VARIOUS ARTISTS
Hell Yeah A Bluegrass Tribute -
Pickin' On Gretchen Wilson (CMH Records)
Reviewed by Ron Saranich

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Hell Yeah, another in the Pickin' On series by CMH Records, is a kick ass, raucous interpretation of the music of Gretchen Wilson. It works because Wilson's music is deeply rooted in the Country tradition, thus translating well into Bluegrass. The musicians for this recording date are Jeff Taylor on accordion; Randy Kohrs on dobro; Larry Richardson on banjo; Jay Weave on upright bass; Pat Bergeson on harmonica; Pat McGrath on rhythm guitar; Ray Huskey Jr. on upright bass; Tim Crouch on fiddle, mandolin, rhythm guitar, and snare; and Mark Thomton on electric guitar. All these musicians have technique to burn and are well integrated as a group.

Just last year, Wilson's "Redneck Woman" topped Billboard's Country music charts as a number one single, making Wilson the first woman vocalist to achieve such honors in several years. Since then, Wilson's career has continued to soar. Wilson stresses her "white trash" upbringing, and her song titles showcase these roots. Song titles run along the lines of "Here For The Party," "When I Think About Cheatin'," "Redneck Woman," "Redneck Stomp," and "Homewrecker." The CMH bluegrass artists on this recording capture the essence of Wilson's music, generating excitement along the way. Regardless of your neck color, you'll probably enjoy Pickin' On Gretchen Wilson.

© 2005 - Ron Saranich