Ralph Stanley II plans disc on new label

This One is Two

The name of Ralph Stanley conjures up images of mountain bluegrass. However, this CD is more in the country vein. Ralph Stanley II delivers his vocals in a smoky baritone more reminiscent of modern country than the high lonesome sound on his first album since 2002's "Stanley Blues." Not that Ralph II ignores his roots. With bluegrass standouts like Adam Steffey of the Dan Tyminski band, and Cody Kilby and Darren Vincent, (both played with Ricky Skaggs), there is not a weak sideman here. ...

Like Father, Like Son

Ralph II, or "Two," as he is sometimes referred to, has been playing with his father from a very young age, but 1989's Like Father, Like Son marked the younger Stanley's first studio recording experience. He is only featured on two cuts, singing lead vocals on a cute version of the Jumpin' Gene Simmons hit, "Haunted House," and lead guitar on the traditional number, "Wildwood Flower," but his presence is foreshadowing for the coming decade when he would take over the guitar and vocalist slot in ...

Stanley Blues

No, Ralph Stanley II may never be as innovative or well respected as his legendary father. That still should not diminish the fine bluegrass-country albums he is making on his own. Working in the considerable shadow of his family legacy has always been tough on "Two," but his constant references to it don't help. For starters, there is the title track, "Stanley Blues," co-written with his banjo player, Steve Sparkman. Daddy himself shows up on tenor vocals for two songs, and the songwriting ...