Too Late to Cry (CD - 1987)

Personnel: Alison Krauss (vocals, fiddle); Russ Barenberg, Lonnie Meeker (guitar); Sam Bush (mandolin); Jerry Douglas (dobro); Tony Trischka, John Schmaltz (banjo); Roy Huskey (bass); Dave Denman, John Cowan (background vocals).

Recorded at Cowboy Arms Hotel and Recording Spa, Nashville, Tennessee. Includes liner notes by Tony Trischka.

Alison Krauss may have recorded Too Late to Cry when she was only 14 years old, but her sound was already well developed and astonishingly accomplished. Throughout the album, she demonstrates a mastery of bluegrass, singing and playing with a distinctive grace. It's an impressive debut, but it would pale in comparison to the albums that followed. ~ Thom Owens

Alison Kraus is one of the most notable figures on the bluegrass and acoustic music scenes. She's managed to bring her folk-influenced style of bluegrass to a wider (read: outside of bluegrass) audience without commercializing or compromising her music (or herself) one bit. Kraus has adapted songs from such unlikely sources as The Beatles and Bad Company to her style. TOO LATE is from earlier in her career (1987), and concentrates on the bluegrass and country scene for the songs.

Krauss' voice and fiddle (she won the Illinois State Fiddle Championship when she was 12 years old!) is center-stage. Her voice balances the qualities of innocence, soulfulness and worldly strength. The playing (by such heavy-hitters as Jerry Douglas, Sam Bush and banjo master Tony Trischka) is subdued and superb. A great album for fans of Kraus and traditional bluegrass--newcomers should check out the wonderful collection NOW THAT I"VE FOUND YOU or the beautiful SO LONG, SO WRONG. minimize