Karl Shiflett
Karl Shiflett. Shiflett is in fine form here on his third album for the Rebel label. His style is distinctive and unique, though in his music (which is basically traditional Bluegrass) there are heavy influences of honky-tonk as well as classic Flatt & Scruggs from their “middle dobro period”. Most important, the group is relaxed and it sounds like they’re having a lot of fun. There are some standards, well played and sung (Truck Driving Man, I Live In The Past and I Still Miss Someone), but most of the disc features songs from the pen of ace banjoist Jake Jenkins, including the title song and a neat If I Could Take You Home (reminiscent of Don Reno & Red Smiley’s work). And a real highlight is a fine country flavored How Wrong A Man Can Be with outstanding vocal by guest Jim Lauderdale. A couple of good instrumentals and an excellent Oh Lord I Pray round out a super album. Bobo’s Boogie, Hoss Fly, etc.
Karl Shiflett. Shiflett is in fine form here on his third album for the Rebel label. His style is distinctive and unique, though in his music (which is basically traditional Bluegrass) there are heavy influences of honky-tonk as well as classic Flatt & Scruggs from their “middle dobro period”. Most important, the group is relaxed and it sounds like they’re having a lot of fun. There are some standards, well played and sung (Truck Driving Man, I Live In The Past and I Still Miss Someone), but most of the disc features songs from the pen of ace banjoist Jake Jenkins, including the title song and a neat If I Could Take You Home (reminiscent of Don Reno & Red Smiley’s work). And a real highlight is a fine country flavored How Wrong A Man Can Be with outstanding vocal by guest Jim Lauderdale. A couple of good instrumentals and an excellent Oh Lord I Pray round out a super album. Bobo’s Boogie, Hoss Fly, etc.