Little Sparrow

Dolly's sequel to her 2000 IBMA Album Of The Year, The Grass Is Blue, bridges the gap between bluegrass and Appalachian folk music, and even includes a few songs with an Irish flavor. Little Sparrow is a stunning blend of these genres and draws material from varied sources, including Dolly's own unparalleled songwriting. "She has proven to be the rarest of figures, a singer and songwriter who became a superstar yet retained the skills and impulses of a serious, seriously driven artist.... An artist of extraordinary skill and astonishing vitality. You must buy this album!

It's no surprise to hear gospel ("The Sweet By and By") on this album, or inspired tributes to Bill Monroe ("Bluer Pastures"), the Louvin Brothers ("Don't Believe You've Met My Baby") or even the Amazing Rhythm Aces ("Beautiful Lie"). Dolly's still on familiar turf with Steve Young's Southern anthem "Seven Bridges Road," a much-covered classic that never...Read more

Of course, "The Grass Is Blue" was far beyond "okay"! As great as that album is, this album brings Dolly's serious artistry back to an even higher level. My only problem with "The Grass Is Blue" is its lack of cohesiveness. "The Grass Is Blue" feels like a collection of songs more than it does an album. I'm not saying that's a fault, for they're all great songs, but "Little Sparrow" somehow works as a tight, cohesive album. Plus, "Little Sparrow" reaches an emotional depth not found in "The Grass Is Blue". It is such a treat to join Dolly as she comes full circle round, creating what is easily among the greatest work of her career--not to mention some of the greatest country/folk music you can possibly find today.

This album is more than worthy of a 5-star review, and dare I say it is a perfect piece of art. The opening title track is assertive and compelling, while the next track "Shine On" features...Read more

Wow! This is getting to be a habit -- brilliant new music from Dolly Parton. Little Sparrow is balanced a bit more toward country than "The Grass Is Blue," but is still a great fusion between these closely related genres. The title track is a sad ballad which Dolly wrote about "love 'em & leave 'em" guys. "Shine" with it's lyric "Heaven let your light shine," is essential Dolly. Written by Ed Roland, Jerry Douglas' resophonic guitar and Chris Thiele's mandolin flurry could almost bring heaven down to earth with Dolly's joyful vocal making us feel that we too can touch the sky. There are no weak songs on the CD. "I Don't Believe You've Met My Baby" is an uptempo country tune with "My Blue Tears" being classic slow country. Dolly's rendition of Steve Young's "Seven Bridges Road" really brings out the beauty of the melody as banjo, guitar and mandolin provide acoustic pyrotechnics. "Bluer...Read more