The Bluegrass Fiddle Album

With each new recording, Aubrey Haynie shows us just a little more of his artistic depth and musical versatility. This collection, an all-instrumental album of fiddle tunes, has, as none other than Mark O'Connor states in the liner notes, "sterling fiddle playing." It is not only technically sound, but possesses a depth of feeling one might expect from players who have been around much longer. One can hear the influence of O'Connor, Haynie's former teacher and mentor, as well as a little Chubby Wise here, a lot of Kenny Baker there.

Joining Haynie is a pretty impressive lineup of all-star musicians. It sounds as though this group has been playing as a band for years, as they weave smoothly in and out of solos, offering just the right touch of backup to each lead player. The music, though based in tunes mostly written in traditional bluegrass style, has a distinctly newgrass, contemporary feel. They take Baker's Bluegrass in the Backwoods and give it a touch of both newgrass and swing.

It is interesting to note that Kenny Baker's work is the basis, and rightfully so, given his work over the years with Bill Monroe and the Bluegrass Boys. But I suspect it won't be long before another rising fiddle player makes an album full of Aubrey Haynie tunes.

The Players

Track Listing

Edited by: David N. Pyles
(dnpyles@acousticmusic.com)