sign in sign up
<<
Home , Adam Steffey, Alan Bibey, David Grier, Different Roads, Dudley Connell, Foggy Mountain Boys

NEWSLETTER #284 COUNTY SALES P.O. Box 191 March-April 2007 Floyd,VA 24091 www.countysales.com

PHONE ORDERS: (540) 745-2001 FAX ORDERS: (540) 745-2008

FLATT & REB-1820 & CAROLINA SCRUGGS STAR “Slidin’ Home” One of the great singers of contemporary Bluegrass and acoustic , John on NEW DVDS! Starling is back with a superb that finds him in The big news this month is the release of two DVDs that a perfect setting for his soulful voice. Starling, a feature the legendary, long awaited Martha White Grand founding member of one of the all-time great acous- Ole Opry shows featuring & , and tic bands, , was away from ac- originally filmed over 45 years ago. See our brief reviews tively performing for many years while he pursued of the first two volumes on page 2 (about 8 more volumes his career as a surgeon in the medical field. It’s great are projected). We will have these on sale this month for to have him back, especially in a band that is very just $ 18.00 each—they are GREAT. And to celebrate this reminiscent of the Seldom Scene—as well it should good news we are running a special sale on various Flatt & be, condsidering that two members— Scruggs CDs this month only (also on page 2). and —were also important & founding members of that group. Unlike the Scene, it’s a group NEW BEAR FAMILY BOXED SETS: without a , but additional members () and () add We have just received our initial supply of two important beautifully to a tasteful and wonderfully musical treat- new Bear Family Boxed sets by (My ment of some fine Last Days On Earth) and (On Susan’s material. Every floor). Both of these are fascinating 4-CD sets that come is powerful in its own with impressive hardback books. See page 8 for the or- way, starting with dering numbers and prices of these fine German imports! Starling’s take on the old Jimmie Rodgers IMPORT PRICE CHANGES: Effective immediately favorite, WAITIN’ we are reducing our price on the following Import labels to FOR A TRAIN. John $ 17.00 per disc: BEAR F AMILY (Single CDs), is joined by longtime BRONCO, and CATTLE (These German Import labels friend of the Scene, were previously $ 18.00 per CD). We will be making , in a equivalent reductions on most of the Bear Family boxed poignant treatment of sets as well. Gram Parsons’ IN MY HOUR OF STANLEY BROTHERS BOX SET DARKNESS, and his achingly beautiful vocal on the There is a new 3-CD Boxed set of the STANLEY BROTH- classic Leon Payne song THEY’LL NEVER TAKE ERS (put out by Time-Life) that should be available in early HER LOVE FROM ME is to me worth getting the April. Customers ordering by phone after March 30 can record for. Another great song is ’s ask for details, or watch for it on our Web Site, RIVERBOAT SONG, and THOSE TWO BLUE www.countysales.com Speaking of , EYES, WILLIN’, COLD HARD BUSINESS and their fine 4-CD Boxed set on KING is available once again Sarah Pirkle’s PRAYER FOR MY FRIENDS are after being out of print for over a year. You can order KING- all impressive. A gem of an album! $ 13.50 7000 ($ 45.00) Purchase Amount $4.00-29.99 $30.00-59.99 $60.00-139.99 $140.00-199.99 Over $200.00 U. S. Regular Mail 3.50 4.00 6.00 6.50 7.50 U. S. Priory Mail 4.50 5.00 6.00 7.00 8.00 International Surface 6.00 7.50 9.00 11.50 Actual International Air 9.00 12.00 15.00 25.00 Actual **For COD shipments, please add $6.00 in addition to regular shipping charges. DOMESTIC ORDER ONLY. For special expedited rates (FED EX, UPS, NEXT DAY, etc) please call or fax us for cost & authorization. DOMESTIC ORDERS ONLY. **CANADIAN ORDERS: MINIMUM SHIPPING CHARGE is $6.00 for 1-7 CDs and $8.00 for 8 or more CDs.

