Bluegrassed – Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out
Through my years as part of the bluegrass music industry, I have been blessed to come to know many great musicians and singers who hold spots of esteem in the eyes of their peers and the lovers of the music.
One of those groups, who also like myself travel from the great state of Georgia, is Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out.
The International Bluegrass Music Association’s (IBMA) has named the group Vocal Group of the Year seven times, and they are led IBMA’s most-awarded Male Vocalist of the Year with five wins.
The group has brought together a wonderful collection of music that a fan of any style would love to add to their collection for Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® entitled “Timeless Hits From The Past Bluegrassed.”
From Glenn Campbell’s and John Hartford’s hit “Gentle on My Mind” to George Jones and Tammy Wynette’s “Golden Ring,” Russell, Wayne Benson, Steve Dilling, Justen Haynes and Edgar Loudermilk add a unique flair to a dozen songs that are part of America’s modern songbook giving them a feel that is both new and old at the same time.
My old friend Sonya Isaacs joins Russell on “Golden Ring” which would have given George and Tammy a run for their money back in the day.
There are classic hits from Willie Nelson, Don Williams, Merle Haggard, and John Denver just to name a few.
Pam Tillis also joins in on the fun with a performance of the group’s own “John and Mary.”
Country singer Gene Watson hit with “Farewell Party” and about their remake of his hit, he said: “I’m a huge fan of Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out. It means a lot to me that they appreciate this timeless song. It’s living proof that a great song can be recorded for any format of music and be appreciated for eternity. And what a great job they’ve done on it!”
Some years ago I had the honor of appearing with John Denver and I think he would be honored by their cut of “Take Me Home Country Roads.”
The perform a classic Osborne Brothers song entitled “Big Spike Hammer.”
“I’ve always appreciated and admired Russell Moore for what he has done for bluegrass music through the years and this project just validates my admiration for him and IIIrd Tyme Out,”said Grand Ole Opry star and songwriter Bobby Osborne.
They even give a wonderful swing to “My Window Faces the South” and electrify the Platter’s “Only You” that let’s their a capella talents shine.
“Mama Tried” is one of those Merle Haggard songs by that despite the lament shared by the singer over their failings in life, is one that draws the listener in to sing along.
Their innovative performance to William’s “Tulsa Time” even gives one the desire to hit the dance floor.
Barry Bales of Alison Krauss & Union Station produced the project. Josh Hunts adds any needed drums on the project.
“Timeless Hits From The Past Bluegrassed” is available in all Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® locations as well as on Crackerbarrel.com, Amazon.com and iTunes.
