No comments about Hills of Home.

No comments about Country Gospel Favorites: Peace in the Valley.

2 comments about Smithsonian Collection of Classic Country Music, Vol. 4.

1. The bad news is that the complete 4-disc CD set, as well as the individual CD's (volume 1-4) are all out of print. The good news is that they can all be found, with a little perseverance, from various dealers.
   
   This wonderful, history-drenched series contains many (but not all) of the classics that appeared on the 8-disc vinyl collection, The Smithsonian Collection of Classic Country Music, which was originally available in the late 1970's and early 1980's, as well as additional essentials. Unfortunately, some of the tracks proffered on that collection no longer seem to be available, but why quibble? I own the original vinyl boxed set, AND the four CD's, and I'm here to tell you that this is the real deal. Whether purchased together or separately, these compilations contain a wealth of early country material, much of it unavailable anywhere else.
   
   Volume 1 includes such early artists as the Carter Family, Jimmie Rodgers, Gene Autry, Roy Acuff, Tex Ritter, Ernest Tubb, Patsy Montana, Bob Wills, Vernon Dalhart, Merle Travis, and Molly O'Day. Volume 2 boasts the talents of Merle Travis, Bill Monroe, Lefty Frizzell, Hank Williams, Red Foley and Hank Snow. Volume 3 progresses to Marty Robbins, Faron Young, Johnny Cash and George Jones, and Volume 4 showcases the talents of Ray Price, Kris Kristofferson, Ray Price and Emmylou Harris. Together, the four volumes cover dozens of well known and lesser known country artists, and represent carefully selected, essential staples in the country canon, performed by true pioneers of the genre, and more modern keepers of the flame.
   
   I lament that the CD versions forgo certain extras that made the original vinyl collection especially noteworthy, including sides that were divided into "Southeast" and "Southwest", a 56-page booklet that contained complete recording dates and band personnel, and a short bio of each artist! The vinyl version also had a whole disc devoted to bluegrass, and several key performances that I have been unable to find on CD. But the important part is the music, and this collection has been my favorite compilation of classic country since I acquired it, featuring music that simply never grows old. For new lovers of country roots music, these collections are THE place to start. Do not hesitate to get them while you can, for this set is sure to enhance your appreciation of where it all came from. And if you are a serious old-time lover of country music, this collection is truly indispensable.
   
   Important note: This set is available as a four-disc collection, OR as four individual CD's, Volumes 1-4. ONLY the set labeled as the "Boxed Set" contains all four CD's. For some reason, the Amazon listing for Volume 1, which is a single disc, contains track listings for all four volumes.



2. I have all the time life country as well as some more, around 900 old country classic songs. Most of them that I did not have before are issued on these series 1-4. I would buy it, even if it costs a lot now. Great old style country, from good vocal classics to fantastic banjo solo's!
   It should be re released!

1 comments about Country Super Hits.

1. Found this CD at Amazon after searching endlessly. It has 2-3 very special favorite songs on it and we lost our our old copy. Was extremely pleased with the condition (NEW) and fantastic low price. I will search Amazon first from now on.

1 comments about Carolina Boy.

1. Born in Round O, South Carolina, Jim Smoak grew up listening to his grandfather's banjo and tall tales, as well as tuning into Snuffy Jenkins' daily radio show. This album is strong on nostalgia as Jim remembers his childhood in the songs "Carolina Home," "Charleston Western Carostolina Railroad," "Carolina Boy," and "Cookin' in the Kitchen."
   
   Before finishing high school, Jim declined a job on the WLS Barn Dance with the Prairie Ramblers. He finished school and took off on a post-graduation trip. He landed a job with the Cas Walker Show (with Carl and Pearl Butler), then joined Bill Monroe's Blue Grass Boys in 1952 (with Jimmy Martin and Charlie Cline). Lack of work after Bill Monroe's auto accident gave Jim Smoak the impetus to move to Jimmy Dickens' group, but he was laid off when the Musicians' Union scales went up in late 1953. Smoak went back to work with Monroe (this time with Jack Youngblood and Ed Mayfield).
   
   After Youngblood returned to his native Louisiana, Jim took a job there with him. Then he played with Arthur "Guitar Boogie" Smith (replacing Don Reno). After a stint in the Army, Jim joined Hylo Brown and the Timberliners. That band alternated with Flatt and Scruggs on the Martha White TV show. When that group disbanded about 1960, Jim moved to his wife's home in Louisiana. The Folk-Lyric label recorded and released his first album called "Louisiana Bluegrass with the Louisiana Honeydrippers" (joining Smoak were J.C. Myers, V. J. Myers, Bucky Wood, and Lum York).
   
   After moving to Alexandria, La. to be a commercial photographer, Smoak formed a trio with Harold and Betty Thom called The Cumberlands until late-1972. They recently reunited and released an album on the Copper Creek label. He had a successful banjo instruction book and cable TV show called "Let's Play the Banjo." Smoak published additional fine banjo instruction books in the 70s. Smoak recorded a 1979 solo album entitled "Moonshine Sonata" for the Blue River label. "Bayou Bluegrass" (including many of the 1961 Louisiana Honeydripper material) was released on the Arhoolie label in 2002. Smoak currently lives in Pekin, Indiana.
   