SEND ALL ORDERS TO: COUNTY SALES P.O. BOX 191 FLOYD, VA 24091 540-745-2001 * Minimum credit card order is $25.00 * (Fax) 540-745-2008 2 FLATT & SCRUGGS ON DVD SHAN-611-DVD BEST OF THE FLATT & SHAN-612-DVD BEST OF THE FLATT & SCRUGGS TV SHOW—Volume 1 Although Lester SCRUGGS TV SHOW—Vol. 2 This second generous Flatt & Earl Scruggs recorded their classic sounds more helping of vintage Flatt & Scruggs on film consists of shows than 50 years ago, they remain a very strong fan favorite to from July and August of 1961—the latter a great show that this day, and deservedly so. For the past 20 years or so includes guest Mother Maybelle Carter picking & sing- there have been rumors of the exist- ing WILDWOOD FLOWER, and then playing ence of some of their legendary LIBERTY DANCE on her autoharp. In addi- Martha White TV shows from the late tion to newer , the group does a super job 1950s and early 1960s, but many of with the old timers DOWN THE ROAD and us who knew of their survival had de- WE’LL MEET AGAIN SWEETHEART. spaired of ever being able to get to see Thanks to Flatt’s masterful MC work, the shows any of this material. Now, at long last, have a relaxed & friendly feel that is even ap- and thanks to a collaboration between pealing when they make the occasional mistake: Shanachie Records and the Country Lester announces “FAREWELL ” but Music Hall of Fame, the rumors have Earl goes on to play “FIREBALL MAIL”, and become reality, and this first volume in another instance Scruggs botches a break on (of a projected 10-volumes) will bring EARL’S BREAKDOWN and takes a good na- joy to the hearts of thousands, we are tured ribbing from Lester at the end of the tune. sure! This first disc includes two full The disc is replete with hitherto unexpected sur- 30-minute TV shows, one from Au- prises like the quartet singing ARE YOU gust 1961 and the other from Febru- WASHED IN THE BLOOD with Scruggs pick- ary 1962, just as they were originally ing guitar, HAVE broadcast, complete with commercials YOU COME (most announced by T. Tommy Cutrer). Each show fea- TO SAY GOODBYE, and tures around 10 songs & tunes, which typically consisted of Lester’s masterful recitation both the group’s current “hits” (A HUNDRED YEARS on I DREAMED ABOUT FROM NOW), some songs from their earlier repertoire MAMA LAST NIGHT. (JIMMIE BROWN THE NEWSBOY), a bit of comedy Watching these thoroughly and some instrumentals (featuring some combination of Earl professional and entertain- Scruggs’ banjo, Paul Warren’s fiddling, and playing ing shows, viewers can re- by “Uncle Josh” Graves). On one of the two shows here ally appreciate Curly Hylo Brown is a guest (singing JOHN HENRY and Seckler’s superb tenor sing- LOVESICK & SORROW). Apart from the wonderful ing, Scruggs’ amazingly solid fiddle & banjo tunes that marked every show, there are other & tasteful banjo picking, and great moments that were never preserved on record: the Flatt’s smooth, consum- Quartet doing a lovely a cappella mate MC work (as well as rendition of PRECIOUS MEMORIES, and a neat up- his wonderful vocals). The tempo version of PIG IN A PEN featuring the unusual trio of group worked beautifully Curly Seckler, Uncle Josh and Paul Warren, with Scruggs around two mikes—one for the instrumental breaks and the picking some dynamite banjo! The shows are all in black & other for the vocals— whether it be a solo, a duet, a trio or white and a bit grainy, but this will matter little to the legions quartet, the band’s blend and choreography were impec- of Flatt & Scruggs fans who should be ecstatic to view these cable. There’s plenty going on here—fans of ’ shows at last. This disc also includes BEFORE I MET YOU, dobro and Paul Warren’s fiddling will certainly enjoy seeing GEORGIA BUCK, DURHAM’S BULL, JESUS SAV- their work as well. (See description of SHAN-611-DVD IOUR PILOT ME, etc. DVD: $ 18.00 for more commentary on this great series. DVD: $ 18.00

Other Flatt & Scruggs CDs Available

