Customer Reviews

Classic Cuts 1933-1941

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I think that Rich Kienzle must have written his review based on the good faith that this set would include all of the Delmores' Bluebird and Decca sides. It does not. It's a good hefty collection of their pre-war material, but there are many important sides missing. The Columbia 1931 disc is not there, and most of the Decca sides are absent. Some Bluebird B-sides are also MIA.
This is rather shocking for JSP. They are usually so thorough in their reissue boxes. I'll grudgingly buy this, because I know the remastering will be good, but don't believe for one moment that you're getting the whole enchilada. If you're curious as to what these guys sound like, or like 'em and want 4 hrs of their music, go for it. But there's many sides left out. :( Maybe Bear Family will get off their arses and finally do the Delmores right.

I bought this set yesterday. For as old as these recordings are the way they were remastered sounds great. Again as I have stated in previous reviews this this set is "Great" but it's not for the new kid that thinks Country Music or Good Bluegrass is The Dixie Chicks or Toby Keith. These songs by Alton and Rabon are some of the Best Root Country Music that you can get anywhere. 1933 - 1941 ,That during the time that Jimmie Rodgers died and not many good strong groups were on the scene ( not counting the Original Carter Family). This Set is worth every penny and I think the price is downright cheap for what you are getting ! Purchase this Box Set and you will truly be Purchasing a part of real American History. "ENJOY"

This is a review of THE DELMORE BROTHERS box set from JSP entitled CLASSIC CUTS, 1933-1941.
I bought this box set at a deep discount over three years ago and only listened to it once. I liked it but really didn't get a chance to get into it.

Recently I took it out and gave it another and then another play. What an excellent set of recordings, even though they were done many decades ago they still sound fresh and the sound quality on these CDs is everything you could hope for.

I think that the trouble I had getting interested in these recordings is because of the relatively straight forward, unemotional singing style the Delmores
favored. I am not sure if this was the predominant country style of group or duo singing at the time but I suspect that it might have been, either during this period or in the period just before recording companies starting hunting through the hills for new musical stars.

For a listener who is used to the more emotional "modern" styles this type of singing takes some getting used to. But I got around that problem by concentrating on the beautiful close harmonies of the brothers' voices and the great guitar work that the Delmore Brothers recorded on one classic cut after another.
And it didn't take long before the Delmore's style of straight faced right at you
kind of singing seemed second nature to me and perfectly normal and natural
to my ears.

In fact, this type of singing is much preferable to much of the modern moaning and wailing that is found on current day recordings. The Delmore Brothers seem more natural and less artificial than modern singers.

Of course, the guitars are acoustic although I heard a couple of cuts with
a steel guitar and some others with a tasty country fiddle accompanying the brothers.

All together there are 87 choice cuts in this box set. The music is in a variety of styles, including sentimental ballads and some pretty snappy toe tappers as well.

I think among my favorites are: "When We Held Our Hymnbooks Together," "I Now Have a Bugle to Play," "The Gospel Cannonball," "Old Mountain Dew," "Smokey Mountain Gal" and just way too many others to list.

The truth is, some of these recordings echo back to the earlier days of American music, before Edison even thought of recording. But others of these records were fairly modern and contemporary for 1930s tastes.

The Delmore Brothers were giants of early harmony and country (or what was called folk music) and the recordings in this JSP box set are part of the legacy the Delmores left for us to enjoy. And these records will be listened to and enjoyed as long as the human voice in song is appreciated and loved.

For those of you into early roots music or early country sounds, this one is a real treat! The Delmores were one of the top acts of the 1930's on the Grand Ole Opry and made many records for Bluebird that are included here (1933-1939) and Decca (1940-41). Many consider these to be perhaps their best works. Pure, beautiful harmonies, as calming as a country stream, and their interplay guitar work is creative and very professional with unique arrangements too. This is a joy to listen to. I have been listening to it for days and have not tired of it. It does feature a wide variety of songs, styles and stories to tell. Even Bob Dylan said their harmony was what he aspired to. They influenced many including The Everly Brothers, Dylan and in the late 1940's were the roots of rockabilly and early rock and roll (Check out later King releases). This one however is a keeper for life. Joyous! Pure! Natural!

I have a few Delmore Brothers songs from what I friend of mine gave me. I have been a lover of the real true classic country music for just a short period of time, 25 years. I just received this Delmore Collection last week in the post and it is the best collection of Delmore songs any person could want. It covers all their different musical styles with flair. If anyone is contemplating on adding this to their collection I would highly recommend it. It is the Delmore's at they really best. To me a five star rating is a bit too low. I would at least give it twice that. It should be in anyone's classical music collection. I really highly recommend it. Perfect work.

A great set of the Delmore Brothers from Amazon. For the avid collector of old "Hillbilly" music this set is a great item to add to your collection. Lots of good listening. Go for it!

This Is a great selection and I have enjoyed it greatley! I receiveed it fast and in great shape!
Thank You!