Gina Furtado Project tributes Monroe, Dickens

Furtado recorded with her Gina Furtado Project and special guest Wayne Benson (mandolin).

The song was first recorded by Monroe in early 1945, not long before what's widely considered the "Big Bang" of bluegrass. His version featured his band's first female member, accordionist and singer Wilene "Sally Ann" Forrester, though it was Monroe himself, along with singer Tex Willis, who delivered the song's lament for the misfortunes of married life for too many women.

Monroe continued to perform the song for many years, even re-recording it in the 1980s, but it gained new life when recorded in the mid-1970s for the final album made by Hall of Fame duo, Hazel Dickens and Alice Gerrard. Their version, which closed out the album, featured a typically powerful tenor vocal from Dickens, as well as banjo from former Blue Grass Boy Lamar Grier and mandolin by another Hall of Famer, Mike Seeger.

Furtado's take, produced by fellow banjoist Kristin Scott Benson, retains the classic instrumental lineup of both, but takes a more modern approach by splitting solos between fiddle and mandolin, then guitar and banjo, and serves up a closely matched sibling duet from Gina and sister Malia.

"It was fun to honor two of my favorites, Bill Monroe and Hazel Dickens, with one song," said Furtado. "As a very happy ex-housewife, this song sure feels relatable. As always, I feel so lucky to have been joined by some incredible pickers: Malia Furtado (fiddle), Lu Furtado (bass), Drew Matulich (guitar), and Wayne Benson (mandolin)."

Furtado, known for her work as the banjo player for Chris Jones & The Night Drivers, has a long history with her banjo. Born and raised in Front Royal, Va., Furtado began touring up and down the east coast in her tween years with her siblings. She later played in a number of regional acts before making her international touring debut with Chris Jones and the Night Drivers soon after joining the group in 2016.