   "Carolina Boy" teams up the legendary banjo-player and songwriter with a new bunch of Honeydrippers -- Michael Cleveland (fiddle), Brian Allen (guitar), Sonny Stephens (bass) and Johanna Smoak, Jeanie Prentice and Sonny Prentice (harmony vocals). Jim's lead vocals, while nothing spectacular, fit this music comfortably like an old shoe. Jim's a musician who's seen some pretty good days in his musical life, but we can't say his hinges creak. Just listen to his snappy renditions of "Goin' Back to Harlan" and the swingin' "Back Home to Indiana" and "Old Shanty Town." The eight originals are what really make this a special project. "Goodbye Jim" is a tribute to guitarist Jim McReynolds. "Pickin' in the Pokey" is a cute novelty number, while "Swing that Pretty Girl Around" is a hoedown that steals the show with its frailing banjo. (Joe Ross, staff writer, Bluegrass Now)

1 comments about The Rough Guide to Bluegrass.

1. As with other 'rough guide' albums I have recently purchased, I am very happy with the fine samples of the music the albums present, and the Bluegrass sampler is no different. Good recordings from a range of artists covering some of the diverse presentations for this Genre. Very enjoyable and a good addition to my growing world music

No comments about Steppin' Out Kind.

5 comments about The Man in Black: 1959-1962.

1. Cash's work from 1959-62 was not so well received by critics, but it stands among his most heartfelt with concept albums as strong as Now There Was A Song, The Sound Of J. C. and two hymn albums Hymns and Hymns From The Heart (and NOT Precious Memories - the Precious Memories album was from 1975 and his last official gospel outing for Columbia!!!!). He had problems with hoarseness due to pills and chain smoking, but sometimes this helps in a way he moves around the song. And you'll hear his great wit here on songs like Smiling Bill McCall. Rhyming "car" and "tomorrow" is pure South and it's been used on many records since then - Chet Atkins used it with similar effect on his There'll Be Some Changes Made.



2. This is such a beautiful box set featuring Johnny's early Columbia work from 1959-62. Many of these songs on this set are so touching and I especially love the first CD featuring his two gospel LP's from 1959-1962. Johnny as you know was a very religious person and it's such a shame that Sam Phillips didn't allow Johnny to record any religious songs on the Sun label. Snow In His Hair is the best song from his first album Hymns By Johnny Cash and Were You There When They Crusifyed My Lord is the best song from his second gospel album Sings Precious Memories I believe it's called. Very beautiful songs and his classic 1960 album Now, There Was A Song is on this set. Highly recommended for all Cash fans! I am 19 years old and I have always loved Johnny's music.



3. Please excuse my previous review, it was actually a review of the 1954-1959 box set. I apologize for the confusion.

   This box set is an excellent set also though and I highly recommend it for any fans of Johnny's early work during the Columbia years.




4. If you truly consider yourself to be a Johnny Cash fan, you owe it to yourself to buy this box set. I had searched in vain for years to find a complete collection of his recordings at Sun and finally this is it. It also includes recordings from the early Columbia years. The very first disc includes some demo cuts Johnny made for Sun and words can't express the absolute delight I felt when first hearing these wonderful tracks. There is a version of Folsom Prison Blues that has a very different sound than what we're used to hearing from Johnny. You won't believe your ears, but you'll love it.



5. this has got to be by far the best of johnny cash..it brings very fond memories of loved ones who are not here anymore, but will always remain in my heart..when i play this cd, i remember all those precious memories..thank you

2 comments about O' My Lord What a Time.

1. This was my first Statesmen Cassette Tape. After watching Hovie sing the lead while playing the piano on the title song for one of Gaithers Homecoming VHS shows I had to have this collection. These are new recordings and you won't hear the likes of Big Chief,Doy or Denver but they are still excellent. As always Jake Hess add so much to these rich classics. This is a set that should be in the collection of every Southern Gospel music lover!
   
   "Enjoy" Joe Kopeck



2. When you have Hovie Lister and Jake Hess together on a recording project, you've got something going! These two started working together in the Statemen Quartet since the late 1940s. This recording features Statemen classics such as: "Just A Little While", "Faith Unlocks The Door", "First Day In Heaven" and "Oh, My Lord, What A Time!" Jake Hess shines as he puts that "Hess sound" treatment on "God Takes Good Care Of Me." This recording features Johnny Cook, who used to sing with the Happy Goodman Family, on "What A Lovely Name." This recording is produced by southern gospel legend, Bill Gaither...need I say more?

1 comments about Sings from His Book of Favorite Hymns.

1. If you have listened to many hymns sung by Tennessee Ernie Ford, you are aware of his ability in this genre. You may not, however, be familiar with his versions of these songs. On this album, Ford goes a little deeper into the hymn book. While many of the tracks are hymn standards, there are a few with which one may not be totally familiar; however, this, in no way, diminishes from the quality of the recordings. If you have a lot of Ford's work but still want more, this wouldn't be a bad way to go.