The concept behind
The Bradley Barn Sessions was an intriguing one: place
George Jones in the hands of traditionalist country producer
Brian Ahern, record at
Owen Bradley's legendary studios, compile a selection of
Jones' greatest hits, and have him sing duets with contemporary vocalists (and
Tammy Wynette) who have cited him as an influence. In theory, it should have worked, but in practice, it's a stilted, nearly lifeless album. The production is too clean and polished, lacking any of the grit of true honky tonk records. Furthermore, songs like "A Good Year for the Roses" suffer from the stringless, stripped-down arrangements. And though all of
Jones' duet partners -- including
Marty Stuart,
Alan Jackson,
Vince Gill,
Ricky Skaggs,
Trisha Yearwood, and
Travis Tritt -- are respectful, only
Keith Richards captures the spirit of a roadside honky tonk. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine