"Somehow, I wouldn?t peg southern New England as
a breeding ground for good bluegrass players, but
Rick Ross is a quality product from the area. Ross
shows his affection for country, folk and bluegrass by combining them in ?Guys
Just Want to Have Fun,? a pleasing mix of traditional bluegrass and folk covers
and surprising originals. His use of the 12-string guitar, bass, electric and acoustic
guitars, and the fiddle blend together in this compilation of easy-to-listen-to songs.
These ballads are very easy to relate to and humorous.
Highs: Ross?s descriptions of what his friends do to relax on ?Therapy? had me
laughing out loud. Even though his friends had some interesting ways of spending
their free time, Ross was just happy to be ?picking the country blues.? The intro
on ?You Don?t Know Her Like I Do,? originally by Steve Gillette, is amazing and
shows his versatility on the 12-string and electric guitars. Although Ross
proclaims on his first track, that it?s ?Tough to Sing the Blues,? he executes that
(and every) song with a simplistic touch that makes you want to listen to more.
Lows: Just can?t wait to see more original songs in the future from this great
singer/songwriter.
Favorite Lyrics: In classic blues style, Ross tells everyone that the ?cupboard is
empty, but I don?t want to leave ? I ain?t put no shoes on in two or three days.?
Fans: Anyone who appreciates listening to a good, traditional bluegrass/folk
album that has down-to-earth lyrics. Fans of Steve Gillette, Emmy Lou Harris,
Tom Rush and maybe even the occasional Eric Clapton fan.
Foes: Listeners who are expecting a fast paced, poppy-sounding CD are in the
wrong area.
I could see Rick Ross developing a strong following of traditional bluegrass/folk
fanatics. He can give them a wide variety of sounds and still keep a very classic
bluegrass sound that come only come from, well, southern New England
and Rick Ross."
