Bryan Sutton – Ready To Go

Guitarist Bryan Sutton, known to fans of contemporary bluegrass for his work with Ricky Scaggs and Jerry Douglas, steps out on his own for a mostly instrumental exploration of country, bluegrass, folk and jazz styles. The swing side of things is covered by the jazz standards "Minor Swing" and "Lady Be Good"--the inspiration of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli is unmistakable here. Dolly Parton does some of her very best singing ever on the sparse, soulful ballad "Smoky Mountain Memories." "Highland Rim" is a rollicking Celtic-flavored bluegrass instrumental, and his version of the U2 song "When Love Comes To Town" (sung with a bluesy fervor by Jeff White) makes it sound like an old-time country classic. Jerry Douglas (who also recorded with jazz guitarist Bill Frisell on his sublime NASHVILLE) plays eerily tuneful yet forceful dobro throughout. Sutton's performance has a near-perfect balance of technique and warmth that's quietly dazzling.

Track Listing:
1. Decision at Glady Fork - 3:45   2. Blue Night - 2:44   3. Brown County Breakdown - 4:13   4. Highland Rim - 3:05   5. When Love Comes to Town - 3:36   6. Walk Among the Woods - 3:30   7. Minor Swing - 3:34   8. Tater Patch - 3:10   9. The Water Is Wide - 5:19   10. Grover Glen - 3:40   11. Chief's Medley - 3:38   12. Oh, Lady Be Good - 2:53   13. Smoky Mountain Memories - 3:55   14. The Good Deed - 2:27

Personnel:
Bryan Sutton (guitar, mandolin) , Pat Enright / Jeff White / Dolly Parton (vocals) , Ron Block / Mike Snider (banjo) , Sonya Isaacs Surrett (gut string guitar) , Dennis Crouch (bass) , Aubrey Haynie (fiddle) , Jerry Douglas / Rob Ickes (dobro) , Ricky Skaggs / David Harvey (mandolin)

Reviews:

1. AllMusic - Tim Sheridan
Bryan Sutton is one of those guitar wizards who somehow balance their remarkable dexterity with melodic sensitivity. It's not surprising that he works within the bluegrass idiom, since its delicate, pastoral nature still allows for lightening runs and mind-boggling breakdowns. On this disc he is joined by equally talented guests such as Jerry Douglas, Ricky Skaggs, and Dolly Parton, creating a sweet, beautiful record that is accomplished in every way.