Best Of Bluegrass includes some of the finest performers in the genre. Jimmy Martin was known as the King of Bluegrass. Martin's vocals were ideal for Bluegrass music, while his entertaining stage presence was unsurpassed. Jimmy is at his best on 'Bluegrass Singing Man.' Jim Eanes' rich vocals are heard on the many popular songs he recorded for Starday Records in the late 1950s and early 60s. Eanes delivers a powerful message when he sings 'Road Walked By Fools.' Jesse McReynolds and his brother, Jim, were known for great Bluegrass harmonies. On 'Dixie Hoedown, ' Jesse displays his fiddle playing talents through sound engineering wizardry that allows him to play both lead and harmony parts...the result is truly mind-boggling. Larry Sparks and the Lonesome Ramblers' 'Brand New Broken Heart' showcase Spark's legendary soulful vocals. His trademark Bluesy guitar licks are also abundant. The Lonesome Pine Fiddlers were one of the finest Bluegrass groups of all time. The group consisted of two sets of brothers: Melvin & Ray Goins, and Curly Ray & Ezra Cline. Here they sing their classic, 'Why Do You Treat Me Like You Do,' written by Curly Ray Cline. Nashville Fiddles has long been known for their world-class fiddle playing. Here they perform everyone's Bluegrass favorite, 'Cripple Creek. 'Reno & Smiley are always at the top of the list of Bluegrass music's greatest duos. Banjo virtuoso Don Reno wrote their first big hit, 'I'm The Talk Of The Town.' New Grass Revival were pioneers of the progressive Bluegrass music movement in the 1970s. They waded through the initial wave of criticism until some of their most ardent critics became hard core fans. 'Skipping In The Mississippi Dew'' is a fine example of their innovative style. Mac Wiseman was known as 'the voice with a heart.' Wiseman's sweet, mellow vocals never sounded better than on 'Mama Put My Little Shoes Away.' The incomparable Stanley Brothers have to be included on any 'Best Of Bluegrass' collection. The Stanleys display their dazzling instrumental skills on 'Bully Of The Town,' a song that also highlights the guitar playing of their well-known sideman and guitarist, George Shuffler. |