Search - David Grier :: Live At The Linda

A "way cool" guitar show

J. Ross | Roseburg, OR USA | 05/24/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This 66-minute set from guitarist David Grier (complete with spoken introductions and applause) was recorded in September 2006 at the Linda (WAMC's Performing Arts Studio in Albany, NY). Playing guitar since age six, David is the son of Lamar Grier who played banjo for Bill Monroe in the 60s. In his nearly six-minute intro to "Red Haired Boy," David relates a few "cool memories" from his younger days. Performing solo, Grier is one of the finest flatpick guitarists on the touring circuit today. His axe is a 1946 Martin D-28, and his repertoire is equally proportioned among covers, traditional, and original tunes. The beginning of the Linda show emphasized the latter, and the evening evolved into more recognizable tunes with David's unique stamp on them. We also get a flavor of Grier's humor and personality. In his short spoken anecdote entitled "Things People Say," Grier tells of an older woman who eventually asks a friend, "why don't you tell him to play something I know so I could tell if he's any good or not?" Anyone familiar with the guitar knows that David Grier's playing could persuasively be argued as flawless. His originals are stark yet mellifluous, and a crosspicked rendition of "The Old Spinning Wheel" is a well-received, familiar crowd-pleaser. Grier leaves no doubt in our minds about his 'goodness' on guitar by the time he's crisply picking his delectable versions of Redwing, Crossing the Cumberlands, Old Ebenezer Scrooge, Bonaparte's Retreat and Randy Lynn Rag during the second half of this "way cool" show. (Joe Ross, 29 Palms, CA)

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