Customer Reviews

Back Porch Bluegrass/Pickin' and Fiddlin'

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I had an interest in bluegrass way back in the 60's when I listened to Flatt and Scruggs and also the Greenbriar Boys. Then I heard the Dillards and I was blown away. Doug Dillard's banjo was a revelation to me, and I still think the tone he gets out of it is unique. I could pick it out any time.

If you remember this group, especially before the TV appearances on any Griffith, this will remind you why you liked them so much. the music holds up remarkably well.

I am not a big fan of the 2 LPs on one CD, but I've been learning to like them of late, because sometimes I think that these releases are the only way I am going to get these gems. And this is a gem. For those collecting The Dillards, this is the proper reissue to collect without having to buy "Backporch Blugrass" twice. To add to that "Live!!! Almost!!!" has been released separately on CD, so this is the one you want and will complete the first 3 LPs of The Dillards without wasting your money. For most of my life, I had only known The Dillards as "The Darlings" on "The Andy Griffith Show". Then I found out that they were a real group and you know what? They are really, really good! I have been collecting The Dillards for awhile now and I can honestly say that they don't have any bad songs in their discography. They are one of the few groups that I can say that about. They are a joy to listen to from beginning to end. "Backporch Bluegrass/Pickin' and Fiddlin'" shows that they were more than just the hillbillies you saw on TV and there is a lot more to enjoy than just those songs you saw on TV. "Ground Hog", "Old Man At The Mill", and "Old Home Place" just to name a few!

Byron Berline is by far one of the best fiddle players. Backed up by the Dillards on classic fiddle tunes, he has never sounded better -- just take a listen the Fischer's Hornpipe. The second half of the album shifts to the Dillards alone, with their unique take on Bluegrass, including many original tunes. Play the one CD and you have a double treat.

My family and I love the Dillards. Found them on the Andy Griffith show a long time ago, and have been listening ever since.