|
|
Clinch Mountain Express Newsletter Review
Jeffery Fox, Editor
Question: What could possible beat James Shelton or George Shuffler playing on a cross picking guitar CD?
Answer: George and James Alan playing together on the same CD. That's what this fine
all-instrumental release brings the lucky listener. The Legacy Continues features 13 tunes and 3
musicians: James Alan on guitar, George on guitar and bass and George's brother, Ron Shuffler, on bass for the
medley "Take Me in a Lifeboat/Sweet Bye and Bye". James and George combine their cross-picking talents on
most of the cuts, but go their separate ways on three tracks--James doing the solo on "Carter Family Medley"
and George going it alone on "Nearer My God to Thee" and "Nobody's Business". George played lead guitar
for 18 years with the Stanleys in the 50's and 60's. Ralph says that George's distinctive lead guitar is
heard on two-thirds of the many Stanley recordings. Since 1994, James Shelton has brought back the cross
picking style and has several fine CDs to his own credit. His most recent, Guitar Tracks,
continues to receive considerable airplay. The Legacy Continues is a credit to both George and
James Alan. In addition to the smooth, flawless guitar work we've come to expect from these two masters,
the recording contains several surprises, such as George's fresh arrangement of "Nobody's Business".
George really tears it up. That number and "I Still Miss Someone", are my favorites. But why take
my word? Take it home and see for yourself. (No! You can't borrow mine! I'm taking it
to work so I can listen to it there!) You can purchase your own copy from James at the record table or
you can order it by sending $10 (cassette) or $15 (CD) plus $1 for postage to James Shelton, 129 Will Simpson
Rd., Church Hill, Tennessee 37642.
|
