This tribute album consists of previously released tracks by such modern bluegrass greats as
Doyle Lawson,
Tony Rice,
the Seldom Scene, and
Ricky Skaggs; all of the songs were either written by or closely associated with one of the foundational artists of early bluegrass:
Bill Monroe,
the Stanley Brothers, or
Flatt & Scruggs. Fiddler
Byron Berline opens the program with Monroe's "Rose of Old Kentucky," on which Berline's playing is perfect as always. Unfortunately, singer
Vince Gill doesn't have anywhere near enough voice to cover
Big Mon, but just about everything else on this album is superb.
Ricky Skaggs and
Tony Rice perform "Memories of Mother and Dad" in the venerable "brother duet" style; the Laurel Canyon Ramblers do
Flatt & Scruggs proud with their powerful rendition of "Preachin', Prayin', Singin'."
Marty Stuart -- something of a bluegrass prodigal -- delivers a stark and powerful performance of
Lester Flatt's "Get in Line, Brother" with the help of
Johnny Cash and
Alan O'Bryant. Though these performances could never take the place of the originals, this is a fine and heartfelt tribute to bluegrass music's pioneers.
–
Rick Anderson, Rovi