The Stanley Tradition: Tribute To A Bluegrass Legacy (Doobie Shea, 1999)
Various Artists
Reviewed by Jon Weisberger
To pay homage to the highly influential Stanley Brothers (Carter, who died in 1966, and Ralph, who continues to work to this day), Austin assembled a team of top bluegrass pickers and set them to work behind a dozen of the most talented singers in the genre. The result is solid, traditional bluegrass that illuminates a connection between the "mountain music" sound of the Brothers and the modern, bluesy sound of such bands as the Lonesome River Band, Continental Divide and Alison Krauss' Union Station. Outstanding vocals are turned in on Don Rigsby's "Bootleg John," Dan Tyminski's "This Weary Heart You Stole Away" and Charlie Sizemore's mournful "Home In The Mountains," but these are only the brightest of highlights; every cut is packed with talent and feeling.
The Stanley Tradition is a fitting tribute to two of the legends of bluegrass and the sound they created.
©Country Standard Time • Jeffrey B. Remz, editor & publisher • countrystandardtime@gmail.com
About • Copyright • Newsletter • Our sister publication Standard Time