Live at Laurelthirst

Recorded over three nights in September 1998, Live at the Laurelthirst is a nearly flawless document of Golden Delicious in all their rambunctious glory. Interestingly, only one of the 12 tracks appears on any other Golden Delicious recording, making this a must-have for hardcore fans. Tight bluegrass harmonies, not always so evident on their studio releases, and fantastic fiddle playing by Marilee Hord make Golden Delicious a truly outstanding live band, though there really is no weak cog in the band. Excellent covers, from the fiery rendition of Jim Boyer's Another Night to a smooth version of Bill Monroe's Body and Soul, show an impressive mastery of the classics, while originals like the spooky Bonehouse Blues, written by Pete Krebs and Kevin Richey, and the explosive Alabama Carmody, written by Krebs, show they are able to contribute new entries into the genre themselves. The breakneck picking on Old Plank Road harnesses about as much energy as six people can possibly produce, with Krebs finally letting loose and whoopin' and hollering like the recording was being made in the hills of Kentucky and not Portland, OR. All in all, Live at the Laurelthirst is everything a live album should be: excellent musicianship, good songs, and genuine spirit all adding up to an experience that makes you feel a little lighter after hearing it. ~ Matt Fink, All Music Guide