Posted by blamethebanjo on Friday, April 4, 2008
I have been a long time fan of Ricky Skaggs.I remember the bluegrass flavored country hits in the eighties that dominated the charts.The awards he won were only eclipsed by the number of people he helped draw in to the bluegrass realm.
I was introduced early on to bluegrass music by my Dad who was a big Bill Monroe fan.I was particularly facinated with the sound of the 5 string banjo although at the time didn't really know what instrument it was making those sparkling, silver notes.
Anyone who has followed the long and brilliant career of Mr.Monroe will no doubt eventually find themselves in awe of the way Ricky Skaggs has followed his lead.Skaggs in no carbon copy yet he plays it the way it is supposed to be played,to quote Monroe.He does more than that.He stokes the fire.Kentucky Thunder is continually made up of the cream of the crop pickers to be found anywhere.
Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder have done more than just master their instruments.They have embodied the very spirit of the music.The songs take you away.They take you back yes,more importantly they take you forward.That to me is the beauty of Ricky's mission.He is on a mission.
Just before Bill Monroe passed away Ricky promised him that he would take care of his music.He told him he would make sure that the world remembered that it was Monroe who brought it to life.While Ricky can be admired for his unbelievable talent he must also be saluted as a man of his word.
I am glad that he has kept the Faith.Happy to see his record label succeed and that he has remained the country boy and a wonderful man.God bless you Ricky.
BryanWB Says:
Friday, April 4, 2008 @4:51:12 PM
Hi Darrell - Since I'm a newbie, I'm still finding out about the great banjo players - what a wonderful world of musicians eh? All the best. Bryan.
blamethebanjo Says:
Friday, April 4, 2008 @6:16:06 PM
Bryan, Let me tell you about Larry Perkins! He is a Nashville based Banjo player who is absolutely fantastic.He plays Scruggs Style like nobody else in my opinion! He played banjo on Larry Cordel And Lonesome Standard Time's Mighty Lonesome record from 1993.He has his own award winning releases, A Touch Of The Past,A Glad Reunion Day and Three Fingers And A Clawhammer.You can go to his site by searching Larry Perkins Music.You might also enjoy Leroy Troy a very talented clawhammer player and singer I recommend these two and anything Earl Scruggs does.
Darrell
Kevin G Says:
Friday, April 4, 2008 @8:10:18 PM
His appearance on the PBS special a few years ago, The Three Pickers, was fantastic. He did a great little banjo duet with Earl that was inspiring. I agree: Ricky's at the top of his game.
Kevin
banjotef Says:
Friday, April 4, 2008 @8:10:27 PM
I have been fortunate to see Skaggs and KT in a private concert, up close! They transform the stage into a roller coaster!!
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