Disco de Merle Haggard: “Bluegrass Sessions”

This 12 song CD by the 'Hag' has outstanding playing by some of the finest musicians in the world, including Marty Stuart, Carl Jackson and numerous others. Merle wrote/co-wrote 10 of the songs -- several are remakes, others are new. Merle's voice sounds as fine as ever, and the acoustic sound on those remakes is outstanding.

The closest sounding song to pure bluegrass, in my opinion, is 'Runaway Momma' while the others impress me as more country flavored. There is great dobro on 'Jimmy Rogers Blues.' Nevertheless, this is another great piece of work from a living legend. I love the song, 'What Happened' and the sentiment expressed, i.e., 'Where did America go?' -- maybe we all ought to listen to what Merle is asking/saying? 'Blues Stay Away From Me' is a great take on an old Delmore Brothers song.

Overall, Merle fans will want this one, others might want to start elsewhere with other CDs by Merle. I gave it 4 stars rather than 5 because I believe that the title is a bit misleading -- my opinion. Overall, however, a very solid effort that is surely worth a listen. Bottom line is that great singing/writing/playing is great no matter what the title is, so from that perspective this is indeed a 'special cd.'

This arrangement works. Haggard is one of the best songwriters in country music, and has one of the greatest singing voices of any genre. But his last several solo albums have not felt as inspired as this one. This album is different. The bluegrass arrangements are beautiful and perfectly complement his voice, which is gradually growing weaker as he grows older. The songwriting still bears the undeniable Haggard stamp, but the musical arrangements really breathe some fresh life into Merle's performance. It all sounds very honest; not contrived or calculated in the least. And the result is exciting, because I really didn't expect it to be as good as it is. But it is. A very difficult album not to enjoy and be moved by.

Merle Haggard is not generally known as a Bluegrass singer but he does a terrific job on this CD - along with a group of outstanding musicians. "Bluesy" and melodious the entire session fit together well and produced some classic cuts. My favorite is the final number "Blues stay away from me." You won't be disappointed. Dave

I heard an interview about this CD on the radio and they played one song "Learning to Live With Myself" which I really, really liked and granted, after buying the CD, a few songs were great, but there were also the normal 'ho-hum' songs that gives this CD (for me), the need to burn the songs off of it I liked, and give the CD to the library for them to loan out - Not a keeper.

This is a great collection of Haggard like he's never sounded before. He's backed by a pure Americana acoustic sound. Doing some great past hits like "Big City" and some beautiful new material like "What Happened." That's not to mention his great covers of some bluegrass classics like "Blues Stay Away From Me." Haggard though once considered a conservative flag-waving type, is disappointed with the current state of affairs in the United States. He calls out our dependence on WalMart and the death of the family owned corner stores. He is nostalgic for what he sees as better years when times were simpler. It is interesting to see Haggards experimentation here. He is loose and sounds youthful and healthy.

Haggard is a populist and a man of the working class. He is one of the greatest poets in popular music and this is a great offering. It is highly recommended.