LESTER FLATT AND THE NASHVILLE GRASS
Essential Bluegrass Gospel (CMH Records)
Reviewed by Ron Saranich

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The seventeen songs on this CD were recorded between 1976 and 1981, after Lester Flatt had separated from Earl Scruggs. They feature Flatt on guitar and vocals; Paul Warren on fiddle and harmony vocals; Curly Seckler on mandolin, guitar and harmony vocals; Kenny Ingram on banjo and harmony vocals; Marty Stuart on mandolin, guitar, and vocals; Charles Nixon on dobro; Jarvis Corum on bass; Clarence Tate on fiddle and vocals; Blake Williams on banjo; Betty Jean Robinson on vocals; Johnny Warren on fiddle; Gene Wooten on Dobro; Ray Edenton on guitar; and Jack Hicks on bass. These musicians appear in seven different band combinations during the six year period covered by this CD.

The music on Essential Bluegrass Gospel is solid. While not earth shattering, it is worth delving into. As the Allmusic Guide so succinctly puts it "Although the songs all revolve around the Christian faith, any fan of acoustic American music would be foolish to dismiss this on principle alone." Flatt and his fellow musicians approach the music with a commitment and purity of imagination that produces a thoughtful, unpretentious offering. As a result, Essential Bluegrass Gospel is a heartfelt and sincere tribute to the gospel tradition.

Amen.

© 2004 - Ron Saranich