Skaggs, Hornsby team up for bluegrass set

NASHVILLE, March 20 (UPI) -- It took several years for Ricky Skaggs and Bruce Hornsby to realize their dream of making a bluegrass album together.

"Our relationship and the fact that we wanted to do this album together some day has been going on for quite some time," said Skaggs, who collaborated with Hornsby on the "Ricky Skaggs and Bruce Hornsby" collection.

Hornsby said the delay was "a pleasant problem, since we both have a lot going on -- records to make and gigs to play." But the duo finally hit the studio in early 2005 and finished the album in increments over the course of a year, including new versions of Hornsby's "Mandolin Rain" and "Night on the Town" as well as a plucky take on Rick James' "Super Freak."

Skaggs and Hornsby are featured on a new edition of CMT's "Crossroads," and the two plans to play live dates to promote the album this year as well.

"This could be a combination like Willie (Nelson) and Waylon (Jennings)," Skaggs said, "where we could still have separate careers but can do shows together, and the crowd will love it. I think it could be that kind of thing between us for years to come, if we want."