It's December of 1962, the folk revival is in full effect, and an absolutely raucous crowd whoops and hollers throughout 32 sparkling cuts. This incarnation of the Foggy Mountain Boys includes Dobro whiz Josh Graves and... more » fiddle master Paul Warren, and the exciting music blends exquisite picking, exuberant harmonies, and a touch of playfulness. The diverse repertoire offers instrumental reels and rags, Carter Family staples, traditional and old-time folk, F&S originals, and gospel hymns (with banjo virtuoso Earl Scruggs switching to fingerpicked guitar). Also included are novelties such as fan-favorite "The Martha White Theme," "Old MacDonald," and of course, "Ballad of Jed Clampett," which would hit number one the following year. Merle Travis joins in on the final two numbers, a fitting conclusion to this wonderful show. This is bluegrass at both its most artistic and accessible. --Marc Greilsamer« less
It's December of 1962, the folk revival is in full effect, and an absolutely raucous crowd whoops and hollers throughout 32 sparkling cuts. This incarnation of the Foggy Mountain Boys includes Dobro whiz Josh Graves and fiddle master Paul Warren, and the exciting music blends exquisite picking, exuberant harmonies, and a touch of playfulness. The diverse repertoire offers instrumental reels and rags, Carter Family staples, traditional and old-time folk, F&S originals, and gospel hymns (with banjo virtuoso Earl Scruggs switching to fingerpicked guitar). Also included are novelties such as fan-favorite "The Martha White Theme," "Old MacDonald," and of course, "Ballad of Jed Clampett," which would hit number one the following year. Merle Travis joins in on the final two numbers, a fitting conclusion to this wonderful show. This is bluegrass at both its most artistic and accessible. --Marc Greilsamer
LtCol Richard L. Jones (USAF-Retire | Warner Robins, GA USA | 08/19/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If I could only own one Bluegrass Album, this would be the one. I bought the LP record many years ago when it first came out, and still treasure it, but it doesn't have the complete concert on it. The CD version is the complete concert, with additional material, including an encore of Flint Hill Special, the tune made possible by the famous "Scrugg's peg" tuning devices Earl Scruggs invented for his banjo. Josh Grave's dobro work on this number, imitating the banjo licks, is great, also.
With the New York audience hollering for "Martha White!!" , the theme song of the group's sponsor down in Nashville, Flatt & Scruggs delivers the tightly arranged and precisely executed performances that elevated bluegrass to a level that has never been exceeded and only rarely reached by any group since. You don't play this CD while you are washing the car or reading the newspaper. You sit back, close your eyes and--it's 1962 and you are in Carnegie Hall listening to the best bluegrass band ever. It's a shame they didn't film this concert so we could have a DVD of it now, like they did for "Down From the Mountain". This CD is an absolute must have for anyone who likes bluegrass. I bought two, and keep one in my bank safety deposit box."
Somedays, I wish I was Lester Flatt.
Eddie Finn | 07/16/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is an essential bluegrass recording, documenting Flatt & Scruggs in top form before an appreciative, surely awe-struck, Carnegie Hall audience. I've heard it said that if you want to know what Bluegrass is all about, you've got to hear it, and see it produced, live. This recording, along with the Bill Monroe (et al) recording "Bean Blossom", captures the excitement and the fiery musicianship one finds at such events, along with a healthy dose of corn-ball humor. Get off you high horse and give this one a listen, and you may never go back to the city again."
Like being there
Edward A. Howard | Sloatsburg, NY | 01/28/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Just sit back, close your eyes, and your in Carnegie Hall with a rowdy NY crowd listening to some of the best live bluegrass ever.
Flatt and Scruggs at their finest. Lester's voice and guitar, Earl's banjo (and yes, guitar). Paul Warren on the fiddle. You just can't go wqrong."
This is truely bluegrass at its best - live and rememberable
Edward A. Howard | 08/21/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Lester and Earl has brought the south up north in this cd. There is comedy but more importantly some of the finest bluegrass that can be produced. What more would you expect from two legends? The foggy mountain boys are an excellent compliment to Lester and Earl. This is a must for true bluegrass music lovers."
The Best Flatt & Scruggs CD available
Call me "Curmudgeon" | Huntsville, AL | 04/28/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Buy this CD! If you are a fan of bluegrass and in particular Flatt & Scruggs, this is the best CD available. When I was a child we used to watch and hear Flatt and Scruggs in the Nashville area on late Saturday afternoons. This one will really take you back. It takes me back to my Grandmother's living room where we all sat and tapped our feet. You will listen to it over and over. If you can only have one, make it this one."