With their individual talents, George Shuffler and Laura Boosinger could easily record a solo album. Shuffler earned his reputation playing guitar with the Stanley Brothers for nearly 20 years while Boosinger, both alone and with the Luke Smathers String Band, has proved an excellent interpreter... [+] Expand

With their individual talents, George Shuffler and Laura Boosinger could easily record a solo album. Shuffler earned his reputation playing guitar with the Stanley Brothers for nearly 20 years while Boosinger, both alone and with the Luke Smathers String Band, has proved an excellent interpreter of traditional Southern music. Together, Shuffler and Boosinger make a formidable union, combining what they do best on 13 old-time favorites. These Mountain Treasures range from duets to solos to instrumentals, accompanied by guitar, banjo, and bass. The proceedings get off to a lively start with "Lonesome Road Blues," a song that manages to sound happy despite the downbeat lyrics. Shuffler brings his unique cross-picking style to the instrumental "Little Annie," while Boosinger delivers a spunky version of "Cluck Old Hen." There are also fine takes on other favorites like "Down in the Valley" and Bill Monroe's "Little Georgia Rose," and unusual versions of "In the Pines" (called "Grave in the Pines") and the murder ballad "Down in the Willow Garden." By approaching all of these songs with simplicity and grace, Shuffler and Boosinger allow the songs and the emotions they convey to come forth. Mountain Treasures is an apt title for this satisfying outing and will surely please old-time music fans. ~ Ronnie D. Lankford Jr., All Music Guide [-] Collapse

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