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- Verified Buyer
This album was originally released as Bluegrass Sessions, but this re-issue does not credit the musicians or even the label that released it.The album features thirteen tracks, all of them re-recordings of songs that Janie had previously recorded, then of which were big country hits for her. The other three include two songs that I'm familiar with by other artists (Faithless love, Ring of fire) and one (Goodbye broken heart) that I don't think I've heard before.Some people won't accept re-recordings under any circumstances. I've always thought that to be a ridiculous attitude and this album shows why. I enjoy Janie's earlier hit versions (at least three of which were covers, these being I'll need someone to hold me when I cry (first recorded by Don Williams), Tell me a lie (first recorded by Lynn Anderson) and Please help me I'm falling, (the Hank Locklin classic) so they weren't original versions either), but as the album title implies, these recordings have a bluegrass feel to them.From a bluegrass perspective, I find the music a little restrained, but perhaps that's how Janie wanted it. Certainly, these recordings showcase Janie's outstanding voice, whereas a high-energy bluegrass backing might have been a distraction.Those who think that some of Janie's hits leaned too much towards pop-country should give this a listen - if only they can overcome any prejudice they might have against re-recordings.I became a Janie Fricke fan at the beginning, when she burst I=on the scene with her debut album, Singer of songs. I remain a fan, but why is so little of her music available on CD? The singer who was twice CMA female vocalist of the year deserves better. Enjoy this album and whatever else is available while waiting for re-issue labels to show some interest in her music.
