Customer Reviews

Legendary Marshall Family 1

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The Marshall Family "The Legendary Marshall Family, v.1" (Rebel, 2002)

The Marshall Family "The Legendary Marshall Family, v.2" (Rebel, 2004)

Two fine collections of good, old-fashioned bluegrass gospel tunes, with bright, cheerful vocal and instrumental performances and a simple, joyous set of songs. Each of these discs collects tracks drawn from several of the Marshall Family albums of the 1970s, when the group was still a working, touring truegrass band. There are a few guest appearances -- a young Ricky Skaggs joining in some sweet a capella quartet vocals, for example -- but mostly it's the family itself, presenting this music in as simple and sincere a light as possible. It's great stuff. Later, after the familt act disbanded, various members moved into the equally under-the-radar Southern Gospel scene, either as songwriters or as members of up-and-coming bands such as The Isaacs (who praise the Marshalls in the liner notes of Volume 2, and cite them as early influences). Folks of a more secular bent who still appreciate certain strains of bluegrass gospel, the kinds that have a buoyant, optimistic feel, may find these albums quite enjoyable. I liked 'em!

I was soooo happy to find this cd. I can remember these songs by this artist from the 1970's and 80's when I saw them in person. These are the original songs that were on the vinyl records I owned-- way back then. I love it! Wish I could find more by this artist.

hooooooooooly cow!!! what a wonderful cd. great bluegrass gospel. gotta make sure u get vol 1 and 2 of the marshall family.

I stumbled on the Legendary Marshall Family while listening to the bluegrass station that I created in Pandora.com. I was working around the house listening to various bluegrass songs when they came on and WHAM - What was that! That is why I say they must be heard and experienced. I have been a fan for many years and only just recently downloaded ALL the songs from Amazon. It is like opening up a new present. Again, I was working on something on my computer playing my new found songs in the background and the next thing I knew I was weeping! And yes, I am a man! The songs hit you in their simplistic design. The first time I heard Mama Always Had a Song (Volume 2) it started off in a quaint story-tellin' type of song. My initial response was - hum, this is nice. By the end of the song I felt like I had stuck my finger in an outlet and was getting' all charged up!

Sometimes I will play them in `mixed" company (people who do and do not like bluegrass). Someone will always stop talking and say "Wow, who is THIS?" Anyone that has any inclination towards bluegrass MUST hear this.

Make sure that you get BOTH volumes!

I don't think you will find any better vocals or music than this family of very talented people, and it is a crying shame that only two CDs were ever compiled. Their having left the music scene so soon is our loss.