A Lifetime In the Making

Ricky Skaggs' Ceili label has quickly gained a reputation for quality recordings, and the Whites' A Lifetime in the Making is no exception. The stars of this disc are vocalist and guitarist Sharon White, vocalist and bass player Cheryl White, and vocalist and mandolinist Buck White. This album offers what listeners have come to expect from the Whites: beautiful harmony, good song choices, and great acoustic accompaniment. Jerry Douglas has produced this album with a steady hand, and also adds his always tasteful dobro playing. Songs like "Before the Prairie Met the Plow" and "Always Coming Home" will probably be described as bluegrass, but the smooth harmonies and relaxed pace seems to share more with country and folk. This folk connection is strengthened by the inclusion of songs like "Fair and Tender Ladies." This song has a lovely arrangement and includes harmony and lead vocals by Emmylou Harris. While a melancholy air occasionally enters songs like, "I Miss Who I Was (With You)," A Lifetime in the Making, like all of the Whites' music, is filled with joy. "Key to the Kingdom" and "Jesus is the Missing Piece" are cheerful, swinging gospel songs, more likely to inspire hand clapping than religious reflection. It should be noted that while the Whites are often listed as a gospel group, religious songs only represent one aspect of this recording. A Lifetime in the Making is a fine album, sure to please old and new fans alike. ~ Ronnie Lankford, Jr., Rovi