Alison Krauss & Union Station Live DVD

Andy Volk · Post by **Andy Volk** » 2 Jan 2004 12:10 pm

With a Christmas gift certificate burining a hole in my pocket I went over to Borders Books & Music thinking I'd get the AK & US double CD. Instead, I found the 2-disk DVD of the live concert - even better. I have to say I'm completely blown away by the musicianship displayed by this group. Jerry Douglas contributes mind boggling solos and impossibly perfect fills and backup. I've always been more inclined toward Mike Auldridge but JD's command of the instrument is on display here in all its close up glory. He proves beyond any shadow of a doubt that he's the finest player ever to touch a resophonic guitar. His muscianship transcends the instrument. Alison's voice is so haunting and evocative and Dan Tyminski really shines as an ensemble player. All of these folks really play for the song. The hot licks are there in abundance but for a musical purpose. The video is beautifully shot and directed with excellent audio except for volume drop outs when Alison talks to the audience. I'm not a Bluegrass fan per se and I'm kind of jaded. I haven't been knocked out by concert footage in a very long time ... 'til this one (shot over two nights in April 2002). <FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Andy Volk on 02 January 2004 at 12:15 PM.]</p></FONT>

Charles French · Post by **Charles French** » 2 Jan 2004 4:05 pm

Was that AKUS live or dead? Jes kiddin. I do like em BUT. I'm sorry but Alison needs to kick it up a notch or two! Yes she has a nice voice and yes I'm yawing after a few songs. Does she do anything you can tap your foot to? If so, I'd love to hear it.

Yes JD is sho nuff good BUT. Has no one listened to Rob Ickes? "He proves beyond any shadow of a doubt that he's the finest player ever to touch a resophonic guitar" Yep that's Rob!

cf

Andy Volk · Post by **Andy Volk** » 2 Jan 2004 4:13 pm

I know what you mean about Alison. she has a narrow range - both for genre and technique - but within that range she excells IMHO. I have three of Rob's CDs and he's a fine player though his jazz forays sound to me like a bluegrasser playing jazz. My personal favorites on Dobro are Mike Auldridge and Orville Johnson.

Eric Myers · Post by **Eric Myers** » 2 Jan 2004 6:11 pm

i got the Tony Rice Blugrass Guitar collection cd over christmas - jerry is all over it - talk about jaw dropping from start to finish.

Stephen Gambrell · Post by **Stephen Gambrell** » 2 Jan 2004 6:44 pm

I think Alison's fine, and this CD is pretty music. Not jaw-dropping, thunder through your living room bluegrass music, but real pretty. And Jerry absolutely gives a master class on backing up a singer, and when he cuts loose, he (as usual) takes the instrument to places it's never been before.
But Mike Auldridge is STILL my hero.

Butch Foster · Post by **Butch Foster** » 2 Jan 2004 7:59 pm

Great points. Jerry, Mike & Rob are all great, as is Randy Khors. Think back to the first time you heard Josh in his prime years. His work with Lester & Earl was super: dynamic, creative breaks& beautiful backing licks. The backing he did behind Mac Wiseman on "The Last Letter", Silver haired Daddy" etc., will bring tears to most anyone. His work with Charlie McCoy was fantastic, especially on "Today I started Loving You Again".

Chris Lasher · Post by **Chris Lasher** » 4 Jan 2004 7:44 pm

I purchased the DVDs as well as the CDs of this concert. I love them both.

To Charles, you should check out the AKUS instrumentals, "Choctaw Hayride", "Cluck Old Hen", and "We Hide and Seek". Also, the tunes led by Dan Tyminski are usually knee-slap worthy: "Bright Sunny South" and "The Boy Who Wouldn't Hoe Corn". Alison kicks it up with "Oh, Atlanta" as well.

For the most part, though, AKUS does more moody, slower songs, but they do them so well. Alison explains in her interview on the DVD that she just loves sad songs. I have to say that I love when she sings sad songs and pulls on my heartstrings. Not that I'm a sappy romantic, or anything...

Andy, wise purchase!