Del McCoury Company We Keep CD

 What can I say? I needed bluegrass.
I'm not typically a bluegrass kind of guy, so this cd was a real departure for me. I can say, however, that Del McCoury and his band have pretty much perfected the art of carefully crafting songs around eachother's little solos and fills. Nobody was overbearing or obnoxious on this cd - it's like they had a real bond between them, like they're all real musicians. Much respect to this mostly unexplored genre.
Submitted by leroybillybob (Bethlehem, PA, USA) 
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 The McCoury bluegrass tradition is in very good hands
Playing Time – 51:37 It’s difficult to maintain your place when you’re already on top. Everyone’s been wondering how the Del McCoury Band would follow the album “It’s Just the Night,” that won IBMA’s Album of the Year Award for 2004. The very first item you notice about The Del McCoury Band’s “The Company We Keep” (the second on their own McCoury Music label, distributed exclusively by Sugar Hill Records) is the high quality production of the 12-page fold out CD jacket with liner notes, numerous color photos, and lyrics to all songs on this generous 52-minute project. First impressions and marketing ARE important! While the music always takes priority, it’s great to see their record company not skimp on the rest of the product. Del and the Boys have never been content to merely rest on their laurels. Rather, they’ve always been strong proponents of giving their fans 125% whether it be in live concert or on compact disc. That’s the attitude that Del conveys when he sings his original (co-written with Harley Allen) “Never Grow Up Boy” about being a “guitar pickin’, bluegrass singing, never grow up boy” whose dreams “can set men free.” Del and Harley also wrote “Keep Her While She’s There.” Del also collaborated with Don Schlitz on “If Here is Where You Are.” Ronnie McCoury’s instrumental “Seventh Heaven” is top-notch. The Del McCoury Band is also a full-speed-ahead band packed with vocal and instrumental energy and excitement. One song in ¾ time (When Fall’s Coming Down) provides its nice contrasting rhythmic beat at track eleven. They keep their music upbeat and distinctive as they deliver the bluegrass goods written by such songcrafters as Mark Walton, Joseph New & Jeff Silbar, Larry Keel, Liz Meyer, Gary Nicholson, Jeff & Dean Presley, Jerry Salley & Susanne Mumpower-Johnson, Mark Simos & Jon Weisberger. We have to thank these writers for some very cool songs that bring out the best in this band! We have to thank the Del McCoury Band for being some of the hardest working musicians in the bluegrass business, and for being meticulous with all the details that come with the fame. Not just great entertainers, the band members are truly highly credible and professional emissaries for the genre. Del McCoury won IBMA's "Entertainer of the Year" Award in 1996. In eight additional years from 1994-2004, the band took home the honors. This year, the band or its members have been nominated in various categories: entertainer, instrumental group and "best instrumentalist" awards for Rob McCoury (banjo), Jason Carter (fiddle), and Ronnie McCoury (mandolin). Del is also a song of the year nominee as writer for "Rain Please Go Away," released by Alison Krauss & Union Station. “The Company We Keep” pays tribute and expresses gratitude to all friends, family and team members who have helped make them what they are. The CD’s back cover shows Del’s grandkids at the head of the table and indicates that the McCoury bluegrass tradition is in very good hands. (Joe Ross, staff writer, Bluegrass Now)
Submitted by Joe Ross (Roseburg, OR.)
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 Awsome!!!
Another fantastic release from the best band in Bluegrass. Be sure to pick up a copy. You won't be disappointed.
Submitted by Jon (Kentucky, USA)
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