Amazon.com As Earl Scruggs broadened his horizons into country-rock in the early 1970s, two albums much like this one appeared, featuring cameos from Bob Dylan, the Byrds, Linda Ronstadt, Joan Baez, etc. Now as then, the results are mixed. Sir Elton John renders a mature, definitive "Country Comfort." Dwight Yoakam's newly penned "Borrowed Love," "True Love Never Dies" with Travis Tritt, and John Fogerty's "Blue Ridge Mountain Blues" all honor bluegrass traditions. Vince Gill and Rosanne Cash ("I Found Love"), Marty Stuart ("Foggy Mountain Rock"/"Foggy Mountain Special"), and Johnny Cash with Don Henley (the eerie "Passin' Thru") are focused and flawless. The misfires are equally spectacular. Billy Bob Thornton's "Ring of Fire" doesn't bode well for his 2001 country album. Not only are Melissa Etheridge and Sting out of their element, their overwhelming performances relegate Scruggs to the distant background. Likewise, his signature instrumental "Foggy Mountain Breakdown" buckles under the weight of 10 guest pickers including Steve Martin and Paul Shaffer. All-star tributes can be a bear to manage. Given that reality, 8 out of 12 ain't bad. --Rich Kienzle
Very, Important, Joyfull, American Music = 100% Outstanding!!!!!April 23, 2010 Gary Covington(Louisiana) If you like banjo playing, or bluegrass music at all, then you'll love this CD. It is packed full of great songs, and great collaborations with various "Allstar", Steller Artists. The songs and artists are as follows: (Earl plays banjo on all songs):
1.Country Comfort - with Elton John
2.Borrowed Love - with Dwight Yoakam
3.Ring of Fire - Billy Bob Thornton
4.True Love Never Dies - Gary Scruggs & Travis Tritt
5.The Angels - Melissa Etheridge
6.Fill Her Up - Sting
7.Foggy Mountain Breakdown - Glen Duncan, Randy Scruggs, Steve Martin (yes the one on TV, originally from Saturday Night Live), Vince Gill, Marty Stuart, Gary Scruggs, Albert Lee, Paul Shaffer, Jerry Douglas, & Leon Russell.
8.Somethin' Just Ain't Right - Randy Scruggs
9.I Found Love - Vince Gill & Rosanne Cash
10.Blue Ridge Mountain Blues - John Fogerty
11.Passin' Thru - Don Henley & Johnny Cash
12.Foggy Mountain Rock/Foggy Mountain Special - Marty Stuart
This cd is "Awesome", and I highly recommend it. This is some great, joyful, important, American Music. Thanks!!!!
Could not ask for a better CDSeptember 12, 2009 Linda E. Robertson(Winchester, KY. USA) We are completely happy with our purchase. No skipping; just perfect and timewise was also very good. Thanks
earl scruggs and friends.April 26, 2009 Brett G. Russell the cd was delivered very quickly and i am very pleased with it, great music!!
The Steve Martin SecretOctober 29, 2006 Robert Barnwell(Johnson City, Tennessee) Okay, this album is incredible, as much for the celebrity participation as the quality. The celebrities add their own touches to Earl's Superlative work. However, the most interesting celebrity participant isn't even mentioned on the album, Steve Martin. He plays a signficant part on Track 7, Foggy Mountain Breakdown. The song went on to win a Grammy.
Maybe they didn't mention him on the album since people would expect a comedy routine, but give a listen to Track 7 to gain a broader appreciation for one of our nation's formost novelists, essayists, actors, comedians, banjo artists and all-around brilliant guys-- STEVE MARTIN!
PS
Since I wrote this review 2 CDs that feature Steve's Banjo music have become available.They are The Crow: New Songs for the Five-String Banjo and The Steve Martin Brothers. They are wonderful.
Great CDAugust 29, 2006 J. McMichen(Greeneville, TN) If you like all types of music, you will love this CD. I enjoy each and every song on this recording. How many other CDs can I say the same about? None.
