Search - Norman Blake :: Whiskey Before Breakfast

Stormin' Norman!

Eddie Finn | 03/31/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For many of us, Norman Blake is the consummate old-time musician. Sure, Doc Watson gets more publicity, and Tony Rice is smooth and powerful, but no artist comes closer to the tone and character of old-time music than Norman. This recording has been on my 'frequent play' list for over four years, and I'm not shelving it any time soon. For you intermediate to advanced flatpickers, this is like the Jane Fonda Workout - I've never met a flatpicker who hadn't tried to keep up with Norman while listening to this record. Fingerpickers can also delight - tasteful versions of "The Ash Grove" and "The Minstrel Boy to War Has Gone" are here as well. 5 stars really doesn't do this one justice."

A masterful acoustic album

Joe Sixpack -- Slipcue.com | ...in Middle America | 12/02/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Acoustic guitar whiz Norman Blake started off as a bluegrass prodigy in the late 1950s, and flatpicked his way across numerous albums in the 1960s and '70s, particularly as a session guitarist on albums by Bob Dylan, Kris Kristofferson, Joan Baez, and as frequent collaborator in John Hartford's various bands. This is one of his best-known solo records from the 'Seventies, a typically understated, flawless set of stripped-down, nostalgic old-timey acoustic numbers, with Blake playing solo and accompanied by a sympathetic secod guitar. There are plenty of Vaudeville and Southern-themed songs on here, including ditties such as "Hand Me Down My Walking Cane," "Arkansas Traveler" and "Old Gray Mare," music that the entertainment industry -- in all its areas -- had long since turned its back on. Blake breathes life back into these old standards, taking each song at his leisure while crooning in his thin, smooth old-mannish voice. For fans of great music, simply and elegantly performed, this is hard to beat. Plus, the guy's a world-class ace flatpicker -- folks who actually "get" what he's doing on guitar will be amazed."

It'll make you lay down your guitar.

Joe Sixpack -- Slipcue.com | 05/17/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Remember vinyl LP's?? I wore out two vinyl copies of this album, and I'm one of those compulsive record geeks who cleans records each time, stores them properly, etc.Norman Blake has a feel for traditional music, from the rousing martial-like "Under the Double Eagle" to the gentle "Ash Grove" and "The Minstrel Boy." The only drawback to this album would be if you yourself play guitar. It'll make you weep. ("I'll never be able to do that...")As far as the vocals go, they are absolutely in keeping with the style of the music. (Another reviewer slammed the vocals; hey, Billie Holiday's voice was raspy and annoying at times, but no one would ever say it didn't deliver the goods.)"