FOGGY MT. BANJO STRICTLY FOGGY MT THE ESSENTIAL THE COMPLETE (On Sale: $ 8.00) INSTRUMENTAL SPECIAL $22.50 MERCURY (On Sale: $ 8.00) (On Sale: $ 8.00) RECORDINGS' $15.00 3 OLD WEST-004 SKIP GORMAN “Mandolin In The Cow Camp” Mr Gorman has had several previous HAPIDOG-2006 HARD RYDE “Expressed” out (some on Rounder and 3 on his own label) featuring Excellent hard-driving Bluegrass by this Canadian either his mandolin picking or his array of cowboy songs, or band that has put it all together. The 15 cuts feature a good variety of material, including Bluegrass stan- both. While we have enjoyed all his previous efforts, we are dards like EAST , GIRL AT THE not sure what to make of this new 2-CD set that presents CROSSROADS 140 minutes of mandolin music (62 tunes altogether!). The BAR and SOME- set is very attractively packaged, and there are plenty of HOW TONIGHT; very nicely played, interesting tunes. The accompaniments others familiar to our are mostly simple and tasteful, with guitar on about 2 dozen audience are YOU of the tracks, plus some old-time banjo (Tom Carter) and a DON’T HAVE TO touch of octave mandolin and mandocello or 2nd mandolin. BE A BABY TO The tunes are about equally divided between Appalachian, CRY, I MIGHT “old western” and “old country” (Celtic, Norwegian, etc). TAKE YOU BACK There are no vocals at all. Obviously Mr. Gorman was try- AGAIN, ONE ing to achieve the sparse, simple sounds of early days in the TEAR and Graham west and we cannot say that he has not done that. But with Parsons well known many of the tunes played solo, and no bass fiddle at all, this HICKORY WIND. collection is not likely to find a big market, even among those Good singing by who love mandolin. On the other hand, there are some great Doug DeBoer and some fine fiddle work by Wayne tunes & performances here (the album is growing on me!) Ferguson help to make this a dynamic, hard-edged and those who have the patience to pick & choose may love collection of traditional 5-piece Bluegrass that we it. Hats off to Skip for attempting such a venture! Tunes can recommend. $ 13.50 include CRUEL WILLY, OLD SLEDGE, HARD TIMES, LORENA, BRANDYWINE, SALT RIVER, etc. 2-CD set: $ 22.50 CATTLE-327 THE MASTERS FAMILY “Back In The Good Old Days” The Masters Family was one of ROUNDER-0548 “Double those country groups that had a few years of regional popu- Bluegrass Banjo Spectacular” This new CD larity (in the early 1950s), then faded from the scene when has got to be Trischka’s best yet—it is a very impres- the Rock & Roll and craze started to change the sive record that reflects a lot of thought, care and landscape. Recording for both the Mercury hard work. The project finds Trischka in a double and Columbia labels, the group primarily featured gospel banjo setting with some of his favorite musicians, such songs, with Johnnie & Lucille Masters doing the singing as Earl Scruggs, Kenny Ingram, Tom Adams, Alison (sometimes joined by a son, Owen). The Florida based Brown, Bill Emerson band did much to popularize such songs as MAN OF and even Steve Mar- GALILEE, CRY FROM THE CROSS, I WON’T HAVE tin (!) (whose tune TO CROSS JORDAN ALONE, GLORYLAND THE CROW is ac- MARCH and JUST A SINNER SAVED BY GRACE. tually one of the nic- Two of the most effective songs they recorded were FROM est cuts on a power- FORTY TO SIXTY-FIVE and WHEN THE WAGON packed album). Earl WAS NEW—these are great cuts and it’s good to see them & Tony share licks available. The group used a straight country backing (Grady on a very nice Martin and Don Helms appeared on some sessions), but a FAREWELL prominent mandolin gave their sound more of a down-home BLUES in a cut that flavor. There are 24 songs on this German import, and the also features Stuart only negative is the somewhat muffled sound quality. Duncan (fiddle), IMPORT: $ 17.00 (dobro), (mandolin) and David Grier LPR-0724 JORDAN LAYNE BOURLAND “Back (guitar). Some of the other top sidemen featured on Porch Hymns” No notes, no credits, and a non-descript the 14 tunes include , , home made cover make this item one that would attract , , , Rickie Simpkins little attention in a store. But Mr Bourland—a South Caro- and David McLaughlin. Tunes include ESCHER’S linian—plays all the instruments on this collection of 12 well- WALTZ, BON AQUA BLUES, OLD CANE POLE, known gospel songs, and the results are very pleasant & RUN MOUNTAIN, FOX ON THE RUN, DOGGY listenable. It’s all instrumental and there are nice renditions SALT, etc. (For a more extensive review of this of AT THE CROSS, IN THE GARDEN, POWER IN THE CD see our WEB SITE). $ 13.50 BLOOD, IN THE SWEET BY & BY, AMAZING GRACE etc. $ 13.50 4 CRAWFORD-2006 ROY CRAWFORD “Front Porch RHY-1028 CARRIE HASSLER & HARD RAIN Fiddlin’ in .” Charlie Cushman (banjo & guitar) Ms. Hassler has a well produced album here, produced by and Terry Smith (bass) assist Mr Crawford on a very nicely fiddler Jimmy Van Cleve. The singer’s voice seems more done