The Nashville Bluegrass Band Albums (8)
'Twenty Year Blues'
Release Date 8/10/2004
Tracks 13
Label Sugar Hill
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Twenty Year Blues marks the 20th anniversary of the Nashville Bluegrass Band, and they're still at the top of their game. The sound is pure bluegrass, but they aren't afraid to stray from tradition, and remain one of the only bluegrass bands to incorporate songs from the black string band tradition as well as black gospel music. Traditional tunes and Bill Monroe tunes sit very nicely with their covers of "Travelin' Railroad Man Blues" and "Sitting On Top of the World," both old string band songs, originally performed by the Alabama Sheiks and the Mississippi Sheiks, respectively, in the '30s. They also do a fine vocal gospel version of "Hush (Somebody's Callin' My Name)," which goes back to the '20s in a recording by the Wiseman Sextette. Then they turn around and cover "Luckiest Man Alive," which talks about the Vietnam War (not common bluegrass subject matter). They know the tradition, and understand how to expand it without ruffling any purist feathers. The playing is stellar, as would be expected from these longtime session men, and their close harmony singing is wonderful. Here's to another 20 years. ~ Sean Westergaard, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Always a delight, the Nashville Bluegrass Band is one of the best in any genre. Pure and true to the music, they pull off such classics as the Flatt & Scruggs song "The Johnson Boys" and Ralph Stanley's "Holiday Pickin'" with finesse. They do a wonderful cover of Bob Dylan's "Livin' the Blues" and make the Gillian Welch-David Rawlings tune "Red Clay Halo" feel almost ancient. "All Alone," penned by Candice Randolph, is outstanding, with Alan O'Bryant's banjo calling out to the faithful. ~ Jana Pendragon, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
The new CD from the all-star Nashville Bluegrass Band is a jaunty, highly musical collection of contemporary tunes with a few trads. thrown in for good measure. The bluegrass and light gospel singing is very agreeable, unforced and as always with this band, it seems completely natural. Too often this style of country singing is adopted but not lived in. Not the case here. This is a very strong album. Instrumentalists trade licks back and forth with casual authority. Some of the highlights are "I Got a Date," "Tear My Stillhouse Down" and "The Doorstep of Trouble." ~ Richard Meyer, All Music Guide
'Waitin' for the Hard Times to Go'
Release Date 5/1/1993
Tracks 12
Label Sugar Hill Records
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Waitin' for the Hard Times to Go is an excellent collection from a stellar bluegrass band. Instead of choosing to follow either a traditional or progressive direction, the Nashville Bluegrass Band decide to alternate between the two approaches, which makes it a considerably richer and eclectic record than most contemporary bluegrass albums. Waitin' for the Hard Times to Go won the 1993 Grammy Award for Best Bluegrass Album. ~ Thom Owens, All Music Guide
'Home of the Blues'
Release Date 10/22/1991
Tracks 14
Label Sugar Hill Records
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Home of the Blues is one of the Nashville Bluegrass Band's finest albums, boasting a handful of excellent originals like "Blue Train," and interpretations of standards like "Old Daingerfield," and, as a bonus, a live cut with the black gospel group the Fairfield Four. ~ Thom Owens, All Music Guide
'The Boys Are Back in Town'
Release Date 1/1/1990
Tracks 14
Label Sugar Hill Records
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Very well performed, highly recommended. These vocals are on the mark. Produced by Jerry Douglas. ~ Chip Renner, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
To Be His Child is an affecting sampling of the Nashville Bluegrass Band's gospel material, featuring both their string work and several tracks that feature an a capella quartet. ~ Thom Owens, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
A flawless album. One of their best. ~ Chip Renner, All Music Guide
