Freewheeling
Grier has proven himself one of the most agile and resourceful flat-picking guitarists in modern bluegrass. He shows an uncanny ability to offer crafty, clever, and ambitious lines without ever losing control or command of his ideas or his hands.Freewheeling, Grier's 1988 solo debut, finds a guitarist able to push traditional bluegrass forward while always maintaining an old-timey verve. Helped by top-shelf musicians including Stuart Duncan and Sam Bush, Grier tackles traditional fiddle tunes, Bill Monroe staples, and several originals ranging in tone from old-style rags to introspective ballads. As strong as the ensemble cuts are, the final three cuts for solo guitar are even more revealing. Grier has taken traditional bluegrass, refracted it through Clarence White, and emerged with his own fluent, tasteful sound.--Marc Greilsamer