vocals. The resonator guitar also appears to be playing a more and more prominent role in the genre's current sound. "Bluegrass Hits" closes with the earliest track recorded, a 1988 version of the traditional "Dream of a Miner's Child" from the Johnson Mountain Boys. It's an interesting way to close this album - on a note that recognizes the spirit and significance of classic bluegrass from a band, now defunct, that never compromised their traditional sound. (Joe Ross, staff writer, Bluegrass Now)