Playing Time - 45:51 -- James King's robust vocals are known for being raw, pure and full of emotion. King also has a clear affinity for sad songs. He plays no guitar on this project, and instead just concentrates on telling his stories. And a sad song like "Echo Mountain" (written by Billy Smith and Mac Elliott) might bring tears to your eyes. There are no rollicking and smoldering extremes on "The Bluegrass Storyteller," but rather messages and musicianship that hold your attention in a different sort of way emphasizing a more subtle bluegrass framework. James renders a ballad, "Jerusalem Tomorrow," with only his vocals, some mournful fiddle and rhythm accompaniment. Two other numbers ("Second Handed Flowers" and "Carroll County Accident") are sung solo; five songs are arranged for duets. This leaner approach to the vocals allows us to stay focused on James King's emotive messages and personal intensity. James delivers each lyric with very convincing emotion.
King's consummate bandmates add a lot to this project. Guitarist/mandolinist Kevin Prater's high baritone on "Echo Mountain" is spine-tingling. Ben Greene's banjo drives "Flowers in the Dell" and "Carroll County Accident." Adam Haynes is blessed with a silky touch on his fiddle bow that allows him to move effortlessly from note to note. Jerry McNeely's bass provides a rock solid foundation, especially on more up-tempo selections like "Saginaw, Michigan." That piece builds to a soaring 3-part chorus with Prater and Greene assisting.
James King has won great acclaim from the bluegrass community for his heartfelt and soulful singing. A vocalist also knows that he must interpret songs with poignancy and character. He draws material from Tom T. Hall, Lefty Frizzell, David Olney, Bob Ferguson, Fred Eaglesmith, Buddy Miller, Carl Jackson and others. With a distinctive country feeling, James Kings' "The Bluegrass Storyteller" tells a baker's dozen of beautiful, life-affirming tales. Lilting melodies and tender sentiments characterize this album which closes with a stirring gospel quartet on "Just as the Sun Went Down." (Joe Ross, staff writer, Bluegrass Now)
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