Northern California Bluegrass Society provides this CD review. You can find our most current reviews on our Message Board, where you can comment or query the author directly. Our monthly magazine, Bluegrass By the Bay also publishes them.

Roanoke, Darkness on the Delta, McHattie’s Waltz, Louisville Breakdown, Faded Love, Tallahassee, Westfalia Waltz, Farewell Blues, Chuck A Luck, Silver Bells, Panhandle Country.

County Records CO-CD-2733

PO Box 7405

Charlottesville, VA 22906

©2004

Bobby Hicks and Kenny Baker are two of the most expressive fiddlers of all time, and this recording made in 1980 captures them at the peak of their prowess. The twin fiddles are like two finely trained harmony singers and they weave tone and emotion into their instrumental renditions of some classic songs.

Kenny Baker was part of Bill Monroe’s band for many years, so it is not surprising that several of the songs are from the bluegrass master. The album begins with Bill Monroe’s spirited “ Roanoke” and ends with another of his tunes, “Panhandle Country.” “ Tallahassee” is a fast-paced Monroe song and no doubt the fiddle hairs are flying as both fiddlers push the bows. “Darkness on the Delta” and “Faded Love” are in the Texas Swing tradition and the wonderful drawn-out notes on the fiddle really show the mastery of these fiddlers. Joining Kenny and Bobby are an outstanding group of musicians. Allen Shelton plays banjo, Lary Sledge and Buck White take turns on mandolin, Benny Williams is on guitar and Roy Husky Jr. plays bass. This is a great album for fiddle fans everywhere!

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