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January 08, 2008
Raising the (Sand)Bar
It’s hard to think of a more unlikely pairing than Robert Plant and Alison Krauss. Plant has been recording since the late 60s, as the legendary voice of Led Zeppelin, a solo artist, frequent collaborator, and respected elder statesman in the rock field. Alison Krauss, on the other hand, was born just four months before Led Zeppelin IV, considered by many to be the apex of the group’s recording career. With her first album release at age 16 and unique bluegrass, country, and folk style, she’s loved by both critics and her listeners, but still working on her household name-status.
How in the world did these two get together? It started when they shared the bill at a tribute to Leadbelly, and ended with an album that defies easy description. It’s partially Robert Plant’s blues and rock roots, partially the sweet harmonies and country leanings of Alison Krauss, and mostly the serendipitous pairing of two near-opposites. Raising Sand brings out the wide musical panorama that both artists occupy and creates a whole new one, of both sound and texture.
If two such diverse talents can work together and produce such beautiful music, who's to say what the next unusual pairing will be? The sky's the limit!
Posted by JanetD at January 8, 2008 04:36 PM