by Bill Conger
If there’s one thing better than hearing the angelic voice of Alison Krauss, it’s seeing her perform. The lovely and multi-talented singer/instrumentalist/producer collaborates with a who’s who of music on her new DVD, “A Hundred Miles or More: Live From The Tracking Room (Rounder Records), which arrives in stores Nov. 11. Cameras rolled on about half of Alison’s songs from her last critically acclaimed CD, “A Hundred Miles or More: A Collection.” Under the direction of Michael McNamara and producer, Martin Fischer, the special was originally taped for Great American Country at The Tracking Room studio in Nashville. Obviously, the authenticity of the sessions couldn’t be completely recaptured, but that’s not the purpose here. Still, the recording studio environment is somewhat recreated as Alison performs duets with several heavy hitters including James Taylor, John Waite, Brad Paisley, and bluegrass legend Tony Rice. Her Union Station band members and other instrumental wizards put their fingers to the test as do several other guest musicians including Stuart Duncan, John Hobbs, Abraham Laboriel Sr., Greg Morrow, and Gordon Mote. The extras in this home entertainment package are what earn the DVD an extra star. Krauss, Taylor, Waite, and Paisley along with several of the album’s songwriters and musicians chime in on the story behind the songs and the collaborations. You hit the eject button with an overall feel that you were there with them as the tracks were laid down. Kudos on an excellent new disc from one of bluegrass music’s near perfect stars.
