Live In London
Ricky Skaggs (Epic)
This new LP documents the initial foray in Skaggs` ambitious attempt to conquer England, and it shows that the effort went well.
Skaggs kicks off with a scalding version of ”Uncle Pen.” He then does
”Heartbroke,” which he follows with a couple of new songs: the appealing
”She Didn`t Say Why,” and ”Cajun Moon,” a loping melody featuring traditional Cajun fiddle sounds. Side 1 closes with ”Country Boy,” and the cheers, which have been growing in magnitude with every song, become prolonged.
Side 2 opens on a mellower note with ”New Heartache.” He then proceeds with the slow Peter Rowan ballad ”You Make Me Feel Like a Man” and the extremely fast and hot ”Rockin` the Boat.”
Then comes ”Honey Open That Door” before he brings out Elvis Costello to help him close with ”Don`t Get Above Your Raising.”
The insistent cheering and stamping of feet increases until the fade-out a minute or more after he finishes, emphasizes that Skaggs has managed to conquer the legendary British reserve.
