The CD would be worth it if it only had the two songs "Fair and Tender Ladies" and Sounds of Silence.  Beautiful picking.
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I generally like hard driving bluegrass and this album pushes some of those buttons, but also has some other very likable qualities. Enjoyed the selection of songs and nice picking. Vocals are unpretentious and not overproduced.
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Playing Time – 34:53 -- James Alan Shelton’s ninth solo album (and another on his own Sheltone Records label after release of his gospel compilation, “Gospel Guitar” SR-1960) is one that pays tribute to a variety of bluegrass, country and folk inspirations in his life. The experienced lead guitarist for Ralph Stanley’s Clinch Mountain Boys takes us on wild and thrilling rides with “Soldier’s Joy” and “Salt Creek” as Steve Sparkman’s banjo is played in Ralph’s mountainous style. Some of Shelton’s other key influences are an eclectic list that includes Bill Monroe, Carter Family, Osborne Brothers, Flatt & Scruggs, Country Gentlemen, Clarence White, Randy Scruggs, Roger Miller, Tony Ellis, Stephen Foster, Bob Dylan, and Simon & Garfunkel. Shelton’s my kind of musician because his individualism emphasizes variety. I found it surprising that “Walking Down The Line” is the first album to ever feature his singing. Besides the title cut, he chooses “Motherless Children” and “Hard Times Come No More” to showcase his pleasant, affable baritone vocal talents. He’s not high and lonesome, an American Idol singer, and some bluegrass deejays will no doubt accuse him of sounding like a folkie trapped in a bluegrass shop when he sings. However, those same deejays should acknowledge that an eclectic set like Shelton’s still has plenty to enthuse bluegrass fans. Those same fans also appreciate unpretentious, modest lead vocals in the lower range.  Dewey Brown sings tenor on the three vocal numbers, and Judy Marshall provides harmony vocals on two of them.

The formidable picking on “Walking Down The Line” is the result of some fine melodic mettle from the likes of Adam Steffey (mandolin), Steve Sparkman (banjo), Dewey Brown (fiddle), Audey Ratliff (rhythm guitar), and Daniel Grindstaff (banjo), and Barry Bales (bass). Besides lead guitar on all the tracks, James Alan Shelton also dubbed in the banjo track on “Stephen,” and down-to-earth and unassuming old-time flavored tune by Tony Ellis that never sounds anachronistic. James Alan Shelton presents his warm music without any pompous or showy airs. These are the kinds of songs that have made James what he is today as a well-rounded musician. While there’s not much new here, his repertoire emphasizes much-loved pieces that we have fond places for in our hearts. (Joe Ross, staff writer, Bluegrass Now)
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