David Grisman
Life of Sorrow

(Acoustic Disc)

First Appeared at The Music Box, August 2003, Volume 10, #8

Written by John Metzger

Is there ever a time when David Grisman performs that a recording device isn’t running full-throttle? Probably not, and that’s a good thing too, given that over the years — whether it’s an entire album centered around one group and culled from a handful of sessions or one that is compiled from those that were held over several decades with a variety of musicians — Grisman has captured some rather magical moments on tape. His latest outing Life of Sorrow falls into the latter category with luminaries Ralph Stanley, Del McCoury, Herb Pedersen, John Hartford and others performing songs recorded in sessions held between 1969 and 1998. The set touches upon a wealth of folk and bluegrass material penned by the likes of Carter Stanley, Lester Flatt, and the Louvin Brothers, and all of it is linked thematically through the pain and suffering that life brings. It’s a remarkable collection with far too many terrific performances to mention. What’s most notable, perhaps, about the songs on Life of Sorrow is the way in which Grisman so comfortably assimilates himself into the styles of his collaborators, offering brilliant accompaniments, stirring leads, and emotive vocals wherever necessary. As has become customary for Acoustic Disc’s historic reflections, the album comes with an extensive booklet that outlines a brief history of each track along with lyrics and photographs. Granted, Life of Sorrow isn’t for everyone, but even those with a passive interest in folk and bluegrass recordings will marvel at the renditions Grisman offers here.

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Ratings

1 Star:   Pitiful
2 Stars: Listenable
3 Stars: Respectable
4 Stars: Excellent
5 Stars: Can't Live Without It!!

Copyright © 2003 The Music Box