program of 16 fiddle tunes that includes 4 waltzes as likely to be associated with country music, but she seems well as pieces like RED APPLE RAG, SOURWOOD quite at home here, especially on the faster, hard-driving MOUNTAIN, ST ANNE’S , SWEET GEORGIA songs (which most of the songs are). Some of the cuts bor- BROWN, DURANG’S HORNPIPE, MOCKING BIRD, der on being over-produced (such as the hectic instrumen- NELSON’S HORNPIPE and his own very effective ROY’S tal SENSABAUGH TUNNEL), but in general it’s a good HORNPIPE. Crawford, who is probably in his 70s now, sound, with much of the nice backup work provided by a evidently played a bit professionally in the early 1950s with group that includes guests on mandolin, Clay Alabama groups like Rebe & Rabe. He is still a very good, Jones on guitar and Van Cleve on fiddle. Apart from a good solid fiddler and this is quite an enjoyable CD. $ 13.50 version of Carter Stanley’s OUR LAST GOODBYE, all the other songs are new to the genre, including several origi- nals by band member Josh Miller. SEVEN MILES FROM WICHITA, LOVE IS OUR BUSINESS, GOING ON THE BCD-16699 CARL BUTLER & THE NEXT TRAIN, HARD RAIN, etc. $ 13.50 WEBSTER BROTHERS Carl Butler was one of the better country singers of the 1950s, and actu- ally recorded some very good Bluegrass too (for REBEL-1821 KENNY & AMANDA SMITH Capitol Records). While this disc will be of more “Tell Someone” For any who appreciate good Blue- interest to lovers of pure country music, it will also grass (or great gospel music of any kind), appeal to many of this is one of the loveliest albums that you’ll find any- our readers for the where. Kenny & Amanda Smith have put out three inclusion of one previous records, all secular material, and they are classic 6-song ses- building up a big and loyal following throughout the sion with Earl & eastern and southern USA. A gospel album is some- Audie Webster, a thing they have superb 1954 date wanted to do for that produced years, and this one wonderful versions was worth waiting of ANGEL for. What makes it BAND, LOOK- so special? Start ING THROUGH with the absolutely THE WINDOWS OF HEAVEN, WE SHALL beautiful singing of RISE, WALKING IN GOD’S SUNSHINE and a Amanda Smith, cut of SEVEN YEAR BLUES that rivals the Louvin complement with Brothers’ original for sheer power & beauty. The Kenny’s very nice Websters are actually on 14 of the 30 tracks here harmonies (as well as leads on a few (there are also good recordings of I’LL GO STEP- songs), obtain a wonderful program of well-chosen PING TOO, TIL THE END OF THE WORLD songs, add stellar & tasteful picking, and make use ROLLS ROUND, etc), and the disc includes a nice of a superb recording studio: it’s a recipe that is of- 30-page booklet of discography and excellent notes ten attempted but seldom achieved this successfully. by Ronnie Pugh. (For a more extensive review The songs are a fascinating mixture of new compo- see our WEB SITE) $ 17.00 sitions and songs from the Southern gospel quartet tradition (such as Squire Parsons’ A GREAT BIG HAND, STEPPING ON THE CLOUDS, and CMC-001 CHARLIE CUSHMAN “Five String Time” Luther Pressley’s SHOUTIN’ TIME (with guest Now based in Nashville, Cushman has been picking first sharing a great solo & duet with class traditional Scruggs style 5-string banjo for many years Amanda). Kenny is featured on the poignant & lovely now. This new CD is a well done collection of some of the ANGELS CALLING AT MY DOOR & provides classic Bluegrass banjo tunes, played impeccably by much superb guitar work throughout the disc. Wade Cushman with excellent backing by Johnny Warren (fiddle), Mainer’s I CAN’T SIT DOWN may be the only rec- Charlie Collins (guitar), Bobby Clark (mandolin) and Terry ognizable title for many, but every track here is a Smith (bass). Highlights include 3 fiddle & banjo duets gem. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. $ 13.50 (SALLY GOODWIN, 8TH OF JANUARY and DANCE ALL NIGHT. Also DEAR OLD DIXIE, BANJO WHIZ, COUNTY SALES BUSINESS HOURS This is a reminder that our PIKE COUNTY BREAKDOWN, FOGGY MT. BREAK- shop here in Floyd, Virginia, is closed on Saturdays. Customers DOWN, FLINT HILL SPECIAL etc. $ 13.50 are of course welcome to visit our store in regular business hours of 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM Monday through Friday. 