Customer Reviews

Family Circle

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The Del McCoury Band hit another one out of the park with Family Circle. The tone is set with "Sweet Appalachia", written by Alan Johnston who is one of the best song writers in the business. Listening to Del and the boys sing this song--well, it just takes you up into that beautiful land of Appalachia. Del's and Ron's vocals just take you up into the hills and hollows of Appalachia but more importantly, they make you feel the soul, the pride, and the strength of the Appalachian people. Another cut that stands out for me is "Revenuer's Blues" which was well written by Del's son, Rob, and the one and only Ronnie Bowman. This was Rob's first effort at song writing and I expect to hear more from him in the future. "White Pass Railroad" written by Laurence Baer is based on a true story about the White Pass Railroad being built during the Klondike Gold Rush. This song is another of the many highlights of the CD. It is a `makes ya feel good' song that tells of one of America's engineering marvels and the `can-do' spirit of the men who built it. "Prairie Wedding" has a mystical, musical intro with Del's vocals telling the story of a man and woman who had never met but by letter, then marries and heads out into the vastness of the prairie to make a life. Del`s vocals invokes the loneliness that must have been present during the westward expansion. A Del McCoury CD would not be complete without a blues tune from the bluest man in town and he nails it with "Delma Blue". Del always includes a gospel song on his CDs and "I'm Justified" is a wonderfully uplifting one. There's not a weak song on this CD.

While Family Circle has fresh and all new material, it still has that vintage Del sound to it! Del McCoury has never sounded better--just like fine wine, he gets better with age. There's no one that can sing bluegrass like Del. As you listen to this, you will definitely feel that you are a part of the McCoury Family Circle.

The first 10 words from Sweet Appalachia sum it: "I got that sweet mountain soul down in my bones". Love it, especially Hello Lonely and I'm Justified. A steal for $5.00

I have been a fan for years, but I love this new album. Some classic sounds with some new twists. But as usual Del's voice is high lonesome and true...love it boys!!!

I happened to see them perform at Bonnaroo 2009. I really enjoyed the musicianship of the band members and the performances. Del is a great band leader. It was a hot muggy day but he was a cool cat in front of that mic. As soon as I got back to Florida, I made sure to include this album in my must purchase list. Family Circle is a great introduction to the band. The mixes are clean and vocals are crisp. Prairie Wedding is my favorite song. Such a visual story boosted by great playing and standout vocals.

All I can say is that I purchased this CD a month ago and I have to listen to at least 1 cut everyday.

If you are into bluegrass at all, then you know about the McCoury Family. They have been around forever and have won tons of awards, deservedly so. If you like old-school type bluegrass these are the folks for you. They are straight ahead, no holds barred, true to their roots bluegrass and the musicianship really is the best-being a family and playing together for so long they can play together in a way that most bands only dream about. A great one for your collection!

Have seen Del and the gang 2x at Bonnaroo and both shows have been listed among my favorites for the weekend. Had to get Family Circle the day it came out. This is now one of my favorite albums of all time. Have played it so much almost ready for a new CD! The songs are beautiful and soulful... brings out the best of the band! Cannot wait for Delfest! Thanks Del!

We love Del McCrory but this CD left us cold. It starts with a bang but out of the 14 songs we like about 4. It's back to buying favorite songs one at a time through iTunes!