Randy Scruggs says that recording this CD was more like "directing a movie than actually making an album." He produced and played guitar on every track, wrote a few songs, arranged a couple, sang on a few more, and, most importantly, assembled the all-star cast that makes this album such a joy to listen to. Almost every song here is an outstanding example of a producer's clear vision perfectly executed. The pairing of
Emmylou Harris and
Iris DeMent on the
Carter Family classic "Wildwood Flower" is a match made in heaven, and
Travis Tritt sounds great backed vocally by
Harry Stinson and
Sam Bush on a mostly acoustic version of
the Pure Prairie League's "Amie." Another highlight is the
Steve Goodman song "City of New Orleans" with
John Prine and an outstanding backup chorus.
Bruce Hornsby sings his own song about a hard-luck beauty queen, "Crown of Jewels," and even
Joan Osborne sings on the rocking "Passin' Through." It's a testament to
Randy Scruggs' producing genius and acoustic guitar talent that this album is not just a collection of exceptional tracks, but a cohesive package. Maybe
Scruggs isn't really a director but the host of a party -- one of the greatest country parties held in a recording studio since Will the Circle Be Unbroken, Vol. 2. And
Scruggs was the master of ceremonies that time, too. ~ Brian Wahlert