Donna Hughes - Gaining Wisdom

Donna Hughes’ “Gaining Wisdom” is her debut CD on Rounder Records. The CD reveals an artist of tremendous depth and talent. From Hughes’ contributions to the project, that include writing 12 of the 14 songs on the project, Tony Rice’s masterful production and an all-star cast of supporting musicians, you’d be hard pressed to find a more impressive debut album.

Hughes’ song-writing skills have a unique and endearing quality about them. On the surface, they can seem deceptively simple and down to earth with a casual listen, yet upon closer inspection they are revealed to be a highly sophisticated and thought provoking commentary on life itself, with an inate ability to command the listener’s undivided attention. Drawing one to reflect on the many different joys, sorrows and challenges faced in life.

Donna Hughes

Vocally, Hughes is as talented as any in the game. From the opening track, to the closer, she sings with pure convicted emotion and talent. Much like Alison Krauss, Donna Hughes has a vocal quality that transcends the traditional boundary’s of the genre and should easily bring Bluegrass and Acoustic Music to a much larger audience.

Along with her song-writing and vocal ability, “Gaining Wisdom,” features Hughes behind the piano. While not an instrument found in traditional bluegrass circles it fit’s in perfectly with the the flavor of the album and adds a new and unexpected dimension to the sonics of the project.

It would be a sin not to mention Tony Rice’s significant contributions to “Gaining Wisdom.” Along with handling a bulk of the guitar duties on the record, Rice also produced the compilation. And this is where Rice’s true genius is displayed.

Taking more of a “hands off” approach to the task of producing the project, allowing Hughes, the songs, the musicians and the sounds to take on a life of their own in the studio, it really comes through in the quality of the final product. The production on “Gaining Wisdom” shines the spotlight directly on Hughes… and She absolutely flourishes in it.

Rice also assembled some of the best musicians in the acoustic field to add their special touch to the album. Rob Ickes (dobro), Sam Bush (mandolin), Rickey Simpkins (mandolin), Mike Bub (bass), Scott Vestal (banjo) Ron Stewart (fiddle) and Wayne Benson (mandolin) are a few of the key players that show up on the disc with Carl Jackson, Alison Krauss, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Alecia Nugent, Sonya Isaacs and John Carroll among those contributing their talents to harmony vocals.

An album like “Gaining Wisdom,” I suspect, would come to be considered a “landmark” album for many artists in the midst of a long and successful careers. For Hughes, a relatively unknown, to debut with a collection of songs and performances this impressive… it leaves me highly anticipating her next release.

by Travis Tackett

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L-R James Schlender (3rd) Brook Wallace (1st) and Ellie Goodman (2nd)

Brook Wallace of Burleson, TX, an 18-year old student took first place. Brook is a college student majoring in music at Tarrant County College and she plays in the TCC Jazz Band. This was her second trip to Winfield. She says she had to come back because she had the desire to place first in this contest. She has been playing the fiddle most of her life, taking up the instrument when she was only 7-years old. Brook also plays the guitar, mandolin and piano. Wallace’s parents gave her the first fiddle she says, “Because I kept after them to get me one.” She also plays in her family’s band, The Wallace Family Band. Brook takes back to TX the 1st place trophy, $250 and a Simon Nandor Violin provided by Keller Strings of Topeka, KS.

Ellie Goodman of Edmond, OK took home the second place trophy and a Euorpean Violin provided by Keller Strings of Topeka, KS. This is the first time she has been to Winfield and the Festival and she considers it “a wonderful and inspiring experience.” She has been playing the fiddle for around seven years and also plays mandolin. Ellie says she actually became interested in the fiddle because of the music she was exposed to as a child… music by Ricky Skaggs and Bill Monroe. She was 10 when she got her first fiddle. Her parents bought it from a local fiddle shop. “I’ll be back,” she says, because it’s a great experience and is wonderful for players like me who want to expose themselves to a wide range of music styles.”

A 13-year old student, James Schlender of Bozeman, MT captured 3nd place in this year’s contest. This was James’ second time entering the Winfield contest. Last year he finished 2nd. James said, “I came to have fun and compete against the big guys.” He has been playing the fiddle for only four and one-half years and also plays a little mandolin and guitar. James got his first fiddle from his teacher’s wife’s cousin and he now plays the one that he won last year. He takes back to MT the 3rd Place Trophy and $250.

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Lorraine Jordan and Carolina Road

Lorraine Jordan and Carolina Road have announced their appearance schedule for the 2007 IBMA World of Bluegrass and Fan Fest Convention held October 1 - 7 in Nashville, TN.

Monday, October 1, 2007
1:30 AM - 2:00 AM - Bluegrass Virginia Room, #209, NCC
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
11:00 PM - 11:30 PM - Proulx Guitars & Mandolins, Room #102 NCC
12:30 AM - 1:00 AM - S. Florida Bluegrass Association, Room #108, NCC
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
11:25 PM - 11:50 PM - Hope River Entertainment, #102, NCC
Saturday, October 6, 2007
11:30 AM - IBMA FAN FEST - Lorraine with the Daughters of Bluegrass
10:00 PM - IBMA FAN FEST - Lorraine Jordan and Jerry Butler will be performing with Tom T. and Dixie Hall

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