Ricky Skaggs Holds Hometown Close to His Heart
Ricky Skaggs says that his 1983 album, Don't Cheat in Our Hometown, is close to his heart because it's some of the earliest music he ever recorded as a solo artist. Even though it was his third album for Epic Records, many of the songs were recorded as demos for an album he intended to release on Sugar Hill Records. But when Epic signed him, he started from scratch for his first two albums and then cobbled together those early demos with three new songs for Don't Cheat in Our Hometown. Reissued by Skaggs Family Records last month, the album remains an incredibly potent mix -- signature hits like "Uncle Pen" and "Honey (Open That Door)," a handful of Stanley Brothers remakes and some electricity to keep it all current.
My favorite moments include hearing Dolly Parton coming in on high harmony on "A Vision of Mother" and "Don't Step Over an Old Love." And the remake of Stonewall Jackson's "A Wound Time Can't Erase" suits Skaggs' musical sensibilities perfectly. The companion DVD is worth watching, too. In it, Skaggs recalls the "honky-tonk/Holy Ghost" piano on "Honey," played by his father-in-law, Buck White. He also gives props to Albert Lee's super-cool electric guitar, which certainly gives that song some flair. On a lighter note, he remembers Bill Monroe affirming Skaggs' version of "Uncle Pen" -- right after Big Mon received his first royalty check.
The bad news is that I have to wait six more months until his label reissues the follow-up album, Country Boy, since Skaggs will be promoting a one-man solo album this fall, filled with songs his father loved. Like the outstanding material on Don't Cheat in Our Hometown, you can bet those songs are near and dear to his heart as well.
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Vicki says:
Ricky Skaggs is awesome. He, the Whites, and Kentucky Thunder is a concert not to miss.
Redmaz says:
The 80’s were probably the last good decade for Pop Country.. It started a major decline in the 90’s, and the 2000’s are basically unbearable to listen to. Many of today’s Americana artists dominated those good times of the 80’s and some of the 90’s including Rick Skaggs. Even though I was totally immersed in the alternative, I actually listened to some Pop Counry radio back then. Ricky Skaggs was one reason why…
solongsowrong says:
I agree, completely. Caught one of his concerts a few years back at the Ryman. A night I’ll never forget. The White’s also made an appearance. You come away with no doubt in your mind the love he has for the music, or the reverence he has for Bill Monroe.