From the heart: Ricky Skaggs brings father’s favorites to Birchmere

There’s something so hauntingly pure and beautiful about the 13 classic country tunes presented on “Ricky Skaggs Solo (Songs My Dad Loved)” that it’s arguably impossible for music lovers to listen and not feel chills.

The album is a different sort for multi-instrumentalist Skaggs, a renowned mandolin player who built his career on bluegrass and traditional country songs.

“I have done so many records through the years … but I never did anything like this,” Skaggs said of playing every instrument and singing every tune on the album himself. “It was fun and challenging. I enjoyed it so much.”

It seems sacrilegious to say, but listening to Skaggs’ offering is almost as powerful as hearing country legends perform at the “Grand Ole Opry” — live or via recordings.

After winning 14 Grammy Awards and countless other popular and critical kudos, Skaggs clearly could have walked away years ago secure in the knowledge that he was one of country music’s greatest performers.

But in a recent interview, the bluegrass master said that his love of music and his respect for the history, tradition and artistry of those who came before him kept him playing and creating new songs and sounds.

“I love the fans, and they continue to buy my records and tickets [to shows] — even in this terrible economy — but I can’t say it’s because of them,” Skaggs said of what compelled him to continue playing music. “It is just the love of music. It’s more fun for me now than ever.”

Skaggs’ father, Hobert, taught him to play mandolin when he was not much older than a toddler. At age 5, Skaggs played mandolin onstage with bluegrass great Bill Monroe. His career took off from there as he played with other music greats including Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs and was considered for an audition to join the “Grand Ole Opry” at age 6; directors ultimately decided he was too young.

Skaggs honed his musical artistry so finely that he is one of the few artists whose music can move one from sorrow to mirth almost instantly.

Perhaps few albums showcase his versatility better than this selection.

Expect a tug on your heartstrings when you hear Skaggs’ deep, heartfelt vocals — especially the a capella part — on the gospel tune “City That Lies Foresquare.” Yet a few tracks later, you’ll feel your feet tap as Skaggs plays the spunky instrumental “Pickin’ in Carolina.”

There’s no doubt Skaggs has been a musical force for decades. This CD shows that inspirational force is stronger than ever, yet he maintains it’s not all in his control.

“I really think the more I get into the Scriptures and a deeper relationship with God, [the music improves],” he said. “The music is part of his creativity.”