Rural Rhythm has planned a March 4 ship date for their latest classic bluegrass reissue, Radio Shows, from Jim & Jesse & the Virginia Boys.
Initially released as a 2 LP set in 1962 on Jim & Jesse’s own Old Dominion label, this CD contains all 24 tracks from the original, plus the live into and outro from a radio appearance. The album was marketed following their success on radio at WBAM in Montgomery, AL, and included the most commonly requested songs from listeners at the time.
Two years later, the McReynolds moved to WSM in Nashville, sponsored by Martha White, which launched the band into the national market. It could be argued that their strong following in Montgomery, and the influence of this recording, were the catalyst for the Nashville move and the widespread popularity that followed.
In addition to featuring the lovely vocal harmonies of Jim and Jesse McReynolds, and Jesse’s iconic mandolin playing, this disc highlights Allen Shelton on banjo, Jim Buchanan on fiddle, Don McHan on 2nd guitar, and David Southerland on bass.
Radio Shows includes the following tracks:
|
|
As a bonus, purchase on the CD will allow access to a video interview with Jesse McReynolds where he discusses the pivotal time in their career which this recording captures. A QR code on the back cover will take you to the video online.
Thanks to Rural Rhythm for bringing back this historic project during 2014, when the 50th anniversary of Jim & Jesse’s first joining the Grand Ole Opry is being marked. Radio Shows will be available where bluegrass music is sold.
The album is available to radio programmers now at Airplay Direct.
