CD Review-Ralph Stanley, Man of Constant Sorrow
Ralph Stanley & Friends, “Man of Constant Sorrow” Cracker Barrel
Ralph Stanley
Courtesy photo
Old Country Store
It seems that when a true musical icon, such as Ralph Stanley, goes into the studio, those people he’s influenced over the decades want to go into that studio with him. Man of Constant Sorrow is the pleasant proof of that loyalty. Stanley, or as he’s dubbed, Dr. Ralph Stanley after receiving an honorary doctorate degree in 1976, has led the Clinch Mountain Boys over decades of award-winning bluegrass music. That band joined him in this project, as did the Old Crow Medicine Show, with musical accompaniment. Then, there’s Texas’ own LeeAnn Womack joining him on “White Dove,” bluegrass picker Ricky Skaggs on “Sweethearts in Heaven,” and his grandson Nathan Stanley on the classic “Rank Stranger.”
Bluegrass usually includes a good mix of gospel music, too, and this CD is no exception.
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Josh Turner adds some vocals on “We Shall Rise,” and trailblazers Buddy Miller and Jim Lauderdale are with Stanley on “I Am The Man, Thomas.”
Back to bluegrass, Stanley and co-singer Del McCoury have managed to ‘bluegrass up’ the Jesse Winchester classic, “Brand New Tennessee Waltz,” originally released as a folk song by Joan Baez. And it’s solid Appalachian bluegrass in “Pig in a Pen.” Others sharing the mic with Stanley on the 13 songs are Dierks Bentley, Elvis Costello, Robert Plant, Old Crow Medicine Show, Gillian Welch, David Rawlins.
Stanley took two solos on this collection. “Hills of Home” is the first, and he dedicates this to his late brother and co-Clinch Mountain Boys leader, Carter Stanley. Prepare to shed a tear during the narrative in this song. And on “Man of Constant Sorrow” the fiddle lead is a great introduction to Dr. Stanley’s vocals, the age heard in the voice, but the passion and every note right on spot, just as is his claw-hammer banjo through the collection.
Mary Jane Farmer, Scene
Category: - CD Reviews
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