Customer Reviews

Tribute to Brother Duets

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Playing Time - 37:27 -- Two of the most notable brother acts in recent times have been Jim and Jesse McReynolds, and Charles and Robert Whitstein. Robert passed away on November 14, 2001, and Jim passed on in December 31, 2002. While both surviving brothers were greatly saddened by their losses, they endured and bounced back by forming their own duo. Their only new song in this set, "Gone But Not Forgotten," written by Jesse, opens the album with this tribute to their deceased brothers. Classic songs are drawn from the material of many other famous brothers acts - the Delmores, Wilburns, Morrises, Louvins, Monroes, Stanleys, Yorks, Bailes, and Bollicks (Blue Sky Boys). There are many old favorites like "When I Stop Dreaming," "What Would You Give (in Exchange For Your Soul)?," "Rose of my Heart," "The White Dove," "Blues Stay Away From Me," "Kentucky," "Remember Me (When the Candlelights are Gleaming) and "Are You Missing Me." McReynolds, 75, and Whitstein, 60, also cover a few less commonly heard duets such as "Somebody Loves You Darling," "That's All I Want From You," and "Which One Is To Blame."

Besides Jesse (mandolin, mandolobro) and Charles (guitar), the rest of the band includes Dave Salyers (lead guitar), Charlie Cushman (guitar), Glen Duncan (fiddle), and Kent Blanton (bass). The artists don't overplay and provide just the right amount of tasty accompaniment to complement the vocalists. Jesse's cross-picking and tremolo are always a treat also. As they sing in "Gone but Not Forgotten," it's not quite the same since Jim and Robert went away. However, Jesse and Charles vow to "do their best," and they've proven that they can create strong and close harmony together that both thrills us and pays homage to their departed brothers. (Joe Ross, staff writer, Bluegrass Now)

I loved this album. Great selection of songs and the close harmony is superb. A 5 star album for sure.