Lifetime in the Making
Whenever the Whites--father Buck White (on vocals, mandolin, and piano) and daughters Sharon (vocals and rhythm guitar) and Cheryl (vocals and bass)--blend their voices, the resulting harmonies are not only seamless and thrilling but as warm and reassuring as a favorite pair of slippers. As always, the foundation for these precise, yet down-home harmonies is built on Texas-born Buck White's delightfully eclectic blend of bluegrass, gospel, honky-tonk, and swing sensibilities. Daddy White's masterful picking and his daughters' rock-steady accompaniment are augmented by an all-star supporting cast including guitaristBryan Sutton, fiddlerAubrey Haynie, and the subtle, understated brushes of drummer Kenny Malone. The Whites' old friendEmmylou Harrislends a vocal assist on their lovely revival ofMother Maybelle Carter's "Fair and Tender Ladies." Whether it's a stirring gospel tune, a sprightly swing number, a haunting, Western-flavored ballad, or a rousing instrumental, the Whites cover all their stylistic bases with warm, superb mastery.--Bob Allen