Alison Krauss & Union Station Live

Where bluegrass was once the preserve of the traditionalists, the infusion of youth into its ranks has opened up a plethora of possibilities for its development. Alison Krauss and Union Station are at the head of this move towards the wider view, and this double live album shows exactly why this should be so. Opening proceedings with the beautiful, sparse ‘Let Me Touch You For A While’, the listener is treated to ninety minutes plus of dazzling musicianship, arrangements that are even more tasteful than adventurous now that Jerry Douglas has joined the line-up full time. Lush meets loud in something equal measure.

The second disc kicks off with a solo dobro version of ‘Tribute To Peadar O’Donnell’ which segues into ‘Monkey Let The Dogs Out’ and this sets things up for a blistering display throughout. On ‘Man Of Constant Sorrow’ Dan Tyminski takes lead vocal with stunning harmonies from Ron Block and Barry Bales, banjoist and bassist respectively with the band giving a classic song renewed life. Two further tracks on this album really provide the icing on the cake. Firstly, Alison’s vocal on Gillian Welch and David Rawlings’ ‘New Favourite’ brings heartbreak to a new level, whilst its immediate follow up ‘Oh Atlanta’ shows just how hard this band can rock out.

With this album recorded in Louisville, Kentucky, Alison Krauss and co have created a work of worth, permanence and brilliance, against which much will be measured in time to come. Unreal.