 |
THE OSBORNE BROTHERS
& MAC WISEMAN
The Essential Bluegrass Album (CMH)
Reviewed by Ron Saranich
Without a doubt, this is one of the finest bluegrass recordings I've heard in many a year. The twenty four songs on this newly remastered cd are compiled from a recording session Bobby and Sunny Osborne had with Mac Wiseman in 1979. There is divine bluegrass throughout, but it isn't the variety of Bill Monroe or other traditionalists. Instead the Osbornes and Wiseman offer a progressive approach, incorporating drums while mixing elements of Western Swing and localized country music to produce a classic, timeless sound.
The musicianship on this album is outstanding. All involved perform flawlessly, playing thoughtful, uncompromising music that results in a labor of love. The Osborne brothers and Mac Wiseman handle the vocals superbly, blending their voices in an angelic choir. Bobby Osborne's high range is one of the purest sounds on any bluegrass recording. In addition, Mac Wiseman plays guitar; Bobby Osborne plays mandolin; Sunny Osborne plays banjo and guitar; Wynn Osborne plays banjo; Blaine Sprouse plays fiddle; Jerry Douglas plays dobro; Buddy Spicher plays fiddle; Josh Graves plays dobro; Benny Birchfield plays guitar and sings background vocals; Ray Edenton plays guitar; Jimmy Brock plays bass; and Robby Osborne plays drums.
From the first note of this cd, the listener knows they are hearing something special. "Midnight Flyer" starts the recording off with excitement, as the Osbornes and Wiseman create an absorbing and imaginative version of the classic song. The vocals soar in an eloquent fashion, creating a reverie that lasts throughout the disc. With every song a gem, it's hard to select favorites but "Keep On The Sunny Side," "I'll Still Write Your Name In The Sand," "Pins And Needles (In My Heart)," and "Don't Let Your Sweet Love Die" all stand out.
Currently, there are many wonderful bluegrass recordings for sale, all competing for our hard earned dollars. This, my friends, is the real thing. Concise, taut, and complex, it's the one recording I'd recommend as a must buy. The purity of inspiration and delivery of the Osborne Brothers and Mac Wiseman created a masterpiece regardless of musical genre, and it belongs in every serious musical collection.
© 2003 - Ron Saranich