Earl Scruggs Albums (20)
What The Critics Say
Folk and bluegrass legends meet live on-stage on Rounder's bright and entertaining Three Pickers. The titular "pickers" are bluegrass banjo innovator Earl Scruggs, guitarist and folk purist Doc Watson, and relative newcomer (with only 45 years of musical experience under his belt) Ricky Skaggs on mandolin and guitar; they work most often as a trio but also perform with a wide variety of combos that were lucky enough to be invited on-stage. Recorded in Winston Salem, NC, in December 2002, the album reflects an honest interplay between the three main performers and the audience that seems lost in most concert experiences, and despite their age, Watson can still sing and Scruggs can still pick nearly as well as they did in their prime. Guest vocals and fiddle from the ubiquitous Alison Krauss liven up "The Storms Are on the Ocean" and the "one-sided prenuptial agreement" murder ballad "On the Banks of the Ohio," while Skaggs and his Kentucky Thunder inject some youthful exuberance into the evening during their set. The songs performed by "Earl Scruggs With Family and Friends" get a little loose around the edges, but the sweet and lowdown duo of Watson and his grandson Richard more than make up for it with their warm intimacy. All in all, it seems as though this was a spectacular exhibition of authentic folk music live on-stage, and the album lets that genuine honesty and warmth shine through perfectly. ~ Zac Johnson, All Music Guide
'Earl Scruggs and Friends'
Release Date 8/28/2001
Tracks 12
Label MCA
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What The Critics Say
Earl Scruggs practically invented the word banjo, and perhaps because of that he can count some of the most elite musicians among his "friends": Elton John, Sting, Melissa Etheridge, Don Henley, Johnny Cash, John Fogerty, and the list goes on. In a career that spans 50 years, Scruggs' five-string banjo stylings have helped to define American music. Here, on this 12-track compilation produced by son Randy, those banjo stylings can be heard in the same folk-based music he's known for, and also combined with a fresh and unequaled range of material that comes with having so many varied and dissimilar artists involved. Every song has a unique story to tell, but is always brandished with that distinctive Scruggs polish. ~ Maria Konicki Dinoia, All Music Guide
'Storyteller & the Banjo Man'
Release Date 1/1/1982
Tracks 11
Label CBS
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'Live from Austin City Limits'
Release Date 1/1/1977
Tracks 11
Label CBS
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What The Critics Say
The crowd enjoys this live show -- you will too. ~ Chip Renner, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Scruggs and family put out a nice, well-crafted album. ~ Chip Renner, All Music Guide
