Dale Potter and Buck Ryan reissues from Rural Rhythm

Hoe Down! Volume 1 - Dale PotterRural Rhythm has released two new titles in their Heritage Collection Series featuring two of the most celebrated fiddlers from the early days of bluegrass. Like the other Heritage reissues, these new releases are offered in both CD and download formats.

From 1967 comes Hoe Down! Volume 1 by Dale Potter, which includes 20 country and bluegrass fiddle favorites, performed with a traditional country band. All are brief arrangements, many under 2 minutes, with Shot Jackson on resonator guitar and Jim Murphy on pedal steel. The three of them pick through such classics as Rubber Dolly, Maiden’s Prayer, Beaumont Rag, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Don’t Let Your Deal Go Down, and Bully of the Town among them.

Potter also performed and recorded with Bill Monroe and was a regular on the Grand Ole Opry stage. He was a popular sideman in Nashville during the ’50s and ’60s, recording classic tracks with Hank Williams, Webb Pierce, Ray Price and Faron Young. Fiddle Patch was his signature number which was later popularized again by Bobby Hicks who also played it in Potters swingy style.

Fiddlin' Buck Ryan - Buck Ryan with Reno & SmileyAnd from 1971 is Fiddling Buck Ryan, recorded during his time with Reno & Smiley, who appear as his accompanying band. Also boasting of 20 tunes, this one has a bluegrass rhythm section, including some brilliant solos from Don Reno in his prime.

Included are Goodbye Liza Jane, I Saw Your Face In The Moon, Whispering, Blackberry Blossom, Lee Highway Blues, Ryan’s Polka, Red’s Virginia Blues and 13 other strong cuts. Students of both fiddle and banjo will want this one in their collections.

Both of these historic fiddle albums can be downloaded from iTunes, or purchased on CD from Rural Rhythm. Great stuff!

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John Lawless

John had served as primary author and editor for The Bluegrass Blog from its launch in 2006 until being folded into Bluegrass Today in September of 2011. He continues in that capacity here, managing a strong team of columnists and correspondents.