Ricky Skaggs is finally releasing a solo project – and we do mean solo.
Songs My Dad Loved, due September 15 on Skaggs Family Records, features Ricky on 13 tracks, accompanied only by himself on guitar, mandolin, mandocello, fiddle and banjo. He also provides the lead and harmony vocals on this set of primarily traditional old time and country songs.
All of the performances are heartfelt and restrained and the duet singing is simply gorgeous. Skaggs also shows his mastery of a number of stringed instruments, with his clawhammer banjo playing being especially prominent.
He describes the concept behind this album, a tribute to his father, in a recent interview with former WSM host Keith Bilbrey.
Audio samples can be heard on the Skaggs Family web site, where pre-orders for the CD will enter you to win free tickets to any Skaggs concert in the US. Winners will also receive a $50 VISA gift card and a chance to meet Ricky at the show.
