Duffey! (definitely with the !)
Weary Traveller | Enschede, OV Netherlands | 05/16/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
""Taste" is a difficult term to define... was Duffey! completely tasteless, or did he turn tastelesness into its own taste? I guess if he was good enough for Ralph Stanley (who invited him to add the very high baritone to "Lonesome River" a few years ago), he's good enough for me. One thing is sure, Duffey! was a Presence in bluegrass music, with a one-in-a-million voice, a "what me worry?" mandolin style, and his own very unique view of what is good music. This compilation reminds us just how hard he was to ignore!It's hard to believe this one-of-a-kind musician is dead. One of the most intense singers and stage personalities of all time; the term 'larger than life' certainly applied. It brings back happy memories of the Red Fox, the Birchmere and various festival stages, watching the big guy with the buzzcut and dentist's shirt -- and wondering what he would do next. These selections are from his work with the Scene as well as the Classic Country Gentlemen reunion. No one can do true country pathos ("Willie Roy", "Pictures from Life's Other Side") like Duffey!, and on classic bluegrass trios ("The Old Hometown") he's in his element. I had always discounted his mandolin work as 'just playing around', but the version of "Tennessee Blues" here was real ear-opener for me. Of course, his signature songs such as After Midnight" are here too. But the absolute high point is an unbelievably powerful duet with Dudley Connell (from the "Dream Scene" album) on "They're at Rest Together". It took Connell's power, both singing and with rhythm guitar, to finally match Duffey!. I guess if you live as intensely as Duffey! you're unlikely to die of old age."
A+
Charles B. Bowman | El Paso, TX USA | 07/02/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I enjoy every track on this CD. It really showcases John's vocal range, and the music selection is splendid."
Track Listings (21) - Disc #1