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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Donna Hughes - Gaining Wisdom

Rising songwriter / vocalist Donna Hughes has announced a string of summer and fall tour dates in support of her critically acclaimed Rounder debut album, Gaining Wisdom. Released in February, Gaining Wisdom continues to receive solid support at press and radio. The album is currently #15 on Bluegrass Unlimited’s Albums chart (August issue) with “Bottom of a Glass” at #21 on the Songs chart.

Produced by acoustic music maverick Tony Rice, Gaining Wisdom features 12 impressive originals and two covers (including a moving rendition of Cyndi Lauper’s “Time After Time”). Though rooted in classic bluegrass, the North Carolina native is unafraid to branch out, seeking a wide range of acoustic sounds and styles to complement her moving, thoughtful compositions. Among the artists contributing to Gaining Wisdom are Tony Rice, Alison Krauss, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Sam Bush, Rhonda Vincent, Alecia Nugent, Carl Jackson, Tim Stafford, Rob Ickes and Sonya Isaacs. Well-known behind the scenes as an eminent songwriter, Hughes has had her songs recorded by such artists as Alison Krauss (”My Poor Old Heart” on Lonely Runs Both Ways) and The Seldom Scene (”Sad Old Train” on their forthcoming album.)

Upcoming Tour Dates

August
11 Virginia Highlands - Abingdon, VA (3pm and 5pm)
25 Flat Rock Wine Shop - Flat Rock, NC

September
1 Nelson Farms - Butler, TN
15 Dollywood - Pigeon Forge, TN
19 The Birchmere - Alexandria, VA (opening for Marty Stuart)
29 Eddie’s Attic - Decatur, GA
30 Hamilton County Fair - Chattanooga, TN

October
1-6 IBMA - Nashville Convention Center Nashville, TN

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