BWW Reviews: Ricky Skaggs, Sharon White & Ry Cooder at The Sheldon Concert Hall

When an audience gives a group of performers a standing ovation before they've even played a single note you know you're in for a very special evening. Such was the case this past Monday (July 20, 2015) at The Sheldon Concert Hall, as Ricky Skaggs, Sharon White, Ry Cooder and company took to the stage to perform a memorable and moving collection of classic gospel, country, and bluegrass tunes. It really doesn't get any better than this if you're a fan of the roots of country music. Not too far removed in execution from the terrific performance earlier this year by Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives, this is a group of musicians who seek to keep the fire burning for tunes that seem to have a life all their own, even if a lot of them have been overlooked, underplayed, and overshadowed by the pop sensibilities that have overtaken a great deal of modern country music. If you missed it, then you should be kicking yourself - this was pure bliss from start to finish.

Kicking off the night with an electrifying rendition of the Louvin Brothers "Family Who Prays", the tone was immediately set. And, with their gorgeous harmonies and superb musicianship filling the hall, they enthusiastically played their hearts out for nearly two solid hours. But, don't get the idea that this was some somber affair. No, this was a joyous celebration that reached back into the historical archives for material that was never short of greatness. A stunning take on "(Take Me in You) Lifeboat" (Flatt & Scruggs) came next, followed by Merle Travis' "Sweet Temptation." Next up was the one song that Stuart's band and this particular group both lit into; Hank Williams' bittersweet "Mansion on the Hill."

One fantastic number after another came with Cooder, Skaggs, and White taking turns on lead vocals for songs like the Stanley Brothers' "Cold Jordan", as well as tasty selections from the catalog of Jimmy Martin, the Delmore Brothers (a rockin' "Pan American Boogie"), Hank Snow (a gorgeous run through "A Fool Such As I"), Kitty Wells' lovely "Making Believe" (written by Jimmy Work), and the Louvin Brothers' "Wait A Little, Please Jesus." I won't give away the entire set list, but four encores brought this splendid evening to a satisfying close.

With Skaggs deftly switching between mandolin, fiddle, acoustic guitar, and a fire engine red Telecaster, Cooder thumb picking and using his slide on solos played on his Gretsch guitars, "Cooder-caster", banjo, and acoustic, and the incomparable 84-year old Buck White tickling the ivories, every solo was a melodic treat that brought thunderous applause. Cheryl White joined in for some beautiful harmonies, Joachim Cooder played tastefully restrained percussion, and Mark Fain provided a solid foundation on his double bass. This was truly an all-star band.

This tour continues through November 18, 2015, and it's definitely a must-see event for fans of all kinds of music. It's rare that you get the opportunity to see so many talented people come together in this fashion, and even if you have to travel a bit to catch them, I suggest you do so. If you were at The Sheldon Concert Hall on Monday, then you know exactly what I mean!

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