Two (Pinecastle, 2000)

The label is Pinecastle, the woman is the IBMA Bass Player of the Year, and they tell us to file this under bluegrass, but do not expect a bluegrass album. Don't expect to find even one bluegrass song here. The debut duo recording from bassist Missy Raines and long-time musical partner and guitarist Jim Hurst is a multi-genre tour de force for which bluegrass is mysteriously absent.

This record will appeal to all fans of acoustic music, especially the contemporary singer-songwriter crowd. Both artists, known for their impeccable instrumental skill also offer pleasant vocal leads and harmonies on folk, jazz, blues, and country inspired songs from a variety of writers. Included also are two Hurst instrumental originals, one vocal, plus an instrumental from Raines. This album's simplicity is it's finest asset. The pleasing combination of Hurst and Raines is difficult not like. Purely good music.