Sing Out! September 2006

An excellent selection is paired with superb talent from fiddler Kenny Jackson and friends on a dozen and a half old-time songs and tunes. A versatile musician and vocalist, Jackson switches to banjo or guitar on five cuts. Joining him in duo and trio configurations are long-time colleagues Paula Bradley (vocals, guitar, banjo-uke), Whitt Mead (banjo), and Rayna Gellert (vocals, fiddle). Jackson goes it solo on four tracks.

The ensemble beautifully brings to life such cuts as the title song, culled from an Uncle Dave Macon reissue where he was backed by the harmony vocals of the Delmore Brothers. Jackson tips his bow to Marcus Martin on the thoughtfully played medley "Wake Robin/Boatsman" as well as on the lively "Nubbin Ridge." We are treated to the very traditional version of "Eighth Day of January," based on that offered by Kentuckian Jim Bowles, whose expressive style is much admired by Jackson.

Another nugget is the inspired treatment Jackson gives "Little Birdie," on which he pays tribute to the two-finger playing banjo technique of Morgan Sexton of southeastern Kentucky. Gellert's understated harmonies are perfect complement. The two-finger playing style of Hayes Shephard, also from Kentucky, is attributed on "The Peddler and His Wife."

Among the three Jackson originals on the album, "America Baily" is but one example of traditional music being brought to life anew by studious and faithful incorporation of those components that give oldtime music its spirit. Jackson turns to the dance floor with his "Little Devil Waltz," which he twin-fiddles with Gellert.

"Tomahawk" stands out with its fiery fiddle playing, while "Henry Lee" is another highlight with its engaging, right on vocal pairing (Jackson and Bradley).

Over the Mountain is a clean, thoughtfully paced album that demonstrates a seasoned and practiced knowledge of both craft and genre.

-Stephanie P. Ledgin

Old-Time Herald, Winter 2004-05

Kenny Jackson has been active in the old-time music scene for over 20 years now, playing in various bands in the Midwest, most notably, the Ohio-based Rhythm Rats. A few years back he moved to North Carolina, and he currently plays with Big Medicine. Though he appears on memorable recordings with each of those bands, Over the Mountain is Jackson's first "solo" effort. Here he plays some of his favorite tunes and songs with some fine musicians who also happen to be among his best friends. As one might expect, fiddling is the primary focus here. Jackson has chosen his material well, drawing mostly from field recordings made in the '30s through the '50s of fiddlers whose names-John Salyer, Marcus Martin, Bill Stepp, and Jim Bowles-are familiar. Many of the tunes, however, are of the less common variety, giving the CD an added dimension. In addition, three of Jackson's original tunes fit in seamlessly with the others.

Jackson's fiddling is precise and has just the right amount of drive. He uses little in the way of ornamentation, so as not to distract from the tunes themselves. Whitt Mead and Paula Bradley, his old band-mates from the Rhythm Rats days, and Rayna Gellert provide supportive backup. Their accompaniment throughout is spare, wisely chosen and rock solid.

Scattered among the fiddle tunes, adding still another dimension to the proceedings, are several songs learned from the likes of Dick Justice, Morgan Sexton, Buell Kazee, and Uncle Dave Macon. On these numbers Jackson ably demonstrates that he's a fine old-time singer, and an expert guitar player and banjo picker. On the songs that ask for it, Paula and Rayna add harmony vocals, for the most part, providing just the right touch.

In the accompanying notes, Jackson writes of his feelings about old-time music and his relationship with it. He also provides the reader /listener with his sources for the tunes, fiddle and banjo tunings, and here and there adds his impressions of a tune and/or thoughts about a particular fiddler. Highly recommended.

-Jim Nelson

"Kenny Jackson is one of the finest old-time musicians active today. His astonishing instrumental skill is always tempered with good taste, and his depth of knowledge and passion for the music lends a magical "old" quality to Kenny's music that appeals to listeners and to those lucky enough to play with him."
Gail Gillespie, editor of The Old-Time Herald

"First-class old-time music here, with 18 wonderful tunes that feature Jackson’s excellent fiddling. The accompaniments are tasteful and fine, mostly just old-time banjo and/or guitar. Rayna Gellert joins Kenny on second fiddle on a couple of tunes. A fine old-time record, highly recommended."
County Sales Newsletter (review of Over the Mountain)

"Jackson is an excellent fiddle player...equally adept at a variety of bowing styles, and his tone is great. At all times, he plays with a propulsive confidence."
Bluegrass Unlimited