Uncle Pen

AMG Review of Uncle Pen

Charlotte Dillon
All Music Guide

Uncle Pen is in many ways a tribute album done by Ricky Skaggs for Bill Monroe, the man known as the father of luegrass music. Monroe invented the style and name in the '40s. There are ten tracks on this 2002 release, including three that were written by Monroe: "Can't You Hear Me Callin'," "Wheel Hoss," and the title track, "Uncle Pen," a real toe-tapping luegrass ride. In fact, all of the tunes on this offering are luegrass numbers. The songs were actually recorded by Skaggs in the '80s, and have only now been combined into one album by Music Mill. Multi-instrumentalist Ricky Skaggs might be a country singer, but he has deep luegrass roots that come through on this album. He has always seemed as comfortable singing straight luegrass as progressive country. He does both distinctively. This album is a keeper for both Ricky Skaggs and Bill Monroe fans.