Robert Plant and Alison Krauss' Raising Sand Chills Me Out
A few nights ago, I was hanging out at a wine bar in my neighborhood when Raising Sand came on the stereo system. I was already pretty relaxed, due to a few drinks, but there is just something about that record that chills me out. It's definitely intriguing to ponder how Robert Plant and Alison Krauss blend their voices so beautifully, even though they come from opposite ends of the music spectrum. But it's also a pleasant album to have in the background, when you're just chatting with your friends and the bartender. It's the first time I've listened to the record since they earned five Grammy nominations last week, and I predict that their amiable music will be front-and-center at the awards ceremony in February.
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RedMaZ says:
Actually, their musical influences are not all that different. They both have been heavily influenced by Roots Music. That’s always a common thread, and being that the AMA Honors and Awards are always an indication as to what the Grammy nomination and winner will be, “Raising Sand” should dominate. “Raising Sand” won “Album of The Year” at this years AMA Honors and Awards. Plant/Krauss also won “Duo of The Year”. The Grammys will follow suit.
Bruce Morgen says:
T-Bone Burnett’s atmospheric neo-rockabilly production style has a lot to do with the CD’s easy listenability. So do Alison’s wonderful bluegrasser’s ear for vocal blend and Robert’s willingness to learn — and enthusiasm for — the subtle art harmony of singing, something he’d never had to master as a gazilionaire rock star.
As good as “Raising Sand” is, the duo’s touring revue is even better — the studio rhythm section of T-Bone, Nashville upright bass ace Dennis Crouch, and the vastly creative Jay Bellerose on drums signed on for the tour, and the addition of two more of Nashville’s best, Stuart Duncan and Buddy Miller, was imo a big improvement to the road band’s rootsy feel and overall energy level.
As much as I’m looking forward to the follow-up CD — the sessions are scheduled for next month — what I’d really love to see is a lengthy concert performance DVD!
Jim Keane says:
I agree with Bruce. I cannot wait for a concert DVD. I saw the show in Philadelphia this past summer. They were stupendous. And Sharon Little was a superb opener, definitely a star in the making. I’ll be interested to see if this experience with Robert Plant has any effect on Alison’s future performances with Union Station. It’s all good from here on out as far I can see.
RedMaZ says:
Yes Bruce, Buddy Miller continues to do what he does best. Everything! Instrumentalists of The Year, Musician, Singer, Songwriter, Producer etc. Everyone should check out his work, whether it be solo, or with Julie. A good reference would be “Buddy Miller - Best of The Hightone Years” CD. Which is currently on the AMA Chart.
Donna C says:
I totally agree, there is something about this album that I can not stop listening to it. It is soothing and my favorite on the album is Killing the Blues, tremendous! I too saw them in Philadelphia and they were amazing. I am not sure if a Concert DVD will ever come out but I will surely be first in line to buy if it does. I am really excited about them working on a new album in January and agree, they will win the Grammy for Album of the year and Record of the year!
Melanie says:
Brilliant CD and pairing! I hadn’t listened to this CD in a while but cranked it up the other day and fell in love with it all over again! I am a huge Led Zeppelin fan and huge fan of Robert’s solo work and didn’t know much about Alison Krauss until this CD but wow, she is quite a discovery with the voice of an angel! They will certainly win album of the year at the Grammys and hope they decide to collaborate on another.
David Crockford says:
Although a 60 old Brit, I was only slightly into Led Zeppelin.I had only recently learned the name of Alison Krauss and was totally unaware of Bluegrass. My wife bought me the Raising Sand CD for Christmas 2007. The CD was and remains amazing. I play it regularly 12 months later. We were fortunate to see the show live at London’s Wembley Arena in May 2008. I do not know nor care what music genre was produced, but from the opening bars it was sensational from start to finish. Robert Plant is clearly a god,but Alison Krauss is a genius; (I have acquired other AK CDs). The whole band and the production led by T -Bone Burnett the best I have seen or heard live. LIVE DVD PLEASE
solongsowrong says:
At one point of their tour, a recording for a DVD was planned, but for reasons never released, and the idea was shelved. Maybe if and when a new tour happens for the 2nd album that they are currently working on, DVD plans may work this time around.
Just listened to a pod-cast this morning from an interview earlier in the week with Robert and Alison, and even though things are still in the pre-production stage, they seemed very excited about what they have put together so far. Here’s hoping lightening can strike twice in the same spot!
arcaleaccoult says:
Hi There,
I’m Vicky from the land down under, just thought i’d say Hi :)
V x x