Paul Simon Turns to Bluegrass for Help!

Paul Simon, always looking for ways to create new sounds or blends, decided that he wanted to use some bluegrass sounds on this new project and turns to Jerry Douglas for advice!

He had asked Douglas, who has toured and recorded with him in the past, who he should get, and Jerry suggested that he listen to Nashville Bluegrass Band, The Del McCoury Band and Quicksilver. After checking each group out on YouTube, Simon decided that Doyle and Quicksilver had what he liked to hear, the right blend. 

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Josh Trivett, Doyle Lawson's manager, reports that the band had a blast recording with Simon.

But these were not bluegrass songs they were cutting. Trivett said that one song had a sort of Afro-Cuban beat, but with bluegrass instruments in the mix.

“It was cool to watch him work. After seeing the way bluegrass is produced, it was interesting to see someone who works in a wider spectrum.

The guys were a little uncertain about how they would blend in when they first heard the song, but Paul made it all work perfectly.” All of the band members were involved in the recording,

Josh is hoping that an initial conversation about Doyle and Quicksilver doing some shows with Simon after the album comes out in the Fall will come to fruition. Now that would be cool!

Lawson and Quicksilver have now turned the tables on Simon and have recorded two of his tunes on their new album "Drive Time"

Doyle Lawson and Quicksivler's newest CD - Out Now!

If the Bluegrass genre had a Rushmore or its own currency, Doyle Lawson's likeness would probably be on both. Since 1979, Doyle’s music has been solid as granite and sure as cash on the barrel head!

Drive is defined as striving vigorously toward a goal; to work, play, or try wholeheartedly with determination. Time is defined as a period distinct from others.

Always the musical trendsetter, Doyle Lawson synchronizes the two ideas and shifts into an even higher gear with the release of his already-celebrated project, Drive Time.

From the very first cut, a fresh version of Paul Simon’s “Gone At Last,” through the original country/bluegrass mix of “Love On Arrival” and “Country Store,” to the intricate genre-bending instrumental “Greenbriar Hop,” to the compelling cover of “Precious Memories,” Lawson fuses flawless musicianship and heart-stopping vocals with musical touches from styles beyond the bluegrass standard.

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"Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver have done one of the best covers 

I have ever heard of a song of mine. It's definitely the fastest." - Paul Simon

Lawson’s stretch into new territory with Drive Time is evidenced with corresponding appearances on Paul Simon’s April release So Beautiful or So What (three cuts) and his appearance on the new Mark Twain: Words and Music CD along with other notables Clint Eastwood, Garrison Keillor, Emmylou Harris, Ricky Skaggs, and Vince Gill. This album commemorates the 175th birthday of that uniquely American author and humorist.

So buckle up! Drive Time isn't your daddy’s Dodge or your mama's Malibu, it's a thrill-of-a-ride you'll want to take over and over again. Cutting edge as a Ferrari, cool as a Corvette, the bluegrass contained here is still as reliable and durable as an F-150 Ford!

And, just like any classic car would, Drive Time by Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver brings to mind phrases such as iconic and collector’s item.

This record (yes, a limited number will be issued on vinyl!) is hot-wired, one sweet ride, and you’ll find it everywhere great music is parked and ready to roll out.

Drive Time is a great value at $9.99 (CD) and $6.99 (digital), and is available here now.

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