The Bluegrass Storyteller

James King | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (January 25, 2005)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Rounder
• ASIN: B0006V6TKI
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #102,347 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

No Description Available.
Genre: Bluegrass
Media Format: Compact Disk
Rating:
Release Date: 25-JAN-2005

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Each lyric is delivered with very convincing emotion, March 2, 2005

By 

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

This review is from: The Bluegrass Storyteller (Audio CD)

Playing Time - 45:51 -- James King's robust vocals are known for being raw, pure and full of emotion. King also has a clear affinity for sad songs. He plays no guitar on this project, and instead just concentrates on telling his stories. And a sad song like "Echo Mountain" (written by Billy Smith and Mac Elliott) might bring tears to your eyes. There are no rollicking and smoldering extremes on "The Bluegrass Storyteller," but rather messages and musicianship that hold your attention in a different sort of way emphasizing a more subtle bluegrass framework. James renders a ballad, "Jerusalem Tomorrow," with only his vocals, some mournful fiddle and rhythm accompaniment. Two other numbers ("Second Handed Flowers" and "Carroll County Accident") are sung solo; five songs are arranged for duets. This leaner approach to the vocals allows us to stay focused on James King's emotive messages and personal intensity. James delivers each lyric with very convincing emotion.

King's consummate bandmates add a lot to this project. Guitarist/mandolinist Kevin Prater's high baritone on "Echo Mountain" is spine-tingling. Ben Greene's banjo drives "Flowers in the Dell" and "Carroll County Accident." Adam Haynes is blessed with a silky touch on his fiddle bow that allows him to move effortlessly from note to note. Jerry McNeely's bass provides a rock solid foundation, especially on more up-tempo selections like "Saginaw, Michigan." That piece builds to a soaring 3-part chorus with Prater and Greene assisting.

James King has won great acclaim from the bluegrass community for his heartfelt and soulful singing. A vocalist also knows that he must interpret songs with poignancy and character. He draws material from Tom T. Hall, Lefty Frizzell, David Olney, Bob Ferguson, Fred Eaglesmith, Buddy Miller, Carl Jackson and others. With a distinctive country feeling, James Kings' "The Bluegrass Storyteller" tells a baker's dozen of beautiful, life-affirming tales. Lilting melodies and tender sentiments characterize this album which closes with a stirring gospel quartet on "Just as the Sun Went Down." (Joe Ross, staff writer, Bluegrass Now)

5.0 out of 5 stars Unique!, January 1, 2009

By 

Sherri (SHENANDOAH VALLEY, VA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Bluegrass Storyteller (Audio CD)

This was a gift for my husband who really has enjoyed this CD, commenting that it is a unique blend of heart-wrenching bluegrass. Since he liked it so much, I bought my father the same CD - who also enjoys it!

5.0 out of 5 stars Crying in Your Soup, June 20, 2008

By 

Bill W "Bill W" (North Carolina) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Bluegrass Storyteller (Audio CD)

Like all James King music, this CD will have you crying in your soup. He's a classic bluegrass storyteller, perhaps the best and this CD will not disappoint you.