Music To My Ears

Opening with a strong progressive bluegrass track, this is a diverse collage containing also traditional bluegrass, bluegrass/Celtic, and even a couple that would probably be best categorized as country/pop/contemporary - though still with the bluegrass influence. A real treat is "Soldier's Son" - a duet with none other than Barry Gibb (Bee Gees) ! May be the only time Barry sings on a bluegrass recording (though that song is more Celtic/pop influenced) but I can't imagine now a voice that would fit the song as well.The more I listen, the more I love this record. The only negative is that for some the collection may be too diverse in terms of musical style. But Skaggs is a musical genius, and in my view pulls this off with the best players in the world on each instrument - including himself. This record deserves a lot of attention and airplay - and I fear it may get neither.

Ricky's best music ever and he has never been shy about mentioning God in his music and his fans are glad of that.

Compared to all of Skaggs other bluegrass CDs...and I have them all - this one doesn't measure up. CDs like Ancient Tones and Brand New Strings raise the bar high for the other bluegrassers out there. Music to my ears simply is not bluegrass enough. I was simply expecting more ancient tones. I've been listening to Skaggs and buying his music since "Waitin' For The Sun To Shine." I am still a fan. I'll buy his next release...I was simply disappointed with his latest effort.

Ricky Skaggs is one of my favorites, have seen him in person at least twice, love all of his music. This album is no exception!

Music To My Ears continues the Kentucky Thunder winning streak though it seems bandleader Ricky Skaggs is searching for ways to not continually record a straight bluegrass album. Which in a way is sad as their first two albums, their Instrumentals album, and the Tribute To The Fathers Of Bluegrass are the Thunder's best and most involving work. Experiments outside the bluegrass genre so beloved and honoured by Skaggs are a bit hit and miss; gospel which can no doubt seem a tad 19th century to some modern listeners, duets with Bruce Hornsby's piano, and solo Skaggs recordings where, like Springsteen's Nebraska album, the experiment is interesting and starkly poetic but perhaps missing something somewhere.Herein the listener is presented with what sounds like synth pads underneath some of the production and the first appearance of Barry Gibb in a string band context. To some this is a way forward, to others a head-scratching moment.For at least one Kentuckian reviewing on Amazon the uptempo bluegrass on this recording is hard if not out and out impossible to beat. Both Blue Night and Tennessee Stud are given new twists and all the better for it and the picking on tunes like New Jerusalem is nothing short of astonishing. Kentucky Thunder are the bluegrass answer to the Hot Club of Paris, to Bird and Diz at Birdland, to Mike Bloomfield and Paul Butterfield on a good night at the Fillmore East and you can hear why they are frequently voted the best live act in country and bluegrass music.Ricky, please record my song The Last Kentucky Waltz. I know you got a copy of it, my wife gave it to y'all. Let me die a happy man. Or maybe produce the next Coal Porters record? Whatever, my friend, keep the music moving, don't slow down and say hi to Coach Calipari for me if you are ever in Lexington.

I have always enjoyed the music of Ricky Skaggs and this album was just as good as others I own. I really enjoyed the song You cant hurt ham what a fun song to listen to. Things in Life and Music to my ears speak of his faith in God and the reunion all Christians hope for after we leave this world. Overall this was just a great album and well worth owning.

My kids and I love this cd! I have to be honest and say that personally I like 'Brand New Strings' better, but this is really good!!

I have been a Ricky Skaggs fan for many many years. This is another one of his good works. I love the "Ham" song. I wish radio stations would play more blue grass music.Thanks, Mr Skaggs. Keep on keeping on.