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Alison Krauss

Started playing in: 1987

Place: Nashville

Genre: Bluegrass

Band Members: Union Station: Barry Bales, Ron Block, Jerry Douglas, Dan Tyminski

Website: Alison Krauss

Biography

For Alison Krauss, musical collaboration has been a way of life. Her own story has been nothing short of amazing: signed to Rounder Records as a precocious 13-year-old fiddler from Champaign, Illinois, she has, over two decades with the label, become the most recognized face in contemporary bluegrass, a critically acclaimed artist who has brought modern sophistication to the genre while respecting its traditions. She has also managed to sell upwards of 8 million records and garner 20 Grammy® Awards, the most for any female artist in Grammy® history. Yet Krauss has consistently worked to honor her influences, like contemporary bluegrass pioneer Tony Rice, to promote discoveries like the Cox Family, and to offer her skills as producer, most recently to country star Alan Jackson.
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Krauss' latest musical collaboration, Raising Sand, is an astonishing album recorded in tandem with rock vocalist and songwriter Robert Plant. Scheduled for release on Rounder on October 23, 2007, Raising Sand is their first recorded endeavor, and will prove revelatory to fans and the media on two counts: first that it happened at all, and, more importantly, that it is as successful and illuminating as it is.

Under the careful sonic stewardship of producer T Bone Burnett, Raising Sand is pitched three steps beyond some cosmic collision of early urban blues, spacious West Texas country, and the unrealized potential of the folk-rock revolution. Shockingly evocative, it is an album that uncovers popular music's elemental roots while sounding effortlessly, breath-takingly modern. Despite hailing from distinctly different backgrounds, Plant and Krauss share a maverick spirit and willingness to extend the boundaries of their respective genres. Raising Sand finds Plant and Krauss functioning as sympathetic equals: creating a powerful new sound from both their common musical ground and their unrivaled sense of empathy.

Krauss is apparently not one for taking time off. While Union Station took a hiatus after the 18-month tour to support the 2004 Alison Krauss and Union Station release Lonely Runs Both Ways, Krauss took full advantage of the down time to explore new musical horizons. She produced Alan Jackson's 2006 release, Like Red on a Rose, which the Chicago Sun-Times declared "a masterpiece," taking the best-selling artist out of his familiar surroundings to create a moody, intimate song cycle that has been favorably compared to Frank Sinatra's In the Wee Small Hours. The New York Times described it as "a deeply country record that sounds nothing like a country record." She also produced and recorded five new tracks with long time engineer Gary Paczosa to complete her twelfth release, A Hundred Miles or More: A Collection, gathering on one elegantly understated disc previously released collaborations with such artists and friends as Brad Paisley, John Waite, James Taylor, Natalie MacMaster, and The Chieftains, along with songs she cut for well-known movie soundtracks and other special projects. With the new tracks (among them the current country single "Simple Love") she created something far more than just a compilation. Across 16 songs, A Hundred Miles or More gracefully balances the new with the familiar to form a vivid portrait of this adventurous artist.

In the same "year off", she began the then-undefined project with Plant and Burnett, recording initially in Nashville, then moving to Los Angeles to complete the project. While finishing touches were being done on Raising Sand, Krauss and her equally celebrated band Union Station were busy fulfilling one of their long-time dreams-a special tour with their friend, mentor and inspiration Tony Rice, performing material from his storied career. Alison and Union Station moved directly from the dates with Tony Rice to a national summer tour in support of A Hundred Miles or More. Billed as "An Evening with Alison Krauss and Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas," it showcases material from the new disc, along with fan favorites.

Krauss reached that extraordinary 20 Grammy® milestone when her last album with Union Station, Lonely Runs Both Ways, was named 2005's Best Country Album. It wasn't the only award she and her band-mates took home from the 48th Annual Grammys®: "Unionhouse Branch" garnered Best Country Instrumental Performance and "Restless" received the Best Country Performance by a Duo/Group Award. She has also received several Country Music Association Awards, including Musical Event of the Year for "Whiskey Lullaby" with Brad Paisley, originally released

on Paisley's Mud on the Tires and reprised on A Hundred Miles or More. The International Bluegrass Music Association Awards have honored her on several occasions, most recently for Livin', Lovin', Losin' - Songs of the Louvin Brothers, which features her duet with James Taylor, "How's the World Treating You," also included on the new album. The two tracks she cut for the Cold Mountain soundtrack, "The Scarlet Tide" and "You Will Be My Ain True Love" (with Sting on harmony vocals) were nominated for Oscars in 2004, garnering performances on the 75th Academy Awards telecast. Lonely Runs Both Ways, which was hailed by both audiences and critics, has been certified Gold by the RIAA, and Krauss and Union Station's 2002 double-disc Live CD and Live DVD were certified Platinum.

More impressive, however, than any of these accolades has been Krauss's unwavering commitment to being an independent-label artist who has succeeded far beyond the scope of many major-label artists. She has been able to circulate freely within pop, mainstream country, and roots music circles, creating impeccably produced records that appeal to an equally wide-ranging and inquisitive audience. Krauss has continued doing things the old-fashioned way: following her heart and whatever path the music takes her down.

"I'm so glad we didn't do anything else," Krauss told USA Today in regard to her and Union Station's choice to make Rounder their home for so many years, "because I'm so happy with how it's gone."

"I never had any big dreams about doing something on a huge scale," Krauss reflects. "But I have dreamt about liking my records. That's the kind of stuff I dreamt about." She may have dreamt small, but as an artist, she's succeeded very, very big. In her case, modesty has proven to be the best policy.

Now, the only question is where her next musical journey might take us. ...less

Posts

posted on Wed Sep 2 01:35 PM
Lucky!!

I wish I could play with the Chieftains!!!!! I adore them!

posted on Sun Mar 1 03:02 AM
Thank you for the music ...

I am in awe when you play the fiddle.
Your music has brought me such pleasure.
If your ever in town and are looking for a good kitchen party, please do call.
With my highest and fondest regards,

Miss Ann Hanson

posted on Mon Jul 14 12:56 AM
Big Fan in Hamilton, ON

The sweetest voice I've ever heard! Heartfelt, soulful, sweet, intoxicating, and then some! The most amazing sounding voice, awesome musicianship, harmonies to die for, and last but not least, one of country music's most beautiful female artists!

What more could one need when it comes to ...

posted on Sun May 4 09:03 AM
Voice

I love your voice soooo much and the cover of Whiskey Lullaby with Brad Paisley!!! Thanx for the great music!

posted on Fri Apr 18 11:44 AM
Add Me As A Friend!!! I have amazing pics/videos of interviews with your favourite country stars! Concert footage too!

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Please add me as a friend! I wanna be friends & chat with as many of you as I possibly can!

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Thanks,
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Lauren Maggio
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