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6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A brilliant testimonial to Kohrs' artistic craftsmanship, April 28, 2007
Playing Time - 46:39 -- Well-known Nashville musician Randy Kohrs' fifth solo album project since 2001 also marks his debut as one of the "new tradition" on the Rural Rhythm label. It's a noble nod to one of the masters of the acoustic music scene, and "Old Photograph" is a brilliant testimonial to Kohrs' artistic craftsmanship. Randy's work continues to showcase his singularly impressive talents as producer, songwriter, instrumentalist, vocalist, and engineer. If there were an award for "Best All-Around Musician," Randy would get my vote!
Randy's participation as a session musician on over 500 albums has emphasized his expert virtuosity. He's also toured with the likes of
Hank Williams III, Tom T. Hall, Holly Dunn, Hal Ketchum, Hank Thompson, Continental Divide, John Cowan Band, and Dolly Parton. His talent helped him find comfortable niches with country, bluegrass and even some folk acts. And his presentation on "Old Photograph" demonstrates his continuing affinity for many genres. While the Iowa native who relocated to Tennessee in 1994 can play all the bluegrass instruments if he wants to, Kohrs' international fame is primarily due to his fine resophonic guitar work. For the other exceptional instrumental work on "Old Photograph" he enlists support from buds like Scott Vestal (banjo), Tim Crouch (fiddle), Jim Hurst (guitar), Jesse Cobb (mandolin), Jay Weaver (bass), and many others. In 2006, Randy formed his own band, "The Lites." Three cuts early in this set (Rockwell's Gold, Lena Mae, Two Boys From Kentucky) are most representative of his band's sound with the inclusion, to varying degree, of his young bandmates Scott Haas (banjo), Andrew Crawford (guitar), Ashley Brown (fiddle), and Aaron Ramsey (mandolin, bass).
Whether singing country, bluegrass or gospel, Randy gives us a distinctive, brawny delivery throughout his considerable range. For a softer edge, he's more lyrical than vigorous with "Don't Let Your Wounded Heart Come Between Us" (sung as a duet with Rhonda Vincent), "White Ring" (straight-ahead acoustic country), and "Shallow Grave" (sung and played solo to close the album). There are some interesting guests who make minor appearances in the mix. Melinda Doolittle, an American Idol contestant, sings high harmony on "Can You Give Me A Drink." A member of MuzikMafia, Shannon Lawson co-penned "Who's Goin' With Me" with Del Gray, and she sings tenor on that song. Chris Wood's percussion appears on three tracks. Many other guests like Clay Hess, Carl Jackson, Stephen Mougin, Darrin Vincent, and Don Rigsby stopped by Randy's Slackkey Studios to provide a vocal or instrumental track or two.
I've already gone on record as saying that the consummate Randy Kohrs is a deserving member of the contemporary bluegrass elite. His exciting stylistic presentation is full of both tang and twang. His songs have thoughtful substance and gripping delivery. Whether racing or reflective, Kohrs' music on "Old Photograph" will stand as another triumphant milestone and superlative effort for one of the most happening musicians in Nashville. (Joe Ross, staff writer, Bluegrass Now)
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Best Album I luv It!, November 1, 2008
I only heard the one song on Bluegrass Junction but purchased the CD anyway for one song. And I absolutely LUV the whole album. Every song is great. Vocals and music are triple ++++++. One of the best new bluegrass albums I've heard. A must have.
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4.0 out of 5 stars
Bluegrass & Modern Country Combine for a Successful Sound, November 30, 2007
"Old Photograph" is a well produced, well-written, and superbly performed piece of music. It successfully blends blues/gospel/new-country and bluegrass into an exciting and fresh accessible work. Randy Kohrs is a transplanted Iowa native that learned each essential country instrument, then honed his singer-songwriter, engineering, and producing skills.
Rural Rhythm is a smaller independent label that is intent to preserving the authentic sounds of country without the overproduction and slickness that usually accompanies neo-country music. The single: `Who's Going With Me' (track 7) is currently in rotation on the cable GAC & CMT stations. He's by no means a flash in the pan. He's performed with Hank Ketchum, Tom T. Hall, and Dolly Parton. I personally like the genuineness to his delivery- these songs are merely performed: they are slices of life and sang with both dignity and talent.
Young and well intentioned, Kohrs will become a staple in the country-bluegrass scenes for many years to come, and I wish him well.
Jeff Feezle of Macafeez
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