Customer Reviews

True Bluegrass

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This CD is one of the best collections for those of us interested in the diversity of traditonal bluegrass sounds. The sounds range from amazing instrumentals such as Frank Wakefield's wild playing of "Sleepy Eyed John" to a haunting rendition of "Midnight on the Stormy Deep" by the Tony Rice Unit. The classic traditonal sound is wonderfully represented by the legendary Lilly Brothers, the Vern Willimas Band, and the Bailey Brothers. The Lilly Brothers's previously released version of "God Gave Noah the Rainbow Sign" is a treat for fans of old style bluegrass. Hazel and Alice's rendering of "Montana Cowboy" is true bluegrass at its very best. In fact, all of the songs on this one are superb representations of this wonderful home grown acoustic music.

This is a solid collection of some of the best bluegrass music from the vaults of Rounder Records' 30-year history. [Note: Half of these songs also appeared on the 1987 collection "Rounder Bluegrass, Vol. 1."] If, however, you're expecting an updated version in terms of newer material, you won't find it. Most of these tracks were recorded in the seventies--only three tracks are from the eighties, with "To Hell With the Land" (1983) being the most recent. The only previously unreleased track, "God Gave Noah the Raindbow Sign," was recorded in 1958.

What I enjoy about this collection is that this a broad overview of bluegrass music. You not only get traditional material like Boone Creek's cover of Bill Monroe's "Dark as the Night" and The Bluegrass Cardinals' version of Ira and Charles Louvin's "Lorene," but also originals by artists like Tasty Licks and Connie and Babe.

The liner notes refer to bluegrass as "mountain soul music." That's an apt definition. You will not find more heart-felt music than this. [Total running time - 64:15] HIGHLY RECOMMENDED