Norman And Nancy Blake - While Passing Along This Way

Saturday 1st April 1995
Norman And Nancy Blake - While Passing Along This Way

STYLE: Country
RATING 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 18639-
LABEL: Shanachie 6012
FORMAT: CD Album
ITEMS: 1

Reviewed by Tony May

A million miles from country hats gloss and commercialism, this is genuine rural Georgia music. Old-time country at its best, loads of back porch, dirt road atmosphere, brought to you courtesy of (along with Doc Watson) the leading living exponents. Norman's a rivetting guitar flatpicker, with stunning speed and flawless technique. Here he plays dobro, Hawaiian guitar and fiddle too, while Nancy contributes cello, guitar and mandolin. On tracks like "The Greenwood Tree" there's virtually a chamber music effect used on several superb instrumental tracks. Both Blakes are smooth singers, particularly effective on wonderfully quaint gospel songs like Wade Mainer's "He's Passing This Way" and "God's Radio Phone". Traditional items include "Sweet Heaven" and "Sweet Freedom", Blake originals include their lovely "Last Train From Poor Valley". A beautiful album of truly timeless music.

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