At least for the recording buying public! Norman was well-known as a highly regarded sideman, but this CD put him out front and center. A beautiful mix of old-timey tunes and originals, tastefully rendered. He can play flashily if he wants to... but he doesn't want to LOL! What he plays is always in service of the song. Norman Blake is a true American original, and really, a curator of a genre of music that doesn't get a lot of attention. The stripped down performances - solo or duo - really focus on the tunes, and listening to this music takes me to another time. If you're interested in this style of music and guitar playing, this CD belongs in a small group of recordings you should definitely have. Buy it and enjoy!