Customer Reviews

Live at McCabe's Guitar Shop

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

 

 

I'm a young lad and although most of my peers had never heard of Ralph Stanley until "Oh Brother" made its debut I've been a devotee of bluegrass and old school country from way back. If you're into today's psuedo-country, flat-bellied, line-dancing, disco, top-40 junk you'll definately want to shy away from this record. On the other hand, if you're into true music performed and sung by real musicians then this is right up your alley. In February of 2002 I had the rare opportunity to hear the good Doc and his band play live in Jacksonville, Arkansas. Listening to this CD is almost like being back at that concert. The play list is largely similar (the recording was made within a month or so of the performance I heard) and features some great vocals, original songsmithing, and dandy clawhammer banjo picking. Having seen Dr. Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys in person I can visualize each performer as the good Doc introduces them on the album- from the wizened old boy that plays the upright bass ("the ex-mayor of Norton, Virginia") to the giant of a man that saws the fiddle ("He TOOK first prize"). As a fan of live albums, this one ranks among my favorites. The audience is small enough that the applause doesn't overpower the music and the clarity and quality of the recording is great. If you're new to Dr. Stanley or a follower from way back this is a great album to get and one that I would highly recommend.

This is a wonderful, upbeat album with the "feel" of a live performance by this outstanding group pf musicians. My favorite tracks are Orange Blossom Special (the best performance I've ever heard) and I'll Wear a White Robe, as beautiful a song as Angel Band. There is some down home humor between the songs. In short, this is the best album I've heard in a long, long time.