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Title: Superpickers
Review: Multi-instrumentalist Ricky Skaggs has always featured hot guitarists and monster mandolin, banjo, and fiddle players in his legendary roots-country and bluegrass ensembles. Skaggs' current lineup features Cody Kilby, who won the 1998 National Flatpick Guitar championship at age 17. Wielding a Bourgeois flat-top, Kilby lays down clean, fast lines and outrageous solos that push the envelope of acoustic lead guitar. His clarity, power, and dexterity are matched by an ability to spin melodies that sound delightfully free, yet artfully composed. Bryan Sutton -- Skagg's previous flat-top virtuoso -- adds his magic touch on two songs, and Tele terror Johnny Hiland burns on the title track. Mandolinist Andy Leftwich deserves special mention for his rippling, warp-speed phrases. Even if you're not drawn to bluegrass, this album's state-of-the-art picking will mess you up.
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