Dan Tyminski's Carry Me Across the Mountain was released in September of 2003, via Rounder Records. He co-produced the CD with Tim Austin.
Tyminski also either wrote or co-wrote three of the eleven tracks on the CD.
Songs on “Carry Me Across the Mountain”
The album opens with the spitfire title track tune, which features bluegrass sensation Alison Krauss on fiddle, and her mellifluous harmonies elevate it to a higher level.
It is followed by the up-tempo “Stuck in the Middle of Nowhere.”
In “I Dreamed of an Old Love Affair,” Tyminski showcases his prowess on mandolin, and his brother, Stan, sings co-lead with him.
“Green Fees” is the sole instrumental recording on the CD, written by Dan, and it’s a bluegrass masterpiece. All six musicians (Dan, Adam Steffey, Jerry Douglas, Barry Bales, Jim Mills and Aubrey Haynie), prove that they are on the top of their game.
“Think About You Every Day” features a collaboration with yet another talented male bluegrass vocalist, Steve Gulley (who recently appeared on two tracks on Dale Ann Bradley’s latest CD Somewhere South of Crazy), who sings tenor vocal, which blends well with Dan’s rich, tenor voice.
“Praise the Lord” is an elegant tune that combines elements of bluegrass and gospel music respectively.
In “Tiny Broken Heart,” co-written by the legendary duo Louvin Brothers, Dan collaborates with two of his Union Station bandmates, Barry Bales and Alison Krauss. This track is also featured as a song on the Grammy-winning Alison Krauss and Union Station CD Live. It is yet another indication that anything that Dan and Alison sing together sounds astonishing.
The highlight track on the CD is the bittersweet ballad “Please Dear Mommy,” which is melancholic, yet performed beautifully by Dan. It may draw several tears in his listeners’ eyes.
The up-tempo “Be Assured” was written by Ron Block, and “Faith is a Mystery” is a rather different tune than anything Dan has done previously, yet it is very catchy and it's another stunning vocal. It features him on shakers and conga, in juxtaposition to his solid mandolin and rhythm guitar playing.
The CD closes with “Sunny Side of the Mountain.”
The Verdict
Dan Tyminski showcases a wide range of talent on his debut album as a solo artist. He is a skilled vocalist, mandolin and guitar player, as well as songwriter and co-producer. Overall, he proves that he is one true force to be reckoned with in the bluegrass and country music scene.
For listeners that enjoyed any of Tyminski's work with Alison Krauss and Union Station, or his sophomore solo album Wheels, this record is an absolute must.
For more information on Dan Tyminski and his music, check out his official website.
Markos Papadatos - Markos Papadatos holds over six years journalism experience, authoring over 700 articles, many of which are feature profile interviews.
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