"Ricky Skaggs & Bruce Hornsby" is a collaborative studio album by American country/bluegrass musician Ricky Skaggs and singer-songwriter Bruce Hornsby, released in March 2007. This album is a fusion of bluegrass and jazz, demonstrating the versatility of the duo and offering a vibrant energy throughout the tracks.
The album features 11 songs, blending original compositions by both Hornsby and Skaggs, along with a few covers. Both artists contributed their own unique styles to the album. Skaggs, a renowned country and bluegrass artist, lends his talents in traditional instrumentation and vocals, while Hornsby, a famed pop, jazz, and bluegrass performer, contributes his distinct piano style and singing.
Among the album’s highlights is an energized bluegrass rendition of Hornsby's hit, "The Way It Is". Hornsby's jazzy piano rhythms and Skaggs' nimble string plucking offer a refreshing take on the original. The album also features a cover of Rick James' "Super Freak", showcasing the duo’s ability to experiment and blend different music genres.
The album was met with considerable acclaim, praised for its excellent musicianship and the seamless blending of Skaggs' and Hornsby's respective styles. It has left a lasting impact in both the bluegrass and jazz genres, exemplifying how artists from different backgrounds can come together to create something extraordinary.
In terms of accolades, the album reached No. 1 on the Billboard Top Bluegrass Albums chart, solidifying the successful collaboration of these two musicians. Despite its bluegrass foundation, the album has cross-genre appeal, offering a unique and enjoyable experience for listeners of all types of music.
