CD Review

Bryan Sutton

Not Too Far From The Tree

Sugar Hill Records

Bluegrass Magic

    The latest solo effort from Bryan Sutton, Not Too Far From The Tree, was a unique project that honored and showcased some of the greatest bluegrass guitarists of all time. Sutton not only wanted to pay homage to the men that influenced and inspired him as a guitarist, but he also wanted to show how these giants of bluegrass changed and affected his own style for the better. As many of these respected guitarists of the past reached their golden years, it was Sutton's vision to organize an album that would let the world see how talented and special these legends really were. Bryan arranged recording sessions in people's homes rather than in a professional recording studio so the album would have the feel of an improvised jam session. Sutton liked the interplay of a guitar duet. The interaction, spontaneity and freedom experienced between two guitars made the recording seem like a relaxed conversation between the two instruments rather than a scripted dialogue.

 It was difficult to isolate several tracks as better than others on this album. All of the songs were individual treasures that reflected the styles of each of the masters. Some of the tracks that were especially memorable were the spirited Lonesome Fiddle Blues and Dusty Miller(Tony Rice) and the equally flawless Stoney Creek  (Jack Lawrence). Other songs that made impressions included the down-home styling of The Old Spinning Wheel (David Grier) and the Irish-tinged, Whiskey Before Breakfast (Doc Watson). Finally, it would be hard to complete a review of this album without mentioning the bright picking and simple, distinct and perfect� style of the great Earl Scruggs on Give Me the Roses. Not Too Far From The Tree came to a close with Ragtime Annie (David Grier). The liner notes claimed that this song was't any fun at all.� With a scant listening, this finale proved to be tremendous fun for both musicians and listeners.

  Bryan Sutton has firmly established himself as the preeminent country and bluegrass acoustic guitarist in the country. He is the guitarist that nearly every musician would love to have on their album, if they can afford him and if he is available. Bryan has played with an almost unlimited number of country superstars including Ricky Skaggs, The Dixie Chicks, Dolly Parton and Randy Travis. Perhaps someday, another guitarist will produce an album of Nashville's great guitarists and invite Bryan Sutton to make an appearance.

Kirk deCordova