5 ROUNDER-0576 NEW FOUND ROAD “Life In A Song” This band is one of a few that started out as strictly GT-0957 WADE MAINER I’m Not Looking a gospel group, then entered the full Bluegrass circuit. It’s a very proficient and tight group that has a good album here, Backward” This wonderful 2-CD set would prob- nicely produced by , who also plays dobro on a ably not exist without the direction & collaboration couple of cuts—Sonya Isaacs and fiddler Jimmy Van Cleve of researcher Gary Reid, who has also been involved also lend helping touches to a solid disc. Overall, their sound with most of the few collector-oriented sets that the is not that different from a number of good young bands who IMG company has re-issued (under its King and are following in the footsteps of the Starday labels)—it is not an item that will sell like hot and/or . If there is a distinguishing feature cakes, despite the fine music and a really bargain here, it’s the excellent, very clean, sprightly mandolin work of Rob Baker. Guitarist and lead vocalist Tim Shelton and price. Sadly, the Mainers (Wade and J.E.) have not bass player Randy Barnes are other names that are recog- really received the attention or praise that they de- nizable for their work with other groups in the past. As might serve, despite long careers and many really fine re- be expected, the group really shines on the one gospel cut, cordings. Wade Mainer’s very first record— Roscoe Reed’s WHEN I GET HOME, sung A cappella here. MAPLE ON THE HILL, for the Bluebird label— A nice mix of old and new songs includes DOUGLAS was one of the biggest hits of any country artist up GRAVES, HANDSOME MOLLY, PICTURE OF YOUR until WORLD WAR II broke out. He went on to MOTHER, BEFORE THE NEXT TEARDROP FALLS, etc. record dozens of songs for the Bluebird label before $ 13.50 joining the new King label at the end of the war. DTD-04 HOW LOW CAN YOU GO? “Anthology Of These recordings have never gained much attention, the String Bass 1925-1941” If you like old-style hot , but they compare very favorably to the Bluebird you’ll love this impressive 3-CD set of over 75 tunes that records and there is some lovely music here, with feature prominent examples of bass fiddle playing. Though it the four sessions (1947, two in 1951, and 1961) ac- is primarily a jazz package, there are some country groups included, and that’s why it is included here. Starting in to counting for 37 cuts (5 of them previously unissued). play this collection, it isn’t long before one feels the hand of Some of the prettiest, most poignant “mother” songs Dick Spottswood at work—he was involved in this label’s that you’ll ever hear came out of the first two ses- unique “GOODBYE BABYLON” box set a few years ago, sions: MOTHER’S PRAYERS HAVE FOL- and this new package shares the same production values and LOWED ME, AWAITING THE RETURN OF MY shows Spottswood’s excellent taste (and knowledge) in se- lecting the tunes, many of which were taken from very rare BOY, NOW I LAY ME DOWN TO SLEEP and and obscure 78rpm records of the late 1920s and 30s. Don’t DON’T WRITE TO MOTHER TOO LATE. In expect bass solos here, just solid, swinging jazz and blues the second of the moved along by energetic and skilled bass players like Bill two 1951 sessions, Johnson (who appears on many of the cuts here with bands Mainer is joined by like the Dixie Four and the State Street Ramblers). There a good local Blue- are a few pieces by country groups like , Milton Brown, Crystal Springs Ramblers, early Roy Acuff, Jimmy grass band (he was Rodgers and Taylor-Griggs Melody Makers, and based at WPAQ in they fit well, but most of the set features jazz & blues leg- Mt Airy, N.C. at the ends like Sam Morgan’s Jazz Band, Junie Cobb, Chippie Hill, time) that included Jelly Roll Morton, Reverend D.C. Rice and the Cotton Top Troy Brammer on Mountain Sanctified Singers. A superb 96-page booklet of notes & photos comes with this box: a fascinating work! (3- banjo, Marion Hall CD Box): $ 48.00 on guitar and Lloyd Burge on mandolin: TRR-047 WAYNE HENDERSON “Made & Played” that session pro- Most Bluegrass guitarists will at least have heard of Wayne duced nice versions of LITTLE BIRDIE, THE GIRL Henderson, who is a semi-legendary guitar builder from the I LEFT IN SUNNY , and THAT back mountain country of southwestern Virginia. A student STAR BELONGS TO ME, all featuring an interest- of the late E.C. Ball, he learned how to get an unusually fine ing sound that was somewhere between Old-Time tone out of a good guitar, and the relatively few instruments and Bluegrass. The last