Noteworthy albums from the history of folk and roots music — this episode features the second part of our new review of the album Live by Alison Krauss & Union Station.
In this second part, featuring the second disc of the double live album, we also include several tracks from the recent album Arcadia, which was released earlier this year after a fourteen-year hiatus for the band. Arcadia picks up where they left off a decade and a half ago, though this time with a new singer-guitarist. The lively, sparkling bluegrass tunes are paired with captivating ballads and country songs. Krauss possesses a warm yet slightly childlike voice that suits the more melancholy songs beautifully, but she also brings a more rhythmic touch to the uptempo tracks. Dan Tyminski is an excellent fingerpicker, joined by banjo player and guitarist Ron Block, and the dependable bass player Barry Bales. While Krauss (vocals and fiddle) draws the eye as the visual centrepiece, the musical spotlight belongs to the sublime dobro player Jerry Douglas.
Well over two decades ago now, on 29 and 30 April 2002, the first — and to this day only — live album was recorded at The Louisville Palace in Kentucky. Twenty-five earlier studio recordings, supplemented by newer songs and instrumentals, were released on a two-CD or three-LP set. It became one of the quintet’s most successful albums.
Playlist
Alison Krauss & Union Station – Live – (Rounder RRCD0515)
- A Tribute to Peador O’Donnell / Monkey Let the Hogs Out (Dónal Lunny / Jerry Douglas) 4.40
- The Boy Who Wouldn’t Hoe Corn (trad) 5:50
- Take Me For Longing (Mark Simos) 2:43
- I Am a Man of Constant Sorrow (trad) 3:40
- Maybe (Gordon Kennedy, Phil Madeira) 4:14
- We Hide & Seek (Jerry Douglas) 5:20
- But You Know I Love You (Mike Settle) 3:36
- When You Say Nothing at All (Don Schlitz, Paul Overstreet) 3:50
- New Favorite (David Rawlings, Gillian Welch) 3:50
- Oh, Atlanta (Mick Ralphs) 5:40
- Down to the River to Pray (trad) 2:10
- There Is a Reason (Ron Block) 3:58
Alison Krauss & Union Station – Arcadia (Down the road records DTR0018)
- Granite Mills (Timothy Eriksen) 3:39
- Theres a Light up Ahead (Jeremy Lister) 4:12
