Like Red on a Rose (CD - 2006)

Personnel: Ron Block (acoustic guitar, electric guitar); Jerry Douglas (lap steel guitar, dobro); Alison Krauss (strings); Jim Cox (Fender Rhodes piano, Wurlitzer piano, Hammond b-3 organ); Viktor Krauss (acoustic bass, electric bass).

Although LIKE RED ON A ROSE was produced by Alison Krauss, it's not the traditional bluegrass record one might expect. Instead, the producer and artist have done something far more unexpected: LIKE RED ON A ROSE is an album of cool and occasionally near-jazzy ballads that recall k.d. lang's SHADOWLAND, Ray Price's early 1970s pop singles, and Patsy Cline's more orchestral sides. Intended as a concept album about Jackson's marriage (although the only song here written by Jackson is "A Woman's Love," a re-recording of a 1998 single given a moodier, richer treatment), LIKE RED ON A ROSE is a set that's clear-eyed about the difficulties of a long relationship, but also capable of swooningly romantic moments. The title track (and first single) is a particular gem, but the album is best listened to as a whole. Although Jackson's earlier recordings are not most folks' idea of smoochy make-out music--no matter how "country" you are--LIKE RED ON A ROSE is an appealing new side to the singer's musical personality. minimize