Customer Reviews

Quartet

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Peter Rowan has a remarkable voice. I've long thought that there but for the grace of Panama Red, he should stand where Del McCoury stands today--as THE voice of bluegrass (Ralph Stanley notwithstanding). Following his apprenticeship (over 40 years ago!) as a Blue Grass Boy, he chose an eclectic musical path by which to earn his living. But amidst the rock, the reggae, the rockabilly, the singer/songwriter, Peter Rowan has always been at his best when singing bluegrass. That's why this album--basically free of Rowan's overwrought ululating--is such a treat. Musically, the quartet is anchored by the guitar wizardry of Tony Rice, about whom enough can't be said. Sharon Gilchrist holds forth on mandolin and is severely overmatched by Rice, but her role in this band is vocal, filling out the sweet trio with Rowan and bassist Bryn Bright. The music is sharp and mature and while there is enough real bluegrass here, I still harbor hope that Rowan will some day hit the road with a full assemblage of hot pickers and singers and become Bill Monroe already.

Hi, guys. Nice to see some positive reviews of the Rowan/Rice album, "Quartet" up here. When I play this record in my kitchen, I always hit "play" again when it finishes. It is seamless. It seems too short when I get to the end (I want to start all over again, to quote The Band!). That's a good sign. I thought I'd never find another version of "Rain and Snow" that competed for my heart after hearing Muleskinner's version, with Peter's vocals from long ago. But this is so gorgeous; Sharon and Bryn's harmonies make it more ethereal; it's a different sound (Muleskinner is still 100% precious). Shady Grove is the "big O" notewise (y'all laugh). Haha, hey, ain't they all? That's a stunning cover of Martin's & the Osborne Brothers', etc., "Sunny Side of the Mountain." Peter has good ears for well-written songs in selecting
Patti Smith's "Trespasses." It's incredibly sensitive a song, a surprise, coming from a "punk priestess" (more to punk priestess than meets the eye). Gotta love it. Vicks

The old Bluegrass Boy, Peter Rowan and the great flat top guitar player Tony Rice have teamed up with two other musicians, mandolinist Sharon Gilchrist and bass player Bryn Davies to create some wonderful music. I love the vocals in Midnight Moonlight. Rowan cut Midnight Moonlight on the Old and In the Way in 1975 and this may be the best recording so far with a new energy that has you singing along. A great addition to your CD collection.

This is the first time I've ever reviewd anything so let me get to the point.
This album blew my socks rite off. I`ve got chills up and down my arm as I write. If I could give 10 stars I would. BUY THIS ALBUM!!!!! This is my fovorite cd in my vast collection. Simply breathtaking. Tony I love you.

We got to hear 3/4 of the quartet recently at a local club, and they were great, but Tony Rice wasn't there that night, and it's nice to hear them all together (and add another Peter Rowan title to my iTunes library).

This album is a terrific collection of five-star songs by the greatest living flatpicking country bluegrass guitarist and one of the greatest living country bluegrass songwriters. The best blend of the traditional bluegrass idiom with contemporary interpretive flair that I've heard. And listening to Tony Rice play the guitar is a religious experience.

I have heard many of these songs live, and this album captures the feeling of being there. Midnight Moonlight is one of the best jams I have ever heard. If you like Americana music, this album is a must have for your collection!!

I loved the first album but the songs and guitar work on this album are much improved and it seems to reflect the additional touring the band has done. I love it.

Absolutely great in my opinion. I play this cd all the time and it never gets old. I wish there were more Quartet albums.

This is extraordinarily good. The playing is intimate, the sound quality is very fine. The tunes are well chosen and everybody sounds like they are having a super time. This is by far one of my favorites in this genre.