Bluegrass
Published: Sun, Aug. 12, 2007 12:00AM
Modified Sun, Aug. 12, 2007 06:26AM
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closeThe Charlie Sizemore Band, "Good News" -4 Stars
A nine-year veteran of Ralph Stanley's Clinch Mountain Boys, Charlie Sizemore is one of the most revered singers in bluegrass. After taking time off to concentrate on his law practice, he's singing and writing songs again, and "Good News," his Rounder Records debut and his first recording in five years, will be in stores Tuesday.
Sizemore wrote four of the album's 14 tracks, including "Alison's Band," a delightfully light-hearted tribute to his friends in Alison Krauss and Union Station. Other sources include Tom T. and Dixie Hall, Harley Allen and Hank Cochran.
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Sizemore's singing is versatile and melodic, and the live feel of "Good News" takes advantage of his excellent band -- Danny Barnes (mandolin), Matt DeSpain (Dobro), Wayne Fields (banjo) and John Pennell (bass). He's equally at ease with chugging breakdowns ("I've Fallen and I Can't Get Up"), lilting waltzes ("I Won't Be Far From Here"), country-flavored ballads (Randy Travis' "Hard Rock Bottom of Your Heart") and uplifting gospel ("Good News When I Die").
Like fellow Kentuckian Tom T., Sizemore is a natural storyteller. He puts his skills to the test with "Devil on a Plow," "Whiskey Willie" and "The Silver Bugle," a Civil War tale that supposedly took place near his home on Puncheon Creek, Ky.
The Sizemore Band is back on the festival circuit. This CD is likely to make the quintet a top attraction for the rest of the season.
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