Customer Reviews

Live at the Birchmere

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

 

 

This great 1983 live recording features the classic Johnson Mountain Boys line-up of Dudley Connell on guitar, Richard Underwood on banjo, Eddie Stubbs on fiddle, David McLauglin on mandolin and Larry Robbins on acoustic bass.

The material here is excellent. Included are Bill Monroe's "Highway of Sorrow" and "Get Down On Your Knees and Pray;" the Stanley Brothers' "Let's Part the Best of Friends," and Flatt and Scruggs' "We Can't Be Darlings Anymore." Ray Price's "Wasted Words" is given an excellent high, lonesome treatment and honky-tonk themes are explored with Connell's own "Making Up Stories" and J.D. Miller's "Wild and Wicked World." I love it here, too, when the band goes into a supercharged version of Jimmie Rodgers' "Blue Yodel #3." Another fine Monroe number is heard in "She's Young (And I Am Growing Old)" and the Stanleys are the presumed source for "Tragic Love."

On this album JMB tears it up on several instrumentals, my favorite being McLaughlin's "Georgia Stomp." There are also 2 excellent songs on this CD that were not on the original release due to the time contraints of vinyl, Bill Harrell's "I'll Never See You Anymore" and Roy Acuff's "(I'm Dying) A Sinner's Death."

This live show is, to me, what bluegrass music is all about.

An dazzling live performance from one of the best truegrass revival bands of the 1980s. This is how bluegrass oughtta be played... Fast, sweet, and with plenty of spirit!

"Live at the Birchmere" is a spectaclar cd! You'll get a top gun lesson in bluegrass charm and witness serious dedication to the true vintage style. "Wake Up Susan" opens the door for high excitement as Eddie's lightning smooth fiddling sets the stage. You can tell from each song the work and respect that went into their work to honor the likes of Lester Flatt, Bill Monroe, Jimmie Rodgers and Carter Stanley. They dig back with "Tragic Love" for the high lonesome sound and gave a rating or 2 3/4 on their scale of deep lonesome, sad and pitiful sounds. "Highway of Sorrow" is worth all the blue licks and grief painted throughout. Plenty of cheering, clapping, howling, whistling and shouts for more are heard throughout. High excitement and extreme artistry is found in Eddie's fiddle and David's lead vocals on "Blue Yodel". You'll want to replay this masterpiece every time! It's hard to pick a favorite, but I cast my vote on two fine songs: "Sugarloaf Mountain Special" written by Eddie, showcasing his fiery fiddling and its fusion with the band; and "Get Down on Your Knees and Pray" with the fantastic harmonic blend of the Johnson Mountain Boys quartet - at its stunning best. You'll be glad you bought this cd and listen for its excellence and passion. No portion is wasted, even on "Wasted Words" when you thrill to the most beautiful blend of voices. A REAL WINNER!

This is a real gem, and a treat to all the Bluegrass Fans. It was recorded live at the Birchmere, and the recording really capture the rock-solid, straigh-ahead traditional bluegrass that these guys were playing back then. It's very well-mastered, and liner notes are extensive and complete. This is a real deal. Get yours, fellers!