Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver - You Gotta Dig a Little Deeper (CD)

By Nathan  Aug 17, 2006

This band is clearly “knee deep in bluegrass”

By Joe  Dec 3, 2005

Pros: An excellent variety of material that appeals to young and old

Cons: I like to see liner notes clearly identify who is singing, & this is an unfortunate omission here

Playing Time – 39:19 -- This CD marks Lawson’s new affiliation with the Rounder label, & this secular recording is full of truly zestful bluegrass. In 1979, Lawson put Quicksilver together w/ banjo player Terry Baucom, guitarist Jimmy Haley, & electric bass player Lou Reid. The band signed with the Sugar Hill Records label the following year, & they released the albums Quicksilver, Rock My Soul, Quicksilver Rides Again, Heavenly Treasures, & Once and for Always. After rededicating his life to Jesus Christ in 1985, Lawson recorded the all-gospel “Beyond the Shadows” w/ new players Scott Vestal (banjo), Curtis Vestal (electric bass), & Russell Moore (guitar). It was momentous occasion that indicated the band’s ability to continue to set a high standard for bluegrass gospel music. The "Beyond the Shadows" reissue in 2004 marked an impressive & prolific long-term relationship that has resulted in 24 albums in as many years for this fine group that features well-blended vocal harmonies & arrangements.

Lawson's gospel (and secular) albums are consistently best sellers because their recipe for success has always been to present an excellent variety of material that appeals to young and old. Let’s analyze the songs on his 25th album - the secular "You Gotta Dig a Little Deeper" now on Rounder Records.

W/ all his years in the business, Lawson clearly knows the successful recipe for a high-octane sound. Most impressive are the band’s splendid choice of material, straightforward picking, & euphonious vocals. The latter is what really sets this band apart from the rest of the pack. Over the years, the group has won four Vocal Group of the Year awards from the Intnl Bluegrass Music Assn. I like to see liner notes clearly identify who is singing, & this is an unfortunate omission here. Yet, we know that the band includes Doyle Lawson (mandolin, guitbro, lead guitar, vocals), Jamie Dailey (guitar, vocals), Barry Scott (bass, vocals), Jesse Stockman (fiddle), & Terry Baucom (banjo, vocals). Truly, they’re one of the strongest quintets in bluegrass today. Guest Glen Duncan fiddles on “Saving Grace,” a slower song which (along with “Oak Valley Girl”) best typify their cohesive well-blended trio. The latter incorporates some tasty fills played by Lawson on guitbro (an instrument which is a cross between guitar and dobro).

Fans of Lawson know that he has 40 years experience in bluegrass. The title cut (by Carl Caldwell) is a strong reminder that perseverance and hard work will yield bountiful rewards in life. That cut is characteristic of a general theme throughout this album – songs with meaningful messages. Quicksilver’s guitarist (Jamie Dailey) & bass-player (Barry Scott) penned the opener, “Heartbreak Number Nine,” that speaks to having to get out of town w/ a one-way ticket when true love doesn’t materialize. Another Dailey composition, “The Girl in the Valley,” is about a desire to rekindle a relationship w/ an old flame. If adroit picking is your cup of tea, you’ll be very thrilled by Baucom’s banjo work on “Girl from West Virginia,” along with the Lawson’s crisp, driving mandolin on his self-penned “Rosine,” a tribute to Bill Monroe's birthplace. Lawson is a first-class mandolin stylist in the bluegrass genre, & his instrumental expertise has been highly highly regarded & imitated.

The kaleidoscope of sound includes bang-up bluegrass, classic country, & gospel. Besides the originals, their diverse repertoire draws material from Jim Reeves (“Four Walls”), Porter Wagoner (“What Ain’t to be, Just Might Happen”), Pete Goble & others. A band noted for vocal distinction also serves up quality instrumental work. It’s a thoroughgood project that won my vote for top five bluegrass CDs of 2005. As they sing about in the closing number composed by Pete Goble, this band is clearly “knee deep in bluegrass.” (Joe Ross, staff, Bluegrass Now)

Tight, upbeat bluegrass

By redtunictroll  May 29, 2005

Pros: -

Cons: -

Bluegrass legend surrounded by up-and-coming talents - check. Tight, multipart harmonies - check. Hot acoustic picking - check. To those who don't actively follow bluegrass, it's difficult to discern the differences between one top-notch band and another. What truly distinguishes Lawson's combo is the use of gospel quartet singing within the bluegrass framework. Though he and his accompanists can sing high-lonesome two-parts, it’s the sustained chordal notes, such as the acapella tag to "Four Walls" that will send shivers down your spine.

Lawson's fine mandolin and guitar playing are displayed throughout, and having passed the banjo to rejoining bandmate Terry Baucom, the band strikes a balance that keeps the extraordinary vocals front and center. Highlights include the train-whistle lost-love harmonies of "Heartbreak Number Nine," the title-cut's whimsical, folksy style, and the album's sole instrumental, "Rosine" (which is sure to have them dancing at summer festivals!). It's all so s put together, that casual listeners might not catch the incredible heart and craft laid into this recording.