Darin Aldridge/Brooke Justice: A New Standard of Excellence
You guys remember how I posted a review of the Darin Aldridge/Brooke Justice project “I’ll Go With You” some time back? I said they were the best thing since sliced bread and more. I know some of you might have thought, “Well, Old Dr. B is just a nice guy, and hopes to help some North Carolina kids.”
Well folks, here it is. Breaking news from Bluegrass Unlimited, Feb 2009, page 47. By the way, BU is the toughest critic in the business. You can count on them for honesty. They have told it like it is for many years. Don’t send them an average project to review unless you want your feelings hurt. And to be 100% certain you understand, this passage is from them, not me. I quote,
“With “I’ll Go With You,” Darin Aldridge and Brooke Justice (recently married in December) have created a magnificent magnum opus that establishes new standards of excellence for bluegrass gospel music. This is a must acquisition for any serious music collection.”
There you have it, and Bluegrass Unlimited out of Warrenton, Virginia, (http://www.bluegrassmusic.com) is the final word on the subject. The full review is in their Feb 2009 issue.
The CD is available from the artists at:
www.myspace.com/darinaldridgebrookejustice
or from the label at www.pinecastle.com
To give you Dr. B’s stamp of authenticity, every serious bluegrass musician in N.C. knew this day was coming for these guys; all we were uncertain of was the timing. When I found my BU in the mailbox late last night, I knew their day was here. From all of us not only in N.C., but the world wide bluegrass community, we send our highest and most heartfelt congratulations. Well done, kids.
Dr. B
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Dr. Tom Bibey: Stories of the Bluegrass Music Road 
January 23, 2009 at 5:18 am
How exciting! To get that sort of recognition after so much hard work must be the most satisfying thing on earth. I hope the “kids” as you call them are grinning from ear to ear at this glowing praise, and I hope you enjoy getting to tell people “I told you so” about this couple!
January 23, 2009 at 6:09 am
msslighty,
It is exciting for sure. And it couldn’t have happened to finer people. They are enormously talented and yet humbly grateful for their gifts. I believe they will bring old Docs’ kind of music to a new young, hipper audience. At the same time they have respect for their elders and tradition.
In short, they are wonderful artists as well as fine people. When I listen to folks like this, or play music, life’s difficuties seem to fade away.
Dr. B
January 23, 2009 at 9:50 am
You’re right about that, Doc, and I second the motion. I’ve been listening to it for a couple of days now, and it grows on me. This is an exception to one of my famous generalities which holds that bluegrass gospel is great…in small doses. I usually stay away from all-gospel albums; too much of a good thing, perhaps.
At any rate, this one’s different. From beginning to end it’s one “keeper” after another in which the excitement of bluegrass is meshed with the
January 23, 2009 at 9:52 am
(as I was saying before I so rudely interrupted myself by hitting the wrong key…) excitement of the Gospel. These folks are great, and I’ll look forward to following their career together. (now I can hit “submit”)
January 23, 2009 at 9:53 am
Parson,
Somehow the computer cut off the last part of your comment, so I hope you’ll re-sent that.
Bless your heart, you are right. These guys appeal to everyone from teenagers to old Docs.
Dr. B
January 23, 2009 at 9:54 am
Parson,
There, it came thru that time. Thanks so much. See you out on the bluegrass road.
Dr. B