Search - Various Artists :: O Sister: The Women's Bluegrass Collection 2

Another Fine Collection of Women in Bluegrass

Steve Vrana | Aurora, NE | 10/18/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Once you get over the obvious marketing ploy to target a record-buying public still enamored with the "O Brother!" phenomenon, this second volume from Rounder is yet another collection of some of the brightest stars in bluegrass music today. Other than a trio of songs from the Seventies (tracks 14-16), these tracks are from the late-Nineties through the present. In fact, a couple of these have not yet been released on the artists' albums, including the Lester Flatt Standard "I'll Stay Around" by Alecia McRight which features mandolin wizard Ronnie McCoury. The other is "I Wonder Where You Are Tonight" with an angelic vocal from Jeannie Kendall. This is a solid collection of bluegrass music--regardless of gender. Highlights include Kathy Kallick's plaintive "Hideaway," the heartfelt original "Reason Enough" by Tanya Savory, and Phyllis Boyens and Hazel Dickens' "Dream of a Miner's Child" with backup provided by the Dreadful Snakes (Jerry Douglas, Roland White, Bela Fleck, et. al.). The only track that doesn't fit a traditional bluegrass mold is Wayfaring Strangers' "Memories of You," which has a very newgrass feel to it with viola and clarinet.What you get with this collection is 68 minutes of bluegrass bliss. And with the depth of talent on the Rounder label, they should have no problem coming up with a volume 3. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED"

Fans of bluegrass ladies will enjoy this

Peter Durward Harris | Leicester England | 10/05/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For many years, bluegrass (like many other genres of music) was almost a male preserve. It took longer for the ladies to break through in bluegrass than elsewhere, but this collection and others like it prove that they are well capable of competing with the men, who continue to make great bluegrass.This Rounder compilation is targetted at those who are new to bluegrass, but will also appeal to committed fans. Extensive liner notes give biographical summaries of the singers, also including a list of albums by the individuals for those who wish to explore further (and who wouldn't, after hearing this collection?). Actually, this list may cause problems outside America - this album is available in other countries (including the UK) where most of the listed albums are not available except through specialist dealers or Amazon.All the great ladies of bluegrass are represented, including Claire Lynch, Rhonda Vincent, Laurie Lewis and Lynn Morris. Alison Krauss and Suzanne Cox close the set with the excellent Jewels. Hazel Dickens makes four appearances - one solo and three duets - with Alice Gerrard, Ginny Hawker and Phyllis Boyens.The big surprise for me (and what a pleasure to hear !!!!) is the inclusion of Jeannie Kendall, on I wonder where you are tonight, from her new Rounder album (not released at the time of this review, but eagerly awaited). Jeannie used to be lead singer of the Kendalls with her father providing harmonies. Remember Heaven's just a sin away (from 1979)? Jeannie sounds as good as ever, and it's good to have her back.It is a great companion to the previous O Sister compilation on Rounder, or the British double-CD on WEA (O sister where art thou - look out for my review of that), but this is a fine introduction to bluegrass in it's own right. Even if (like me), you've already got some of these tracks, you'll find the others well worth a listen."

True Blue

H. A Truett | Mississippi | 04/13/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am impressed. I grew up on Bluegrass. My Mom sang in her share of Bluegrass bands and I got to work concession at a Ralph Stanley concert once. This is a great CD. I listen to it in the car everywhere I go, since my son isn't old enough to complain yet."