Whiskey Before Breakfast

At least for the recording buying public! Norman was well-known as a highly regarded sideman, but this CD put him out front and center. A beautiful mix of old-timey tunes and originals, tastefully rendered. He can play flashily if he wants to... but he doesn't want to LOL! What he plays is always in service of the song. Norman Blake is a true American original, and really, a curator of a genre of music that doesn't get a lot of attention. The stripped down performances - solo or duo - really focus on the tunes, and listening to this music takes me to another time. If you're interested in this style of music and guitar playing, this CD belongs in a small group of recordings you should definitely have. Buy it and enjoy!

From the opening notes of "Walking Cane", Norman Blake's mastery of flatpicking shines like a new dime. His ability to keep the melody in view while picking around it is nothing short of amazing and leads one to wonder just how many fingers are on his left hand. Surely he has more than the usual four and a thumb. He doew a nice job on the vocals, to boot. I highly recommend "Whiskey Before Breakfast" to anyone interested in the flatpicking genre.

First of all, don't call it bluegrass. It's not bluegrass, because it's just guitar -- on most of the tracks, just one guitar -- and bluegrass is played by bands, with bass, banjo, mandolin and fiddle being a pretty common outfit.But it is flat-picking, the guitar style associated with bluegrass and with greats like Doc Watson. And oh, is this flat-picking! There aren't many that could claim to be in Blake's league, even back in 1976 when he cut this, his first album. He plays a very versatile, very expressive guitar that is very traditional country and very not corn pone.As on most of his later albums, Blake records a mixture of his own compositions and traditional pieces, some songs and some pure instrumentals. When you need an antidote to the depressingly bland ga-ga on the radio, buy Norman Blake, and start with this one.

Norman Blake picking his guitar like few can.Love it.

Whisky Before Breakfast is a masterwork by one of the giants of the genre. Norman Blake's tone, touch, technique and genuine love for the music he is playing allow these songs to transport the listener to a parlor filled with friends and family enjoying each other while stomping thier feet and singing along. This is music filled with joy and ancient memories. Mr. Blake breaths life into each song. Listen carefully. It just may take your breath away.

My opinion, but this is one of the great traditional music albums of all time, exceeded only (perhaps) by one or another of Blake's other albums. A must have if you like Blake.

I have owned a vinyl copy of this album since 1974. The other day picked up my old frayed friend, pulled the vinyl disk out of the sleeve after not hearing it for a few year and realized that is was worn beyond redemption. I needed a replacement. Over the years, I played at playing the guitar (along with dulcimer, banjo and fiddle)since college. For awhile I could actually keep up with Norman on Under the Double Eagle for about the first 67 seconds then would lose him. Players might say Doc, or Jimmy H, or even Chet were the best players of all time but in my book it is Norman. He makes a guitar sing!

If you like "old timey" music and serious guitar pickin then don't hesitate to add this to your collection! I've loved this album for years. Glad to finally find it on CD.

Every acoustic guitarist should have a copy of this. The only problem is that it is an old analogue recording and plays slightly off pitch. I copied it to computer and corrected the pitch and burned another cd from it. I can now play along happily with Norman!

Very nice

As usual it is brilliant Norman Blake. You don't need any whiskey in order to listen to this CD, it is full of great guitar playing and great singing. A real pleasure to listen to.

NORMAN BLAKE è NELLA SUA FORMA MIGLIORE, SPONTANEA E IMMEDIATA. HO COMPERATO QUESTO CD PER SOSTITUIRE IL VINILE CHE AVEVO DA MOLTO TEMPO

C est pour moi une référence

C'est la question que je me pose toujours avant de donner monopinion sur N.Blake. C'est un maître. On peut ne pas aimer mais il semble difficile de nepas aimer.

音楽性はともかくMARTINのD-18を聴きたくて購入しました。これもCDの聴き方のひとつでしょうか。良い音です。

こんな商品も…という項に興味を抱いて買いました。想像していたのと違ったけど、楽しく聞いています。

１９７６年の作品です。全ての楽曲がアコースティックギターで録音されています。全１４曲のうち４曲はセカンドギターが入りますが、他はNormanのソロによる演奏になります。１９３４年に製作されたMartin D-18を使用して素晴らしいフラットピッキングとフィンガーピッキングによる演奏を聴かせてくれます。ソロでの演奏でも圧倒的なパフォーマンスで、とてもアコギ１台でここまでできるとは信じられない程です。昨今、中高年のフォークリバイバルでアコギを弾く方も増えていますが、若い世代の方にも是非この音源を聴いて刺激を受けていただきたいと思います。内６曲味わい深い（個人的に大好きな）Normanの歌が聴けます。