Customer Reviews

Cherryholmes II Black And White

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
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...life.

Let me explain. The musicianship of this family keeps getting better and better - there isn't a one of them that couldn't instantly step into any other top-tier bluegrass band out there. The exceptional tightness with which they play on this album is matched in their live performances - these folks are absolute pros.

But I have the same problem with this album that I did with the last one. In many regards, this album is better; the band's skill as players continues to develop; the vocal arrangements are exquisite and more sophisticated; the production is even better. There's an awful lot to like here. So what's the problem? The songwriting. Frankly, most of the family-written songs are competent but no more than that. They're standard-issue retreads of common bluegrass/country themes, along the lines of why-did-you-leave-me and gee-I-screwed-up-which-is-why-my-life-stinks. Okay, classic themes, but none of the songs say these things in an interesting way. They're saved by virtuosity in singing and playing - but this band at least in theory has the potential to be even more. Sure do wish they could create lyrics as good as their playing and singing.

The one exception to the songwriting complaint is Sandy Lee's oddly affecting "My True Love," which doesn't steal from bluegrass standards at all - it goes back further into English folk songs, and curiously enough, it really works.

There are several covers on the disc and frankly, they just plain work better (for example, the band does an exquisite reading of Robert Gately's "Heat of the Morning").

So is this a fine bluegrass album? Yes indeed. Cherryholmes has a unique sound, in large part to its two-fiddle lineup. It has exceptional drive due to rock-solid bass playing and one of the least-flashy but most rhythmic banjo players working. It has great vocals and superb solo work. You like bluegrass, and you'll like the album. I just hope that their next album includes lyrics that make me think "damn - how'd they come up with THAT?"

A year ago I had no idea about the Cherryholmes family band. Today I know them to be the finest family bluegrass band going. In this, their second CD, the group shows impressive growth - several members of the band write original material and all of them can pick and sing with the best of them

Daughter Cia Cherryholmes continues to develop her skills as a banjo player, and is becoming a truly impressive songwriter and vocalist. I can easily see her becoming a significant solo artist. The rest of the family is pretty good, too. Close harmonies, tight musicianship, excellent lead vocals (although Cia is clearly the standout vocalist) What more could you ask?

I liked all of the songs on this disc but I was particularly impressed with the songs Cia wrote such as "You Don't Know What Love Is", "I Don't Know" , "Turned Me Down" and Don't Give Your Heart to A Knoxville Girl"

Three excellent instrumentals "Darkness On The Delta", "The Nine Yards" and "Bootstrap Hill" give the family a chance to stretch and display their instrumental prowess. While the CD consists mostly of originals, they do a nice cover on the Lester Flatt composition "I'll Never Shed Another Tear"

I really could rattle on all day about this CD but suffice it to say, this is one of the best bluegrass CDs issued in this, or any othe year

If your looking for a good example of Bluegrass music, this is the CD for you...I have seen Cherryholmes perform and their singing,playing and clogging is perfection...This CD can take you from mellow to foot stomping...I absolutely advise anyone to purchase this CD...You won't be disappointed...

Cherryholmes first Skaggs Family cd was excellent and it appears the family is starting a tradition. This cd is solid country and bluegrass. The instruments are played with technical skill , feeling, and the arrangements are perfect for each song. The singing is top notch and I much prefer Cia Cherryholmes voice in clarity and range. It is good to hear the boys sing more, and Sandy as well! Highly recommended.

I am not an expert on Bluegrass. But, with this band both the vocals and the musicianship are outstanding. I particularly enjoy the way each of the members of the band assume the lead vocal role on different tracks. Each member is given the chance to high light there viturosity.

[excellant bluegrass cd would definately recommend this cd to anyone.[ASIN:B000QXDJBS Cherryholmes II: Black and White]]

Cherryholmes II: Black and White This is just good bluegrass the way it used to be. Hey, either you like it or you don't.

The Family Members that make up Cherryholmes are a talented group of musicians. You owe it to yourself to check out their website and give them a listen. I did and that's what sold me on them.

Cherryholmes, for those that don't know, isn't just a group name. It's actually their last name. The Father, Jere, plays the upright bass, Sandy, the Mother, plays mandolin, Daughters Cia,( banjo), and Molly, (fiddle) and finally their Sons, Skip (guitar) and B.J. (fiddle).

In addition to their talents with their respective instruments and great harmonies, Cia, Molly, B.J. and Sandy wrote six of the twelve cuts. Not to mention an instrumental piece composed by B.J. So, with The Cherryholmes you get the whole package, writers, singers and pickers.

So, if you ask me, buy the cd and if you get the chance, attend one of their concerts. I will be doing just that real soon.

I recently gained an appreciation for bluegrass (I have been into good classic rock and classical for years).

When I saw Cherryholmes listed to play last summer at the Spencer Theater, I first bought the "Black and White" CD here at Amazon after hearing the samples. I looked forward to it, as I did a couple CD's from Allison Kraus a year earlier.

After my wife and I played the CD, we were hooked. We bought tickets to their Ruidoso show, and that was one of the best concerts I have been to and well-worth the 2-1/2 hour drive.

Cherryholmes' musicianship was tight AND highly inspired, which is an unbeatable combination. Buy the CD (and they have earlier ones, as well), but try to catch them in concert...they have a heavy tour schedule, so they are bound to come somewhere near you.

An excellent follow up to the first release! Vocals are out of this world! Very versed family! You will enjoy this CD!