session (1961) produced he can build are treasured by their owners, who include rock artist Eric Clapton (there is actually a book out by Allen St more fine tracks including a couple of strong Julia John, titled “Clapton’s Guitar—Watching Wayne Henderson Mainer vocals, but by this time there was little com- build the perfect instrument”). Wayne not only builds and mercial interest in the group and a couple of 45rpm repairs —he can play the fire out of them too. He is singles that came out have become little known, rare especially adept on old fiddle tunes, and that’s what fills most collectors items today. Sound quality is excellent of this 21-track disc. At times he gets a bit carried away, and the 2 discs are accompanied by a nice 16-page with some random, superfluous noting, but for the most part booklet with discography and nice notes by Dick it’s fine, thrilling guitar picking by a great musician. Tunes Spottswood. A WONDERFUL 2-CD set, and the include SALLY ANNE, LITTLE MOSES, SALTY, JOHN price is just $ 15.00 HARDY, WHEELS, BLACK MT. RAG, TEMPERENCE REEL, etc. $ 13.50 6 EW-112 ROB ICKES, ANDY LEFTWICH & DAVE VFH-108 BUDDY PENDLETON “Delivers!” Read- POMEROY “Three Ring Circle” Three of Nashville’s ers will have to go way back to recall a time in the mid- top Bluegrass musicians take a little excursion into the world 1960s when this fine fiddler from Stuart, Va. recorded an of jazz on this all-instrumental 10-tune CD. For those who early County LP with Larry Richardson & Red Barker— like their music on the experimental or progressive side, there one of the hot regional Bluegrass bands at the time. At the is plenty of top flight acoustic picking here. HAYWIRE, SAR- same time he was featured on a few tunes on Virginia Break- GASSO, OLD AGE, OSCAR’S DREAM, GRANOLA MAN, down, a fiddle anthology that presented some of the top etc.$ 15.00 fiddlers in the Galax, Virginia area. Though he has played with many Bluegrass bands over the years—including a stint with Bill Monroe—he has done little recording since the CK-93858 BOB WILLS & HIS TEXAS PLAY- 1960s. Now 72 years old, Buddy still has command of his BOYS “Legends of Country Music” Although instrument and gets all sorts of life and interesting turns out much of Wills’ later work has been documented on of the classic old tunes like RED HAIRED BOY, several CDs, most of the best recordings of this leg- RUTLAND’S REEL, FLORIDA BLUES, KATIE HILL, endary bandleader have remained in SAY OLD MAN, etc. There’s fine & solid accompani- SONY’s vaults for many years, apart from a couple ment here that unfortunately is not credited (except that it is of lesser known but excellent Rounder anthologies put obviously on 5-string banjo). A good and together by Dick Spottswood. This powerful 4-CD welcome album. $ 13.50 boxed set changes all that, and any- one who wants to have a generous helping of some of the very best RR-125 DAVE BING & DAVID O’DELL Western Swing music ever waxed “Having Fun With Our Favorites” This is a will find a special spot for this new modest but wonderful album here, featuring two 105 track collection. With photos, West Virginia musicians who have been playing old- discographical data from the late time music for over 20 years. They have not re- Bob Pinson and fine notes by Rick corded together be- Kienzle it is a most attractive pack- fore, but you would age. What makes it extra special is not know it from the the choice of songs & tunes—it’s music on this record. not clear whether Kienzle, producer Bing plays fiddle Gregg Geller or someone else has picked the cuts used, and O’Dell the but hats off to whomever made the selections: the banjo on this collec- first CD alone is worth the price of the whole box, tion of 17 great old with one great tune after another—25 in all. These tunes that are played include classics like OSAGE STOMP, I AIN’T GOT with skill and spirit NOBODY, WHITE HEAT, CRIPPLED TURKEY, and at perfect tem- TROUBLE IN MIND, RAG, pos. Fine versions SHE’S KILLIN’ ME, BASIN STREET BLUES, of RED BIRD, SPANISH TWO-STEP and MAIDEN’S SUGAR IN THE GOURD, YEW PINEY MOUN- PRAYER—but there isn’t a weak cut on this disc. TAIN, SOLDIER’S JOY and other tunes that are Discs 2 and 3 are just about as good—with another less frequently heard like WARFIELD, NORTH 50+ cuts all recorded before 1946. The last disc in- CAROLINA BREAKDOWN, HOGSKIN and cludes post-war material from MGM, KAPP and GUNBOAT. A really nice, well recorded disc, well