By Angus Batey for The Times in the U.K.
August 25, 2001
thetimes.co.uk

EARL SCRUGGS AND FRIENDS
Earl Scruggs and Friends
(MCA Nashville)

SCRUGGS INVENTED the rolling style of banjo-picking that helped to define the sound of downhome country music. Now aged 77, this is his first album since 1984. The maestro is joined by a stellar cast that includes Elton John (Country Comfort), Sting (Fill Her Up) and the actor Billy Bob Thornton (a hip-hop-meets-Tom Waits reading of Ring of Fire). The feel is warm and familial throughout; all egos have been left at the door and a shared love of music and a respect for a master musician lie at the heart of this understated, classy record. Angus Batey
(rating: xxxx)