Bluegrass is not everyone’s cup of tea. But when you do want to try a cup you want the best brewed. Alison Krauss and Union Station is that brew. Their release, Paper Airplane, is state of the art in bluegrass. Alison’s vocals are pure perfection, as would be expected from this artist that has won more Grammys than any other female artist, and third most Grammys in history. The songs are sad with the saddest being a Richard and Linda Thompson’s “Dimming of the Day.” The bluegrass/country sparse acoustic backing is mated with excellent song selection and vocals that are both sophisticated & twangy. There are 11 tracks with three of them instrumental. A cover of Jackson Browne’s “My Opening Farewell” closes this fine album.

4 out of 5 Stars