Big Al Weekley

Big Al's Album Reviews

 I will review Gospel and Bluegrass along with some Traditional Country.
My reviews are short and straight to the point, every album should be in your collection.
This list is just a few of many great  albums,  we will update periodically.
If you know of a  album someone has recorded and want possible air play on my radio program and reviewed on our website please send it to:

Big Al
P.O. Box 907
Lexington, Ne 68850

email: BigAl@KRVN.com

3rd Tyme Out
Russel Moore & 3rd Tyme Out- Rural Rhythm
Though 3rd Tyme Out has changed band members throughout the years there is one constant in the band and that is Russell Moore.  If your a 3rd Tyme Out fan and wondering if this new album sounds like the group of the past, it certainly does!  But, with a new energy,  cut #2 "Me and Dad" is a heartfelt story that only Russell Moore can sing and cut #6 "Prayer For Peace"  reminds us of our world today.  This album is sure to be a favorite in your collection just as other 3rd Tyme Out albums are. www.RuralRhythm.com

1.Hard Rock Mountain Prison
2.Me and Dad
3.Carolina's Arms
4.My Angeline
5.Little John IAm
6. Prayer For Peace
7.Knee Deep In Blues
8.Boiling Springs
9.The Last Greyhound
10.Big City Blues
11.I'm Leaving Town
12.The Eastern Gate

 
Special Consensus
Signs - Pinecastle
  I have followed Greg Cahill for years along with his band Special Consensus.  This new album called Signs is a flawless project!
It has a variety of songs and harmonies,  such as cut #7, it is proof of their abilities and experience,  "I'll Go To My Grave Loving You"  was made popular by the Statler Brothers but wait till you hear in this album by Special Consensus .  A beautiful sacred song at the end of the album wraps up a super recording.
for more information: www.pinecastle.com

Lost & Found
"Love" Lost & Found - Rebel Records
  It has been about 7 years since Lost & Found has recorded and this recording i'm sure to them and will be to you Very Special,  it contains the last mandolin recordings of Dempsy Young one of the founding members who past away.  Even though this album is the newest recording each song tells the story , every chord played and every note sang in itself tells a story.  Allen Mills bass player and founding member has always been able to tell the story through his music and the musicians do the same.  This album is "In Memory" of Dempsy Young,  on some of the tracks there is a new mandolin player and his name is Scott Napier,  he certainly takes care of what Dempsy Young wasn't able to finish.
visit: www.RebelRecords.com

 
Rhonda Vincent
Destination Life - Rounder Records
The Queen of Bluegrass has done it again!  Rhonda Vincent has always had a gift when it comes to arranging and picking out songs to record. The album Destination Life is another jewel you will want to add to your collection,  for example the song "Crazy Love" was a song written by Rusty Young and recorded by the rock band "Poco"  she has certainly made this song her own in bluegrass.  The gospel cuts on the album send chills down my spine.  There is also some original material written by Rhonda and some of her friends.  If you haven't sampled any of Rhonda's music Destination Life would be a great start.   Big Al
for more information: www.Rounder.com

 
Del McCoury Band
By Request- McCoury Music
It's hard to believe that Del McCoury is celebrating 50 years in bluegrass music.  I have talked with Del and introduced him on stage many times,  and through our conversations it  occurred to me that Del has the natural "god given talent" to sing and entertain.  What you hear on the stage is what you get in this album. Pure talent and energy.  That is why Del McCoury is a member of the Grand Old Opry and has received many bluegrass music awards.  If you're a fan of his music or haven't heard his music you need to take the time to learn and listen.  This new album contains music from other previous albums,  but the great thing about the songs is they have all been re-recorded in studio you will not be disappointed in the album By Request and I would advise you to check out the box set..  This album is part of a box set of Del McCoury's music click on the link below and visit his website for more information.  my 5 star plus !    for more info: www.McCouryMusic.com

Dailey & Vincent  Rounder Records
  As I listened to each cut on this album I realized Jamie Dailey and Darrin Vincent were thinking of the times around us today.  Flawless musicianship and harmony singing sounding like they were melted together.  Not only Bluegrass songs to make you speed down the road but Gospel to make you think!  They also added the song "More Than A Name On A Wall" a Great tribute to all our service men and women.  I personally know the fiddle player Adam Haynes added to their group,  I have had the pleasure to know him and play on stage with him many times.  He is one of the "Best" I've been around!  Look Out for these guys, they will speed to the TOP like a frieghtrain!   Big Al
They get my 5 star plus !    for more info:  http://www.Rounder.com

 Good Thing Going- Rounder Records
 This Album #9 released by Rounder, plus other albums by Rhonda relaeased on other labels leads me to believe that this New Project is the best she's done, and is co-producer as well.  I've heard just about every song and every album she has recorded.  This combination of music and guest, certainly show her talents.  I also enjoyed the history and liners notes included on the album.  Her "Special Guests" include Russell Moore Kathy Chiavola, Keith Urban among others.  "Good Thing Going" Rhonda certainley  has that!   After all her hard work all these years, her music keeps getting better and better.    Big Al
5 stars plus                       for more info visit"www.Rounder.com
 

    Mashville Brigade  - Rural Rhythm
                 Bluegrass Smash Hits   Volume 1
This Album Gets Plus 5 Stars 
for more information visit: www.MashvilleBrigade.com or Silverplatters.com

   "I still play & remember hearing the 1st volume of The Bluegrass Album Band,  Solid Bluegrass with Class.   It is great to see The Mashville Brigade rekindle these memories.  These  young men have made up the Bluegrass sound of many Top Stars.  Now they have created a sound of there own,  carrying on where the past left off.  Super Sound & Vocals,  I can't wait for Volume 2"       Big Al

Brothers n Harmony
  GREAT!  - Rural Rhythm
     "I've always been a fan of the Crowe Brothers,  always Great Bluegrass
I put this CD in my stereo and was so Excited!
This album shows the great style they have been developing over the years in music.
  I Loved the duet singing of Reno & Smiley - Louvin Brothers and Wilburn Brothers
all rolled into one!  This album is one you should be sure to have. 
Certainly the Crowe Brothers style stands out and they will always be remembered among the top"  Big Al

1. Cindy Mae 
2. Holding On When You've Let Go  
3.Are You Teasin' Me  
4.Million For A Broken Heart   
5. Better Luck Next Time  
6. Yes I Know I'm Saved 
7. Wich One Is To Blame    
8. Go Away With Me  
9. Why Not Confess  
10. God Must Be A Cowboy  
11. Take Me By The Hand  
12.Country Boy Rock & Ro