Larry Cordle - Took Down and Put Up

In the world of Bluegrass Music, Larry Cordle has been doing what he does, and doing it mighty well, I might add, for a long time. Writer of songs by such superstars as Ricky Skaggs, George Strait, and Alan Jackson, perhaps his best-known composition is the traditionalist-anthem Murder On Music Row, from a few years back.

While there is no such statement here, he does offer some music that stands with anything he has ever done. His high lonesome sound is at its' best on cuts like songs like the soaring I Can't Lose What I Never Had. A favourite of mine since the Forester Sisters originally recorded the tune back in 1987, he does well with his version. Ditto that fact to the emotional Song For Keith, which salutes the music and life of the late Keith Whitley.

He also gets some nice help from outside, like Travis Tritt. The style and tempo of Rough Around The Edges really seems to fit him to a tee. Kim Gardner offers some nice dobro work, particularly on Hole In The Ground, and Kristin Scott Benson likewise contributes some outstanding licks on the banjo all over, especially on I'm A Lie.

Some acts might not like sharing the musical spotlight, but as he always has, Cordle figures there is strength in numbers, and this album proves his point. ~ lonesomestandardtime.com

• I Can't Lose What I Never Had
• The First Train Robbery
• Hole In the Ground
• Song For Keith
• Rough Around the Edges
• Mississippi Kid
• Plum Sideways
• B.Y.O.B.
• I'm a Lie
• Old Cheater's Blues
• '67 Chevy Malibu
• The Hero Of the Creek
• A Visit With an Uncle