CD Review – Ricky Skaggs “Music To My Ears”
Ricky Skaggs is one of the most consistently excellent, continually relevant and important artists still passionately making quality music in Nashville today. His ever faithful fan base, his influence on up and coming young musicians, his awards, accolades and number one hits on the charts make his career historic. With his newest release , MUSIC TO MY EARS, it’s obvious that Mr. Skaggs has no plans to just rest on his laurels.
Produced by Ricky, and recorded at his Skaggs Place Studios, this could be his finest studio work ever. Excellent song choices, top shelf musicianship, a surprise guest that brings HIS A-Game to the project, production that is absolutely dead on and Ricky bringing 150% of his considerable talents to this recording all make it a guaranteed winner.
The inclusion of new technology into Ricky’s recording process further convinces me that Ricky may be firmly attached to old time music and vintage acoustic instruments, but he keeps an ear to the ground for gear that will improve and enhance his music. And, as usual, he’s way in front of the curve.
It took several listenings before the real influence and contributions of Gordon Kennedy finally sunk in. His musicianship, writing and production help are more than evident by the quality of the finished product. Four of the original songs here are his co-writes, and all flavor the end result greatly.
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