Appalachian Stomp: Bluegrass Classics

Bluegrass music has seen an upsurge in popularity recently. Dolly Parton, Alison Krauss, Steve Earle, the O brother soundtrack and the various O sister compilations have all contributed. However, while some of that music is traditional, much of it is a modernised form of the music. Nothing wrong with that, of course - bluegrass, like every other form of music, must modernise or die, and some of it is pure magic - but this compilation draws on the roots of bluegrass, containing many old classics, especially from the fifties, sixties and seventies.Bill Monroe invented bluegrass and his original version of Uncle Pen opens this set. It was later covered by Ricky Skaggs, himself represented by Little cabin home on the hill, a cover of another Bill Monroe song. Bill puts in another appearance here with his version of Blue moon of Kentucky - a song that was covered by Elvis.Foggy mountain breakdown became famous after its use in the 1968 movie, Bonnie and Clyde. Flatt and Scruggs originally recorded it in 1949 and it is that original version that is on this set.The Ballad of Jed Clampett was used as the theme for a TV series, The Beverly hillbillies. When released as a single, it topped the country charts.Rocky top was written by Felice and Boudleaux Bryant, famous as songwriters for the Everly brothers (who eventually recorded the song for their Pass the chicken and listen album). It was a country hit for both Lynn Anderson and the Osborne brothers. Lynn's version was the more successful, but it is the Osborne version that is included here - rightly, as this is a bluegrass collection.Duelling banjos was a huge American pop hit after its use in the movie Deliverance. Other bluegrass classics here include Orange blossom special and Roll in my sweet baby's arms.This is an excellent collection of bluegrass music, ideal as a sampler of what bluegrass used to be like. If you enjoy modern bluegrass and you're not familiar with the oldies, this is the best way to find out. And just to provide you with something familiar, an early Alison Krauss track is included right at the end.

It is a wonderful collection. It reminds me of a time years ago at the Great Northern Bluegrass Festival. My lady friend and I were dancing through piles of empty beer cans, kicking them in the air and laughing with joy. That's Bluegrass -- joy. Pure joy. I really have enjoyed returning to listening to this music. Needless to say, I think it was well worth the money.

The CD arrived in good condition. Though it is a used CD the it plays great! The bluegrass music starts-offf with "Uncle Pen," and is a toe-tapper. My personal favorites on the CD are: "Dooley," "Foggy Mountain Breakdown," and "Rocky Top." I remember the Dillards sang Dooley on the old Andy Griffth show. Most of the songs are by the original artists. these songs are show a side of America in the Appalachians., It's not just good music, it gives you a small sample of part of a culture. I recomend it to american music lovers

I bought this as a birthday present for my son who loves and performs Bluegrass as well as other styles, but Bluegrass is about his favorite. He plays guitar and banjo. Gave it to him Sunday and he seemed very pleased as it was a grouping he did not have.

This cd is a sentimental reminder of my childhood home and of my mom and dad. It brings a smile to my face every time that I listen to it.

I have never had any trouble with my orders. This vendor like all the others, rocks.

I wore out my first copy of this album, so I bought a second, I very much enjoy the tunes on this album.

I had one of these and lost it. Needless to say, I was happy to locate a copy and pleased with the cost and quality.

sweet music to our ears

I bought this as a thank you gift for a Frenchman who loves bluegrass music. He loved it!

not what i was expecting im afraid i thought it was going to be original recordings of bluegrass from the 30s 40s era but its not.

Excellent value and great service