In addition to the Pickin’ On Kenny Rogers CD we mentioned yesterday, CMH released two compilation projects on April 4. Both feature reissued tracks that had appeared previously on CMH projects, and include some of the most prominent and heralded acts – and songs – in the history of bluegrass music.
Totally Bluegrass contains 20 tracks from The Osborne Brothers, Lester Flatt, Merle Travis and Jim & Jesse along with Benny Martin, Mac Wiseman, The Heights Of Grass and Don Reno & Arthur Smith. The songs chosen range from bluegrass mega-hits like Rocky Top, Orange Blossom Special and The Ballad of Jed Clampett to grassified covers of Paradise, House Of The Rising Sun and Midnight Flyer.
The CD carries a bargain-oriented retail price of $11.98, and several audio samples are available on the CMH web site.
Hallelujah – A Bluegrass Gospel Celebration features 12 new and previously released tracks from artists like Lester Flatt, Carl Story, Mac Wiseman, The Osborne Brothers, The Bluegrass Cardinals, and Don Rigsby. Song titles include I’m Using My Bible For A Roadmap, Swing Low Sweet Chariot, Leaning On The Everlasting Arms, and Angel Band along with 8 other Gospel favorites.
Audio samples for this one are also available online.
