VARIOUS ARTISTS
High Lonesome: The Story Of Bluegrass Music (CMH)
Reviewed by Ron Saranich

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It's a difficult endeavor to trace the history of Bluegrass in one single recording. High Lonesome attempts just such a labor, with music from the 1950s through the 1980s. When all is said and done, theirs is a worthy effort.

Many of the genre's leaders are featured, names such as Bill Monroe, The Osborne Brothers, Mac Wiseman, Ralph Stanley, Kenny Baker, Jimmy Martin, Jim and Jesse McReynolds, The Stanley Brothers, and The Seldom Scene. The eighteen numbers, ranging in length from just over one minute to about three and a half minutes, include such standards as "Rocky Top," "Pretty Polly, " "Voice From On High," and "I Wonder How The Old Folks Are At Home." Classic songs from a classic American art form.

Recently, there have been many fine bluegrass recordings re-released and competing for your hard earned money. Of the lot, two of the very best are Essential Bluegrass Album by the Osborne Brothers and Mac Wiseman and High Lonesome. Both are on the CMH label. Both contain music that transcend genres and labels and should be heard by music lovers. Do your ears a favor. Discover bluegrass.

© 2003 - Ron Saranich