Carry Me Across The Mountain (Doobie Shea, 2000)

Dan Tyminski is the guitarist/mandolin player with Alison Krauss and Union Station. Prior to AKUS, he was an integral part of the re-energizing of the bluegrass band, The Lonesome River Band in the early 1990's and earlier, a member of Vermont's Green Mountain Bluegrass. Though he's an in-demand session player and producer, this is his first solo effort.

What a fine debut it is. Though firmly rooted in the bluegrass tradition, Tyminski has picked songs from some today's best bluegrass writers, band-mate, Ron Block, Ronnie Bowman, Craig Market, Tim Stafford, John Pennell so that this is anything but a collection of tired old warhorses.

There's not a bad track on the record. Highlights include the title track, and "Tiny Broken Hearts," featuring Alison Krauss on harmony, "I Dreamed of An Old Love Affair,' (featuring brother Stan), the hard-driving instrumental, "Green Fees," and "Sunny Side Of The Mountain." Like any good bluegrass album, there are a couple of pleasing gospel numbers, "Be Assured": and "Praise The Lord." Fans of AKUS may not fully appreciate Tyminski's talents. This record will show all who may not know it that he is one of the best of today's bluegrass artists.