Tony Rice - Crossings (CD, 2005)

by Bob Mitchell, 03/08/2006

"Crossings", an all gospel instrumental project, featuring Tony Rice, along with an outstanding supporting cast of David Johnson, Tim Surrett, Ben Isaacs, and Tony Creasman, incorporates previously released tracks but the lack of liner notes leaves you wondering about recording dates and who is performing on each track. For example, "Swing Low Sweet Chariot" contains outstanding solos from the fiddle, dorbo and banjo but is unclear if David Johnson was responsible for all of it. If yes, he deserves an award. A multi-talented Johnson contributes banjo, bass, fiddle, Dobro, mandolin, harmonica, violas, and banjotar. (His offerings in this CD are as prominent and impressive as his work in Praises, Promises, and Prayers especially, the incredible Beethoven’s "Joyful, Joyful We Adore You." It has to he heard to be believed.)

Acoustic string instruments produce some of the most beautiful sounds on earth, and in the hands of gifted musicians such as those on this CD, the sound is heavenly. Arrangements are inspired and professionally rendered. However fans of traditional bluegrass will find the use of drums and percussion distracting.

Never-the-less, two selections, "Swing Low Sweet Chariot" and "I Feel Like Traveling On" showcase hard driving bluegrass with jaw dropping technique. The gentle side of bluegrass is unmistakably present in "Living By Faith," "Sweet Hour of Prayer," and "In The Sweet Bye and Bye." It is as though the band is whispering a prayer.

Nothing new can be said about Tony Rice’s astounding guitar work. He is a master’s master and his contributions are colossal especially on "In The Sweet Bye and Bye," "Swing Low Sweet Chariot," "Amazing Grace," "Victory In Jesus," and "I Feel Like Traveling On." Tim Surrett and Ben Isaacs alternate on bass.

Bob Mitchell, Staff Writer for Louisville Music News and Bluegrass Now