Earl Scruggs And Friends
As Earl Scruggs broadened his horizons into country-rock in the early 1970s, two albums much like this one appeared, featuring cameos fromBob Dylan, theByrds,Linda Ronstadt,Joan Baez, etc. Now as then, the results are mixed. SirElton Johnrenders a mature, definitive "Country Comfort."Dwight Yoakam's newly penned "Borrowed Love," "True Love Never Dies" withTravis Tritt, andJohn Fogerty's "Blue Ridge Mountain Blues" all honor bluegrass traditions.Vince GillandRosanne Cash("I Found Love"),Marty Stuart("Foggy Mountain Rock"/"Foggy Mountain Special"), andJohnny CashwithDon Henley(the eerie "Passin' Thru") are focused and flawless. The misfires are equally spectacular.Billy Bob Thornton's "Ring of Fire" doesn't bode well for his 2001country album. Not only areMelissa EtheridgeandStingout of their element, their overwhelming performances relegate Scruggs to the distant background. Likewise, his signature instrumental "Foggy Mountain Breakdown" buckles under the weight of10guest pickers including Steve Martin and Paul Shaffer. All-star tributes can be a bear to manage. Given that reality, 8 out of 12 ain't bad.--Rich Kienzle