UNITED ARTIST labels and will still interest hard- recommended. $ 13.50 core Wills fans, even if it doesn’t have the fresh ex- citement of the classic 1930s pieces. This lovely set gets our HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION. 4-CD BOX: $ 35.00 SBR-121406 STEVE KAUFMAN “Mystique” This is about the 9th recording that Kaufman has come out with, and the ace flat picking guitarist from east Tennessee contin- SSR-1971 THE BLUEGRASS EXPERIENCE “Re- ues to find plenty of good material to record. He uses a few spect For Trad-ition” A good, solid different backing combinations to good advantage, includ- album by this band led by singer Tommy ing Bobby Hicks, Casey Henry, Emory Lester and bass Edwards—the group has been playing since 1971! The player Rusty Holloway. Lots of good tunes here include group includes Stan Brown on banjo, Micke Aldridge on NEW FIVE CENTS, FESTIVAL WALTZ, CHEROKEE mandolin, Snuffy Smith on bass and Keith Thomas (fiddle). SHUFFLE, BLACK MT. RAG, TOM & JERRY, DEN- Nice job on DEEP RIVER, LONESOME WITHOUT YOU, VER BELLE, TEMPTATION RAG, FORKED DEER, & several originals. $ 13.50 EARL’S BREAKDOWN, etc. $ 13.50 7 PRC-1154 THE CIRCUIT RIDERS “Let The Ride MTJ-11806 MIKE TATAR, JR. We had not heard of Begin” Here is a new group made up of veteran Bluegrass this fiddler before, but he has produced a very nice album musicians whose names will be familiar to most fans: Greg with the help of some top Bluegrass musicians. From the Corbett—long time banjo picker for Charlie Waller & The cover scenery and the list of accompanists it appears he is Country Gentlemen—is a member, as are Greg Luck, Darin from the west coast. He has picked out a nice program with Aldridge, Billy Gee and Jaret Carter. They play a solid, a good mixture of tunes (and songs—he provides the lead high-energy contemporary style that derives a bit from the “ vocals for GOING ACROSS THE SEA, I ONLY EXIST, Lonesome River Band sound”. A few of the 13 songs here DRUNKARD’S LONE CHILD, I WISH THAT I COULD are band originals, and the rest are drawn from sources as FORGET YOU, & GREYCOAT SOLDIERS). Fine back different as Earl Scruggs (FOGGY MOUNTAIN SPE- CIAL), Roy McMillan (COLD WIND), and NEIL up work is provided by Sam Shelor, Craig Smith & Bill YOUNG (POWDERFINGER). $ 13.50 Evans (), Bill Bryson (bass), Eric Uglum (guitar) and Mike Compton & John Reischmann (mandolin)—especially neat are the fiddle & banjo cuts of DO NOT DISTURB, BOOK: THE by Colin GRAY EAGLE and WET PAINT A solid & interesting Escott (Center Street, 2006) 252 pp, hardbound. fiddle album. $ 13.50 This is a fine book that will make good reading for anyone who has ever attended an Opry show or been intrigued with the history of this unique Ameri- ROU-0579 & TONY RICE can institution that continues to entertain folks in per- “ Quartet” Rowan & Rice make a nice combina- son and over the radio more than 80 years after its tion on this well pro- beginning. Escott is an excellent writer who is known duced 11-song album for several good books and many articles on coun- of contemporary try music; here he acts more like an editor, and uti- . lizes an interesting and very effective format in which Don’t expect Blue- grass, though some most of the narrative is of the well chosen a series of quotes from songs come close: various sources: the WALLS OF TIME, Opry files, Escott’s own SHADY GROVE, interviews, and a wide COLD RAIN & variety of books, news- SNOW and espe- papers & magazine ar- cially SUNNY ticles early and recent. SIDE OF THE The author has done a MOUNTAIN. Rowan and Rice are joined by Bryn masterful job in arrang- Davies (Bass & harmony vocals) and ing these quotes and an- (mandolin & harmony vocals) in a band sound that ecdotes, so in the space totally does without any fiddle, banjo or dobro. Fea- of a page or two you are tured of course, besides Rowan’s singing, is the ever- hearing the thoughts & amazing lead guitar work of Rice, whose work is al- comments of a Roy Acuff, a Bill Monroe, an Alton ways quietly & tastefully spectacular. Rowan re- Delmore and a Minnie Pearl mixed in with the Grant prises his own MOONLIGHT MIDNIGHT, DUST Turners, Harry and David Stones & Judge Hay, etc. BOWL CHILDREN and LET THE HARVEST GO A big percentage of the copy seems to be new to TO SEED in versions that compare favorably with print, so the reader is not just plowing through a lot the original recordings. A fine album $ 13.50 of re-hashed