Rickie Simpkins

The second solo release of veteran sideman Rickie Simpkins, Don't Fret It is a showcase of his singularly impressive talents. Joined by an all-star cast of the bluegrass elite, including friends Tony Rice and Dan Tyminski, Simpkins more than steals the show and proves himself the consummate musician in tackling a set fairly evenly split between instrumental workouts and vocal cuts. With a contemporary bluegrass sound dominating an album that covers many musical moods, it may come as some surprise that the most traditional-sounding track is actually a cover of Tom T. Hall's "Mountain High Feeling Low." A virtuosic performer on fiddle, mandolin, and banjo, he is a near one-man band on tracks like the rousing "Black Mountain Rag" and "Golden Slippers," giving more than sufficient evidence for why he is such a sought-after session player. All in all, a varied and accomplished album that should be a welcome addition to all who appreciate exceptional musicianship. ~ Matt Fink, All Music Guide