by CVS
David Grier - Live at The Linda
2007 Dreadnought Records (#0701)
Bluegrass Unlimited
November 2008 Review
If I had to buy 1 guitar album this year, this would be it. David Grier is as interesting and tuneful a guitarist as any out there today. This 65 minute live show was recorded at WAMC's recording space in Albany, N.Y., on September 9, 2006. It includes 16 tracks that have been separated to different tracks from their introductions, so you can easily skip to the introductions if you prefer. His between songs banter is fine, but it's the playing that draws you in.
David's set is well balanced between originals such as " High Atop Princess Cove" and "As It Rolls To The Sea" and covers of Bluegrass and Pop songs such as "Redwing", "Crossing The Cumberland's" / "Old Ebenezer Scrooge" and "Killing Me Softly". His guitar sounds wonderful and was expertly recorded by Collin Ashmead-Bobbitt. The recording was edited and mastered by Brent Truitt and is well balanced and brings out the full tonal range of the guitar. The audience never intrudes on the playing, and all songs are clearly heard in an almost studio-like setting.
Grier has been one of the most respected guitarists in Bluegrass for many years. As the son of banjoist Lamar Grier, he grew up riding in Bill Monroe's bus and attending pickin' parties around Nashville. However, you can tell he's listened to many different genres and integrated them all into his playing. My favorite on the album is his interpretation of "Red Haired Boy", which is pure Grier.
Highly Recommended! CVS