Alison Krauss & Union Station: Live

Although much of Alison Krauss's reputation is built on her role as a bluegrass crossover star, her band Union Station is still a top-flight traditional band, as this double live-concert album amply demonstrates. Krauss has never sounded more confident or connected to her music, and the audience responds in kind. The Union Station crew breeze through stripped-down versions of their most popular original hits, along with a lively selection of traditional mountain music tunes, including breakdowns and reels that hearken back to the music's Celtic roots. Krauss graciously shares the spotlight with her talented band mates. Banjoist Ron Block and guitarist Dan Tyminski both shine on their showcase numbers, while Jerry Douglas adds his trademark sweet dobro licks throughout. This is Krauss and company at their very best, which means it's very good, indeed.