Quicksand

Randy Kohrs

Rural Rhythm Records

5 stars (out of 5)

Have you heard any great country music lately? If you have been listening to Randy Kohrs, the answer would be a resounding yes! His latest CD, Quicksand, is an excellent acoustic album filled with bluegrass, Americana, country, and a little blues. If music charts and sell-out stadium shows were based strictly on talent, Randy Kohrs would be a household name.

Randy is a Grammy-winning producer, engineer, and musician who has worked with artists like Dolly Parton, Jim Lauderdale, the Chieftains, Dierks Bentley, and many more. So, I expected this CD to be filled with excellent music, but what was a pleasant surprise was how well Randy could sing. His voice fits nicely with all the songs on the CD whether they are modern bluegrass, country, or blues.

I gave this CD 5 stars, which means every song on this disc is a winner. But there were a couple that grabbed me and didn't want to let go. "The Ghost of Jack McCline" is a haunting mid-tempo ghost story about a logging man who disappeared and the rumor was that he was killed for his valuable land. The instrumentation, lyrics, and Randy's vocal performance all combine to create a song that will have you looking over your shoulder for the ghost of Jack McCline.

A wonderful tribute to a wild and full-of-life woman, "Cumberland," is another excellent song that showcases not only the talent of all the musicians on the album, but Randy's vocal abilities. Especially in the chorus, you can hear the longing, love, and passion not only of Cumberland, but those who know she must follow her own path.

As I've said, all the songs on this CD are wonderful tunes that tell a story, entertain, and make you feel. Whether it is fiery bluegrass songs like "More About John Henry" and "Truman's Vision" or bluesy trips like "This Must Be the Bottom" and "Down Around Clarksville" or songs that speak to trying to walk the straight and narrow like "Die on the Vine" and "Quicksand" or any of the other great songs on the CD, you will NOT be disappointed with this album.

In short, Randy Kohrs has put together a magical mix of songs that should be in everyone's CD player. Quicksand is a wonderful example of how to create music that is touching and timeless. Don't miss out, pick up this album today!