Swingin' On The Strings

This CD epitomizes creativity and chemistry between two fine musicians. I didn't live in 1951, but I have been collecting Western Swing, Old Country, Rockabilly, and Bluegrass records all my life. This CD is far and beyond the best example of what the human mind and spirit can do using music as a medium. You don't have to like swing, or country to like this CD. It doesn't matter if you like music at all, this CD forces you pay attention, tap your foot, bust a step, or just kick back and listen with awe. Jimmy and Speedy knew how to create. Creativity seems like a hard find in today's wasteland of fluff. Creativity is the backbone of this CD. The first song hits the ground running out of the gate, and when the last song is up, you'll start it all over again. Again, again, and again. There's not a dud on this disc!! Jamming with Jimmy portrays the lost art of hot fiddle playing. Lover will run you over, Railroading will have you dancing, and Pushing the Blues will...Read more

Although this is volume 2 to Razor & Tie's first collection of Speedy West and Jimmy Bryant, this CD is every bit as good (if not better)! I'm not generally a big fan of country music, but these guys absolutely floored me. Especially noteworthy is their rendition of "Lover" which even without the benefits of overdubbing studio trickery completely rips Les Paul's version to shreds.

Without hyperbole, "Swingin' On The Strings" contains some of the greatest music ever recorded. Apart, they were just two studio musicians. Together, they created interstellar magic. Jimmy and Speedy - electric guitar and steel guitar - these guys shared the same musical consciousness on a cosmic level. Always cerebral, the compositions are stirring and the improvisation is spellbinding. This is perfect music. This has it all regardless of where you're coming from as a listener: country, jamband, jazz, instrumental enthusiast, etc. This disc should especially appeal to those coming from the Junior Brown camp. This is on an equal footing with its predecessor "Stratosphere Boogie" given the mind melting races, medium-tempo waltzes and relaxed ballads. "Swingin' On The Strings" should have been on Voyager's golden record, it is an otherwordly treasure.