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The Scroll

Grace Notes

Orthodox klezmer and bluegrass virtuoso Andy Statman and evangelical country star Ricky Skaggs cross genres and faiths to form a mighty duo

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Andy Statman and Ricky Skaggs in the studio, recording Old Brooklyn, May 30, 2008. (Bradley Klein)

Virtuosic mandolin and clarinet player Andy Statman recently released his first album in five years. It’s called Old Brooklyn, and it includes collaborations with a number of top-notch musicians, including Béla Fleck and Paul Shaffer. Perhaps most unusual, though, is the track titled “The Lord Will Provide.” The song is an 18th-century hymn, and this beautifully spare version is a collaboration between Statman, an Orthodox Jew, and country music star Ricky Skaggs, an evangelical Christian. Independent radio producer Stephanie Coleman wondered how this collaboration came about. Here’s the story, as told to Coleman by Statman and Skaggs. [Running time: 10:20.]  

  • Jules

    This is cool. I love blue grass & klezmer. Dunno much about the Evangelical part but a fusion of these two styles musically sounds cool.

  • Jim Hedrick

    Judeo Christian journeymen. Good providence. Good grace. Good music. Shalom and Amen!

  • JCarpenter

    Can’t wait to get this new collection. Statman and David Grisman’s “Songs of Our Fathers” was outstanding and a family favorite.

    Good words, Jim Hendrick!

  • http://www.v-picks.com mandolin picks

    What an interesting duo put together. Collaboration in music is quite common although sometimes the mix can be quite unusual. As long as the outcome inspires and great music is produced, without a doubt, even if bluegrass and evangelical music genres are put together, songs and melodies that move and touch hearts is what matters.

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Grace Notes

Orthodox klezmer and bluegrass virtuoso Andy Statman and evangelical country star Ricky Skaggs cross genres and faiths to form a mighty duo