These cover versions of
Garth Brooks favorites for violin, viola, and cello focus on the grandeur and melody of the country superstar's music. "Why Ain't I Running" and "Standing Outside the Fire" become sweeping, stirring ballads evocative of the American plains, while "The River" and "The Dance" each draw on the rich Americana tradition with drifting violin melodies and surging cello runs. Perhaps it was inevitable, but the bouncy, riding-in-the-back-of-a-pickup truck feel of "Friends in Low Places" survives even without its rousing gang chorus. This is the only nod to the straight-ahead, hiccupping country sound, however, as the tribute closes gracefully on the strains of "The Thunder Rolls" and "Pushing Up Daisies." ~ Johnny Loftus