Alison Krauss opened my eyes to a whole new world of music and helped me throw off the prejudices I'd had for country and bluegrass music since my youth. She's an amazing talent and her music transcends classification. She's one of the most original artists out there and has steadfastly turned her back on fame and fortune. She's the big fish in the little pond at Rounder Records, the independent label she signed with in her teens and has stuck with for the balance of her career. They pretty much let her do as she pleases. She has such good taste that they've never regretted that decision. She's the leading female Grammy winner of all time. She was recently nominated for 5 more based on her very quirky but wonderful collaberation, "Raising Sand" with Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin. That's the two of them in the picture. She and her band Union Station are some of the most accomplished musicians in the world. Alison is a world class fiddler. I take nearly as much pleasure in her playing as her singing. Band mate Jerry Douglas is without doubt the king of the resophonic guitar. He's also up for a Grammy this year. The rest are on par. Dan Tyminski was the singing voice of George Clooney in the movie "O Brother Where Art Thou". He's up for a Grammy in the bluegrass category for his latest album. Bassist Barry Bales and Banjo/Guitar ace Ron Block are both in demand session artists as well as being involved in many projects of their own. Alison encourages her guys to do much on their own and gives them the time to do it. She feels it only improves the band. If you get the impression I'm totally impressed with Alison, you'd be right. She's very much one of the brightest lights in my musical universe. Thanks to Sandy or Di for introducing me to her music! They both played her before I knew about her. I'm not sure who I heard her first from, so I'll credit them both! Also thanks to Shannon for getting on me to blog again. I know I do neglect it.