material. The book is highly deco- rated with dozens of photos (many previously un- SRM-2006 THE BROTHERHOOD—Volume 3 published) and colorful mementos of the times, like Those who like the dobro—Josh Graves style—should find song book covers, ticket stubs, and fascinating pro- plenty here to make this 20-track album a worthwhile in- grams from the past. If there’s a weakness to the vestment. It’s a little hard to follow who all the pickers are, book it’s in the coverage of the Opry’s early years— but the primary dobroists here are Eldon Davis, Mike but that period is well covered in the late Charles Auldridge, Butch Hodgkins and Johnny Bellar, but there are Wolfe’s wonderful book “A GOOD-NATURED also cameos by Tim Graves, Beverly King, Ferrell Stowe, RIOT” (Still available @ 27.50). About 85% of the book is devoted to the 1940s, 1950s and right up Josh himself on 1 track (WHOA MULE) and Frank to the present and we can just about guarantee that Poindexter (who is joined by Tony, Wyatt, and even the most well-read fans and historians will find on a very nice rendition of THE OLD SPINNING facts and stories that they were not aware of. A WHEEL). A nice compilation (almost totally instrumental) superb and attractive book—highly recommended. with tunes like GEORGIA ON MY MIND, SWEET BY & $ 24.00 BY, FOGGY MT. ROCK, GREAT SPECKLED BIRD, BEULAH LAND, etc $ 13.50 COUNTY SALES Pre Sorted First Class PO BOX 191 U.S.POSTAGE FLOYD,VA. 24091 PAID Roanoke, VA Permit #495

Hats & T-Shirts! HATS $10.00 Hat Colors- Black, Tan & Navy Bluel SHIRTS $12.00 Shirt Colors Navy Blue, White, dk. Green Sizes M, L, XL & XXL

ADDITIONAL NEW RELEASES NOW IN STOCK Unless otherwise noted, all CDs are $ 13.50 REB-1598 J.D. CROWE & KY. MOUNTAIN BOYS “Bluegrass Holiday” His first LP, with Red Allen! ROU-0554 DONNA HUGHES “Gaining Wisdom” with Tony Rice, , Rhonda V. ROU-0577 “Waterloo, Tenn.” Contemp. Old-time with , K.C. Groves REB-7516 SELDOM SCENE “” Great “Best Of” collection of early work ($ 10.00) REB-7517 “Mountain Preacher’s Child” Wonderful 1980s gospel w. C. Sizemore ($ 10.00) SUG-4021 INFAMOUS STRINGDUSTERS New young superpicker group from Nashville SUG-4026 JERRY DOUGLAS “Best Of The Sugar Hill Years” SUG-1085 MARTHA SCANLAN “The West Was Burning” Former singer with Reeltime Travelers CCCD-0243 CURLY SECKLER “Bluegrass, Don’t You Know” fine new 14-song collection (limited) BCD-16637 BILL MONROE “My Last Days On Earth” 4-CD set of his later MCA recordings 1981-94 ($ 95.00) BCD-16736 MAC WISEMAN “On Susan’s Floor” 4-CD set of Dot, MGM, Wise, RCA cuts etc ($ 95.00) COU-2742 TEXAS HOEDOWN REVISITED Benny Thomasson, Vernon Solomon etc, 24 Texas fiddle tunes DTD-06 I BELONG TO THIS BAND “85 Years of Sacred Harp Singing” ($ 15.00) OH-90119 CHARLIE MOORE “Cotton Farmer” Re-issue of old LP, solid Bluegrass DUAL-1256 NORMAN BLAKE & “” with Nancy Blake ($ 15.00) RHY-1030 “Old Photograph” Great dobro player VFH-107 LINDA LAY & SAMMY SHELOR “Taking The Crooked Road Home” SFW-40193 CLASSIC (From Folkways vaults) ($ 15.00) OFR-004 HUNGER MOUNTAIN BOYS “Three” Funky 3-member old time group with mandolin RBR-001 THE SKYLIGHTERS Mike Auldridge & Jimmy Gaudreau group BCK-841 ERIC UGLUM-CHRISTIAN WARD-AUSTIN WARD “Old Road To Jerusalem” STEEL-0127 PINE MOUNTAIN RAILROAD “Alone With Forever” Knoxville Bluegrass band KINCAID-2006 JACKIE KINCAID “Each Step He Took” 11 Bluegrass gospel songs by sideman OLD ’97-010 THE HUSH PUPPIES “Homestead On The Farm” old-time 5SP-06003 ALICE, GAIL & SHARON “The Road To Agate Hill” Alice Gerrard, etc. Old Time Music MS-0028 THE ABRAMS BROTHERS “Iron Sharpens Iron” Young Bluegrass band with Randy Kohrs GREENE-0600 BEN GREENE “On Watson’s Cove” 5-String banjo picker with , Josh Goforth BACM-174 PATSY MONTANA “Going West To Texas” 26 cuts from 1935-1945 ($ 15.00) BACM-176 CARTER SISTERS & MOTHER MAYBELLE Complete 1949-1952 RCA and Columbia cuts ($ 15.00) BACM-178 HOYT SLIM BRYANT & HIS WILDCATS 31 tracks from radio transcriptions ($ 15.00) BACM-181 “I’ll Be All Smiles Tonight” 25 fine RCA and Decca cuts, early 50s ($ 15.00) BACM-183 JOHNNIE & JACK with Tenn. Mountain Boys 1951-56 RCA Victors (28 cuts) ( $ 15.00) BACM-184 JIMMIE SKINNER “Too Hot To Handle” Early 50s Capitol, Decca & Radio Artist ($ 15.00) BACM-179 FRED KIRBY “That Old Utah Trail” 1930s Carolina singer, 25 songs w. Don White, etc ($ 15.00) BACM-180 JIMME DAVIS “Where The Old Red River Flows” Mostly Decca cuts from 1934-1942 ($ 15.00)