Silver Bullet Bluegrass – Various Artists
For some, this collection may be a novel idea. To others a good introduction to bluegrass they weren’t aware of. Purists will probably pass with the excuse as to why anyone would want to listen to the Detroit rock n’ roll of Bob Seger played in a bluegrass manner. Why would anyone want to listen to Bob Dylan played by reggae artists? Why would anyone want Beach Boys songs sung by country artists? Why would Dean Martin sing an album of blues songs? Why would you like Elvis with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra?
The answer? Curiosity. Willie Nelson proved it by singing & scoring with the 1927 Hoagy Carmichael song “Stardust.” Because music played with expertise lends itself to just about any genre & comes out as if it was always meant to be. Well, sometimes.
There are 13 Bob Seger classics on this set. I’m not going to pretend every single one is perfectly suited to bluegrass on Silver Bullet Bluegrass – Various Artists (Drops July 12/Lonesome Day Records/49:33) but the fact that producer Randall Deaton did the work – that’s impressive.
The set starts with Carson Peters’ hot take on “Long Twin Silver Line,” & it smokes with fiddle, acoustic guitar & banjo. Perfectly suited to bluegrass. There are many superb performers on the showcase but few heavy hitters. There’s no Vince Gill, Bela Fleck, David Grisman, or Alison Krauss.
Lots of fiery performances including Shonna Tucker’s “Hollywood Nights,” a stunning piece. The slower songs are problematic ones. They sound a little strained & don’t hold the bluegrass momentum traditionally.
Bluegrass is lively. These songs are, nonetheless, played well. But they’re not as easily adaptable or convincing as the others. I like milk & I like pickles, but I don’t have them at the same time. It’s indeed an eclectic mix.
Bo Bice asserts himself well vocally & the musicians are stellar — but “Ramblin’ Gamblin’ Man,” is not bluegrass. However, “Main Street” slides into a slow bluegrass spot like an expensive pair of shoes.
Is it worth the effort? Sure. There are interesting spots on this trek & we could use the pleasant diversion.
Highlights – “Long Twin Silver Line,” “Hollywood Nights,” “Main Street,” “Even Now” & “Roll Me Away.”
Featured Singers: Carson Peters (fiddle/vocals), Gary Nichols (guitar/vocals/bgv), Larry Cordle (guitar/vocals), Jeff Parker (mandolin/vocals), Tim Shelton (vocals/bgv), Shonna Tucker, Keith Garrett, Bo Bice, Ward Hayden, Josh Shilling, Robert Hale & Bill Taylor.
Musicians: Stephen Mougin, (guitar), Richard Bennett (guitar), Shawn Brock (guitar/mandolin), Darrell Webb & Tony Robertson (mandolin), Ned Luberecki (banjo), Mike Bub, Mike Fleming & David Hood (bass), Jake Jones, Wayne Bridge & Phil Easterbrook (dobro), Tammy Rogers & Megan Lynch (fiddle), Shawn Lane (fiddle/bgv), Tim Crouch (fiddle/mandolin), Richard Bailey (banjo), Cindy Walker & Sarah Borges (bgv).
CD @ Apple + https://lonesomeday.com/
Bo Bice Premiere: https://americanahighways.org/2024/02/19/song-premiere-bo-bice-ramblin-gamblin-man/