Well done!
author: Tim Stevens
I was introduced to this music at the Florida Folk Festival where the cd was being used as filler music between bands at the main-stage. When the first guitar licks of "Empty Room" started up, I said to my friend, "Now that's got to be Gabe Valla." I knew as soon as the mandolin and fiddle joined the fray that I had to have that album. I all but ran up to the sound tent and asked the technician if I was indeed listening to Gabe Valla. To my surprise and delight he said I was listening to Valla, Turner, Williamson; conglomeration of three artists who I knew of separately, but was unaware were playing together. I knew I needed that cd. I've had a couple of weeks now and can't stop listening to it. The triumphant instrumentation, rich harmonies, and wonderful stories told by these songs make this cd a joy to listen to. Bravo.
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Valla Turner Williamson
author: Cheryl Watson
I'm a musician who plays Americana/bluegrass music myself so it is no surprise that I would love this album with all its great songs and instrumentals, rich, melodic singing and playing not to mention how beautifully it is recorded, mixed and mastered. I know how hard it is to master an instrument and voice (also an instrument) to this high level of expertise and yet not loose the "feel" and emotion of the old-time roots.
With every play of this CD, I hear more subtle, intelligent, creative nuances in the harmonies, the phrasing, and the tones: pleasing, clear, fat tone on every instrument and voice.
But, my main point is perhaps more important and interesting: This is a "Not for bluegrass lovers only" kind of album. My mother absolutely hates bluegrass and she does not hesitate to state her strong, blatant opinion on any bluegrass genre music I toss her way. So I put this CD in her stereo, excited to share, but fully expecting to hear some adverse comments but song after song, she listened and never asked me to hit the stop or eject buttons. She actually listened to it ALL THE WAY THROUGH and said something positive, "This band is better than any of the famous bluegrass bands I have heard. They are so smooth and talented and I can hear the melody!"
True, some traditional bluegrass music is often accused of using a lot of the same standard licks and of being too fast for the sake of speed at the expense of melody while progressive bluegrass is often dismissed as "noodling without a melody" but this could never be said about this project.
I have also heard this band live several times at festivals and venues and they are just as good live, so get out and see them if you can. It is obvious that they play together a lot.
If you love bluegrass, you need to buy this album. If you do not like bluegrass, VTW might very well speak to you of the possibilities of what it CAN be.
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