Search - Randy Kohrs :: Old Photograph

A brilliant testimonial to Kohrs' artistic craftsmanship

J. Ross | Roseburg, OR USA | 04/28/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Playing Time - 46:39 -- Well-known Nashville musician Randy Kohrs' fifth solo album project since 2001 also marks his debut as one of the "new tradition" on the Rural Rhythm label. It's a noble nod to one of the masters of the acoustic music scene, and "Old Photograph" is a brilliant testimonial to Kohrs' artistic craftsmanship. Randy's work continues to showcase his singularly impressive talents as producer, songwriter, instrumentalist, vocalist, and engineer. If there were an award for "Best All-Around Musician," Randy would get my vote!



Randy's participation as a session musician on over 500 albums has emphasized his expert virtuosity. He's also toured with the likes of

Hank Williams III, Tom T. Hall, Holly Dunn, Hal Ketchum, Hank Thompson, Continental Divide, John Cowan Band, and Dolly Parton. His talent helped him find comfortable niches with country, bluegrass and even some folk acts. And his presentation on "Old Photograph" demonstrates his continuing affinity for many genres. While the Iowa native who relocated to Tennessee in 1994 can play all the bluegrass instruments if he wants to, Kohrs' international fame is primarily due to his fine resophonic guitar work. For the other exceptional instrumental work on "Old Photograph" he enlists support from buds like Scott Vestal (banjo), Tim Crouch (fiddle), Jim Hurst (guitar), Jesse Cobb (mandolin), Jay Weaver (bass), and many others. In 2006, Randy formed his own band, "The Lites." Three cuts early in this set (Rockwell's Gold, Lena Mae, Two Boys From Kentucky) are most representative of his band's sound with the inclusion, to varying degree, of his young bandmates Scott Haas (banjo), Andrew Crawford (guitar), Ashley Brown (fiddle), and Aaron Ramsey (mandolin, bass).



Whether singing country, bluegrass or gospel, Randy gives us a distinctive, brawny delivery throughout his considerable range. For a softer edge, he's more lyrical than vigorous with "Don't Let Your Wounded Heart Come Between Us" (sung as a duet with Rhonda Vincent), "White Ring" (straight-ahead acoustic country), and "Shallow Grave" (sung and played solo to close the album). There are some interesting guests who make minor appearances in the mix. Melinda Doolittle, an American Idol contestant, sings high harmony on "Can You Give Me A Drink." A member of MuzikMafia, Shannon Lawson co-penned "Who's Goin' With Me" with Del Gray, and she sings tenor on that song. Chris Wood's percussion appears on three tracks. Many other guests like Clay Hess, Carl Jackson, Stephen Mougin, Darrin Vincent, and Don Rigsby stopped by Randy's Slackkey Studios to provide a vocal or instrumental track or two.



I've already gone on record as saying that the consummate Randy Kohrs is a deserving member of the contemporary bluegrass elite. His exciting stylistic presentation is full of both tang and twang. His songs have thoughtful substance and gripping delivery. Whether racing or reflective, Kohrs' music on "Old Photograph" will stand as another triumphant milestone and superlative effort for one of the most happening musicians in Nashville. (Joe Ross, staff writer, Bluegrass Now)

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